We've posted about the mist already and how to fight mold, but this time of year in South China is probably most vexing for the incessant dampness that's hard to shake from your bedsheets, clothing and even hair. Known by locals as 'huinan tian' or literally the 'returning south day(s),' this stretch from the end of February until late March often brings winds from the south that capture moisture from the Pacific, leaving us with horrible humidity.
To help you combat excess moisture in your home, both for your health and so that you can wake up with reasonably tame hair, here are a few tips:
1. Close doors and windows to keep the wet air out of the room, especially if they face south or southeast, and in the morning and evening when humidity peaks.
2. Turn on your air conditioner's 'dehumidify' or heat function. Using it in combination with an electric fan will see better results.
3. Cover your floor with old newspapers. This is an economic solution if your air conditioner doesn’t dehumidify. Although you might want to think twice about entertaining guests while your home looks like a paper mache factory, you won't have to worry about slipping and falling all the time on a wet floor (and the paper will soak up excess moisture in the air).
4. Use desiccants like charcoal and quicklime (calcium oxide). In bathrooms or small rooms, place a bag of charcoal or quicklime to reduce humidity. In drawers, wardrobes and shoe cabinets, use desiccant bags like DampRid or coarse salt to help fight against mildew.
5. Consider buying a dehumidifier. If your air conditioner has failed you and the humidity in your home has become unbearable, a powerful dehumidifier will come in handy. Some dehumidifiers on JD.com or Tmall can also help dry wet clothes.
6. Add some salt into water that you use to clean the floor. Keep your floor clean and consider using salt water if you mop, which evaporates faster than pure water.
7. Get out of the PRD and head north for a break from this dam(n)p weather.
Some websites also mention burning candles to help remove humidity, but we remain skeptical, since some candles made of hydrocarbons actually release CO2 and HO2 (water vapor) when burned.
Click here for tips on how to fight mold in your home.
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