Living in northern Vietnam can be challenging, especially during the humid season known as the “Nồm” phenomenon. The high humidity levels can cause various disruptions in daily life, from the persistent dampness that plagues homes to the appearance of mold in corners, kitchens, and bathrooms. Even after cleaning, the dampness and mold can leave an unpleasant smell. However, the negative effects of high humidity extend beyond aesthetics and can also harm one’s health. To combat these issues, it’s essential to keep your home clean and dry during the humid season in Hanoi. But how can you achieve this?
Humid weather in Hanoi
Humid weather in Hanoi is a common weather phenomenon during the spring season from February to April. With humidity levels reaching up to 90% or more, this can cause a high humidity phenomenon that makes the air feel wet and damp. One of the most noticeable and uncomfortable manifestations of this phenomenon is the constant dampness on floors, walls, and ceilings that makes them appear to be “sweating.”
Drying clothes without a dryer can be challenging, and they tend to remain half-wet for a week, giving off an unpleasant smell. Towels, blankets, sheets, pillows, cushions can also feel moist and musty. Electronic equipment and food are also susceptible to damage and mold growth due to the humidity. Moreover, the high humidity levels can clog pores and limit the excretion process through the skin, leading to several health issues such as headache, fatigue, asthma, cardiovascular, joint diseases, digestive problems, and more. While some may try to combat the humidity by opening doors, cleaning floors with water, and turning on fans, it’s essential to know that these actions only add to the humidity levels. It’s crucial to take appropriate measures to keep your home dry during the humid season in Hanoi to prevent mold growth and promote better health for you and your family.
Dryer machine is your good companion
In the humid weather of Hanoi, having a clothing dryer is essential for anyone who wants to keep their clothes dry and fresh. With the high levels of moisture in the air, clothes take longer to dry, and without a dryer, it can be challenging to get clothes to dry completely. Hanging clothes outside to dry may not be an option during rainy seasons, and even if you do manage to hang them, they may still be damp and have an unpleasant odor. A dryer can quickly and efficiently dry your clothes, eliminating the risk of them becoming moldy or smelling musty. Additionally, using a dryer can save you time and energy compared to hanging clothes out to dry, making it a valuable investment for anyone living in humid weather conditions.
Always Close the Door
During humid weather, many people tend to open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate in the house. However, this can be a disastrous mistake as it allows high humidity to enter your home, making it more damp. Instead, limit the opening of doors and windows and look for ways to close any holes in the house to minimize moisture exchange and reduce the sweating phenomenon on the floor.
Clean with Dry Mop
In humid weather, many Vietnamese people clean their houses constantly to keep them dry and clean. However, using a wet mop can make your home wetter and more uncomfortable. Instead, use a dry rag or other highly porous cloth to wipe away any accumulated water.
Use Dehumidifying Methods and Tools
There are many types of dehumidifiers available in the market, ranging in origin and design. Investing in a dehumidifier is an effective way to keep your house dry and clean during humid weather. The price of a dehumidifier in Hanoi typically ranges from $150 to $400. You can find many models at https://mediamart.vn/. When choosing a dehumidifier, make sure to inform the salesperson about the size of your accommodation, and they will advise you on which model is suitable. With the help of a dehumidifier, you can combat the adverse effects of humidity and create a comfortable living environment in your home.
If you’re living in an apartment in Hanoi, dealing with the high humidity can be a challenge. One solution is to negotiate with the owner to provide a dryer or purchase one yourself, starting from just $350. Not only is this a more convenient option than relying on laundry services, but it can also help keep your living space dry and comfortable.
There are also other inexpensive and easy-to-use materials you can use to help dehumidify your home, such as coal, lime, old newspapers, or dry towels. For example, placing a small pot of charcoal in the room or under a chair can help absorb moisture, but be sure to only use it for drying, not burning.
If you have common areas in your home that are prone to moisture buildup, like doors or bathroom rugs, using newspapers to absorb excess moisture can be a quick and effective solution.
Turn on the dry mode on your air conditioner
Turning on the dry mode on your air conditioner is another easy way to keep your home dry and circulate air, but keep in mind that this can be an expensive option due to the high electricity consumption. To save money, it’s best to combine various methods and use the air conditioner only when necessary.
Moisture can also damage household items such as chopsticks, bamboo ladles, and wooden furniture. To prevent mold growth, rinse dishes with hot water and dry them thoroughly, or use a dishwasher. Additionally, keeping electronic appliances on standby mode can help prevent moisture-related malfunctions, but be sure to keep them away from walls to avoid electrical leakage.
For electronic devices that are particularly vulnerable to moisture, such as cameras and lenses, it’s best to store them in a special box with a dehumidifying bag inside. If they do get wet, using a dryer immediately can help prevent damage. By following these tips, you can help keep your living space dry, comfortable, and free from moisture-related problems.
Eliminate unpleasant odors with aromatic essential oils and candles
One downside of living in a humid environment is the development of unpleasant odors. To combat this, you can use aromatic essential oils in the corners of your home. Choose light scents like lavender, lemon, or lemongrass to create a pleasant aroma. Additionally, you can light scented candles in the living room to absorb any unpleasant smells, mold, and smoke. Not only will this make your home smell great, but it can also create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere.
By following these tips, you can combat humid weather in Hanoi and create a comfortable and healthy living environment.
