Dehumidifier - Cheap recommendations?! (Mould eevvverryywwhere :( )

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  geek001 on 22/03/2017 - 10:56

  Gumtree?

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  ShannonN on 22/03/2017 - 11:09

  +2

  While not answering your specific question re dehumidifiers - here is some info and known things to look for why mould is present

  you don't say what area of Oz you are in, are you in a tropical Qld area where rainfall and humidity at certain times are high? if so you're unlikely to totally get rid of mould using a dehumidifier

  Find what is the real cause of the mould? Stop the cause before you treat the symptoms

  A persistent water leak?
  No airflow, like are all the windows closed while no one is at home
  Is any vent to allow air blocked etc

  Here's a link that mentions a few possible causes and remedies

  • 

    CheapskateQueen on 22/03/2017 - 11:15

    thanks. just updated my post. Will check out the link :)

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      ShannonN on 22/03/2017 - 11:23

      Talk to your upstairs neighbours, see if there was a flooding issue prior to refurb (leaking bathroom or laundry upstairs, roof or guttering leaks) as on ground floor you may have copped the lot running down from above

      If your garage is under the unit check it for signs of mould or flooding

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  Cheeper on 22/03/2017 - 11:22

  I assume there is no built in air-conditioner? but just in case… if there is … most built in aircons have a dehumidify option.
  I think Shannon is on the money though… is the building at the bottom of a slope?.. could be just drainage problem with the building, water build up under the slab?
  Check that the slots at the bottom of your windows are clean and clear right through to the outside.

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  Daniel Plainview on 22/03/2017 - 11:24

  +2

  FWIW you might also want to speak with the landlord/agency as mould in the dwelling itself is the owners responsibility and is actually a lot more serious that the benign 'oh its just a tad mouldy!' everyone blows off.

  @ShannonN makes great points - but suss out with landlord first as if you do not flag with them and the walls/fittings etc are mouldy when you leave it's very likely you'll somewhat unfairly be pinged for the cost of cleaning/replacing these.

  So hopefully they'll if nothing else cover the cost of cleaning products and a dehumidifier - often if you say you'll do the work if they supply the goods this is a good and generous offer as costs them a lot more if you insist they get it cleaned for you.

  Otherwsie check gumtree and here (as good ones do come up - like this one a while back: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/286565 ) - but with the rash of wet weather you might find them hard to find on the cheap….in which case a pedestal fan (or fans) and open windows will have to suffice. best of luck. :-)

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    mihserus on 22/03/2017 - 18:32

    This. Depending on the climate, some places are just prone to mould/damp problems, especially on the ground floor due to the contact with the ground. If you speak to your agent they will likely suggest a few very basic things like opening windows to allow rooms to properly air. If their suggestions don't help and, despite your attempts to manage it (within reason), the problem persists, it then starts to become an issue for the landlord to manage.

    It is the landlord's responsibility to provide a place that is suitable for habitation. A significant mould problem is damaging to your health and the property thus ceases to be suitable for habitation at which point it is the landlord's responsibility to rectify the issue, otherwise constituting a breaking of the lease contract on their part. Check your state's tenancies act for details.

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  [Deactivated] on 22/03/2017 - 11:25

  Your in a pickle.

  No light to not much at all is a big issue and being damp or high humidity is another issue and is a perfect breeding ground for mould.

  The new carpet and paint is a sign of the known problem but the wrong way of getting a handle on it.

  Make sure there are no leaks in walls or what not but the stuff is terrible for your health so id start thinking about moving out.

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  [Deactivated] on 22/03/2017 - 11:30

  if you have already breathed in the mould spores, youre gonna have a bad time.

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  boomramada on 22/03/2017 - 11:36

  Do you have a air conditioner, use it?

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  DarthAntz on 22/03/2017 - 11:55

  yeah speak to your landlord, but even if you do get a dehumidifier, chances are you:ll be running it for a week or two straight. can you hire one, or hire a bigger one that can get the job done quicker? Mould is really not good for you.

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    [Deactivated] on 23/03/2017 - 06:11

    +1

    By the sounds of it he will have to run it all the time.