Not related to gardening, but I do need advice!
My fitted kitchen has two corner carousels on walls which face north and Northeast (Victorian solid brick). The problem is that they get to smell musty and spotty grey mould accumulates on those stored pots and pans etc. which do not get used very often.
My cleaner has, today, emptied and cleaned one carousel as this is a job I am no longer able to do myself (gammy knee and can't kneel). I am in the process of washing each item prior to putting them back, but would like to know if there is anything I can do to help alleviate the problem while the cupboard is still empty.
Can anyone suggest a remedy please? I have been leaving the doors propped slightly open to allow air access, but it doesn't seem to be enough.
I have no problems in any of the cupboards on internal walls.
Tricia
Maybe you could have a vent fitted onto the door of the cupboard ??
maybe a vent in the outside wall as well? ;)
try putting some little packs of silica gel that you get in shoe boxes etc , they will absorb the excess moisture in the cupboard and when you put the oven on just pop them in there for 10/15 mins to dry them out.
Maybe you could have a vent fitted onto the door of the cupboard ??
maybe a vent in the outside wall as well?
Not practical, I'm afraid.
try putting some little packs of silica gel that you get in shoe boxes etc , they will absorb the excess moisture in the cupboard and when you put the oven on just pop them in there for 10/15 mins to dry them out.
I've just rummaged in drawers and found three small sachets, so I'll give that a try. Thanks for the tip. Do you know if one can buy these sachets? Maybe a larger size?
Tricia
Hi Tricia,
Is there anything of use here...
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/F/keyword/condensation
I just typed in condensation and got these. We have used the crystals before now and they worked well.
We have a small damp problem too so I am interested in any other replies.
Good luck
T.
Tricia
If the silica is too small an amount you can get larger packs of moisture absorbing granules from DIY stores they come in a plastic container and you replace the granules periodically.They are made for damp closets or cupboards etc.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HG-Hagesan-Moisture-Absorber/dp/B001OK05V4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1258637482&sr=8-7
Duke
Have just Googled and found this. Could I put some of the crystals in plastic dishes in the cupboards? Or do they need special containers?
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/sis.html?ssPageName=VINS:SIM&_kw=MOISTURE+ABSORBER+GRANULES+-+5kg+&_fis=1&_id=330370558363&_isid=3&_sibeleafcat=1280
Tricia
The silica gel sachets we see packaged with electrical & photographic equipment are usually 3-5 g, but you can get much larger bags; eBay is worth a look. (I used them quite effectively in a problematic cupboard until I got to the source of the issue).
I've also heard of people sitting a bowl of water retaining crystals in their cupboards, the dry gel that is usually re-hydrated & mixed in potting compost. I haven't tried it though...
~~~
Edit: Tricia those granules can be sat in a small tub, an old margerine/butter one would do, either completely open or 'sealed' with holes punched in the lid.
I had a house with the same trouble once only it was a wardrobe that got fousty. I wallpapered with that thin polystyrene lining paper. It done the trick. so how about lining the wall of the cupboards with something similar.
Thanks for that Sholls - have ordered from eBay. Hippydave said the silica gel can be dried out in the oven and re-used. Have to try that too.
ACE - that would be a great idea - except for the carousel preventing me from getting to the walls! It would mean removing two sections of the counter top including the hob so I'll try the silica gel granules.
Tricia
Suggest that you wash everything in a solution containing vinegar. If you use most cleaning products they are alkaline and fungi like it. The more you clean the more mould you get. However fungi do not like acid conditions so a table spoonful of vinegar in a pint of water and wiped on all the interior surfaces will inhibit the growth of mould. Once it dries it stops smelling so you wont smell like a fish and chip shop for very long.
Also good in bathrooms, round windows, and on socks if you suffer from athletes foot! Great for nappy rash as well, but no one washes nappies any more.
Thanks for the tip Digeroo. My cleaner used a disinfectant cleaning product with a dash of bleach added to clean the cupboard itself. I used an antibacterial washing up liquid - also with a dash of bleach added to wash everything, so hopefully that will be sufficient together with the moisture absorbing granules I should have within a few days.
Tricia
Bleach is alkaline therefore more mould!!!! Bleach = smelly drains. Use yoghurt instead.
Oh well! I'll know next time Digeroo..................
Tricia