Preventing Mildew: The Impact of Humidity on Clothes and How to Protect Them

  • Thread starter Thread starter mech-eng
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Humidity
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of humidity on the growth of mildew on clothes, exploring the biological mechanisms behind mildew formation and potential methods for prevention. It includes considerations of environmental factors and building construction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that mildew is a fungus that thrives in moist, dark environments, suggesting that high humidity facilitates its growth.
  • One participant proposes that moisture from household activities, such as showering and cooking, should be vented outside to reduce humidity and prevent mildew.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of keeping windows open to prevent condensation from breath on cold surfaces.
  • One participant challenges the idea that bathroom humidity is the primary source of moisture, suggesting that moisture may originate from the walls and floors of the house instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the sources of moisture contributing to mildew growth, with some focusing on household activities while others point to building construction as a significant factor. No consensus is reached on the primary cause or the best methods for prevention.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about humidity sources and the conditions under which mildew thrives, but these assumptions remain unresolved within the discussion.

mech-eng
Messages
826
Reaction score
13
Why does humidity in the houses make clothes mildew? Is there any method for protection?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
This isn't chemical, it is biological. Mildew is a fungus, and fungi like moist, dark places. The high humidity simply facilitates the growth of the fungus.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
mech-eng said:
Why does humidity in the houses make clothes mildew? Is there any method for protection?
If the moisture in the home is originating as steam from the shower, and perhaps kitchen cooking, then vent the bathroom & steam to the exterior and keep the bathroom door closed until moisture subsides. If the climate allows it, keep one or two windows open at most times so that moisture from your breath doesn't get a chance to condense on the cold walls and windows.

Fungus, mould and mildew, thrives in warm, humid, spaces.
 
NascentOxygen said:
If the moisture in the home is originating as steam from the shower, and perhaps kitchen cooking, then vent the bathroom & steam to the exterior and keep the bathroom door closed until moisture subsides. If the climate allows it, keep one or two windows open at most times so that moisture from your breath doesn't get a chance to condense on the cold walls and windows.

Fungus, mould and mildew, thrives in warm, humid, spaces.

I think it is not related both of the reasons you think but it is related to how a house is built. The origin of moisture is walls of the house and floort and there is less moisture in the bathroom than some walls of the house.

Best Regards.
 

Similar threads

High School Some questions about humidity and storing DVDs in a closed cardboard box
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
How do I compare indoor and outdoor relative humidity levels?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate How much liquid water do I need to get a relative humidity of 10%?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Condensation as humidity control
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Lawn/Garden How can I optimize my DIY humidifier to improve its longevity and efficiency?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
How does high humidity affect suction pressure & discharge pressure?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
How to Factor Vapor Retarders into Relative Humidity & thus Mold Risk
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
A few questions about relative humidity
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Humidity when T is not constant in space
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Relative Humidity 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away....
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K