Quote:
Originally Posted by Pedestrian
The ventilation in our apartment is very poor, so I've been noticing a lot of condensation around our windows and bathroom, which of course, leads to mildew. It's nearly fine weather so we can open up all of our windows again, but once the cold weather hits, we'll have the same problem. It bothers me that this stuff is on my windowsills when I sleep at night, and I'm growing paranoid that it's going to become a health risk.
Anybody know about fungi, and how to clean or prevent them?
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Sounds like you need a dehumidifier, which you can purchase at
Canadian Tire (or "Crappy Tire" as I like to call it
). They are a little expensive but it will help you immensely. Try to invest in one together with your roommates if you can, because it will benefit all of you.
How old is the apartment you live in? The HVAC system might need an upgrade or more regular maintenance. Try bringing up the ventilation problem with your landlord/building super if you haven't already done so. Poor HVAC function can also lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide, because it's not exhausting stale air properly. Make sure you have a detector just in case.
Here's a site with some good advice on cleaning and prevention of fungi and mold.
Antifungal treatment and protection for your home
When you take a shower, do you turn on the exhaust fan? That will help too, but remember that it sucks air out of the apartment/house and doesn't replace it. Crack a window open slightly before you turn the fan on, so fresh air will be brought into the house. Yeah it might be a little chilly when you leave the shower but it will cut down on the amount of steam and water being absorbed into the drywall.
The house I grew up in had lead paint (until it was stripped many years ago) and has some asbestos insulation. Surprised I got out of there alive, lol.