Mildew and Mold
Mildew and mold are real problems living in the climate of Saigon. Tropical heat incubates all kinds of spores under the ever present dampness and humidity. Many people I know, including myself, have had issues with mold growing inside the house. Dehumidifiers are one option, and running the air conditioner can reduce the humidity level from 90% to 50%, but mildew can sneak in when you are out of town and no one is running the fans or air conditioners.
Anything made of natural fibers can be destroyed by mold. Water hyacinth is commonly used in making baskets and furniture, such as outdoor lounges. However, you have to expect at some time these products will develop mold. Leather can also be attacked by the fuzz, and I don't mean the toe variety. Repeatedly, I have cleaned and re-polished a pair of leather sandals I left outside the front door, but the mold keeps sprouting from the sole. Man made materials, while not the most attractive or comfortable, seem to make the most sense for shoes around here. Mold will and can attack any porous material, especially if the material does not quickly dry out.
Ventilation seems to be key to keeping the mold away, but you have to reduce the humidity the best you can. Even doing this, there is no guarantee that the mold will not emerge in your walls, as it is common just to paint over the mold here, which results in peeling paint and mottled walls.
For more information on mold in the home, read the EPA's Brief Guide to Mold.
Anything made of natural fibers can be destroyed by mold. Water hyacinth is commonly used in making baskets and furniture, such as outdoor lounges. However, you have to expect at some time these products will develop mold. Leather can also be attacked by the fuzz, and I don't mean the toe variety. Repeatedly, I have cleaned and re-polished a pair of leather sandals I left outside the front door, but the mold keeps sprouting from the sole. Man made materials, while not the most attractive or comfortable, seem to make the most sense for shoes around here. Mold will and can attack any porous material, especially if the material does not quickly dry out.
Ventilation seems to be key to keeping the mold away, but you have to reduce the humidity the best you can. Even doing this, there is no guarantee that the mold will not emerge in your walls, as it is common just to paint over the mold here, which results in peeling paint and mottled walls.
For more information on mold in the home, read the EPA's Brief Guide to Mold.