How To Prevent Mold in Portugal

[@traveltidbitsrus]

Mold and Mildew are fairly common in Portugal. Please watch this video for details on how to control them. Please consider a Super Thanks as a way to support the channel.

[@nayib5145]

I learned a few new tips! Thanks for making this :)

[@traveltidbitsrus]

You are welcome.

[@jaanaprall9961]

These are all great tips! I would add it is important to open windows for cross ventilation daily even when the weather is bad. This is something that you wouldn't really do if you are from the U.S. and it's cold outside, but it really helps. I would also say when you arrive in Portugal getting your anti-mold strategy in place right away is a good idea so you don't end up ruining any of the things you have brought with you. Shoes and handbags are especially susceptible. Don't wait a week or two, the mold can happen literally almost overnight here.

[@traveltidbitsrus]

Great insight and very good information.

[@nukeout]

it feels lime mold grows faster/more when the windows are open + the humidity meter says its more moist outside 😭

[@catheriam1945]

Thanks, Joric, I remember watching your video last year, 'way back in Missouri, and making a mental note to be aware of the "mold" possibility. My Coimbra studio has three large (5') windows (with shutters) and I keep air circulating. My bathroom door is always open and I am scrupulously watching for any signs of creeping green. Great tips and practicing higher mold awareness!

[@traveltidbitsrus]

I have a bunch of new subs, so I thought I might make a few updated videos on some old topics.

[@theinbetween01]

I am allergic to mold. I am country shopping. Portugal is on my list but maybe not now. Thanks for the info.

[@wallywal6139]

Coming from the US/Arizona we were surprised with how much humidity and condensation we encountered in our new home in Portugal. The house is stone so it has more humidity than most and everything you suggested are must haves. Thanks for the suggestion about keeping documents dry. I hadn't thought of that. Another practical and useful video. Cheers!

[@traveltidbitsrus]

Thank You! A couple of years ago, we spent a month back home in Phoenix around the holidays. When we returned in January, we started pulling out tax documents, etc., and several documents felt soggy. Once we bought the little ball with reusable discs, it's helped keep it dry.

[@PortuGAL_444]

If clothes or papers are stored in plastic bins with lids, are they free from any moisture/mold? Obrigada!

[@traveltidbitsrus]

Great piece of advice!

[@chrismedeiros3201]

Thank you Joric for these very practical tips! I've heard pro and con discussions regarding the effectiveness of dehumidifiers in Portugal, specifically Madeira. Your video simply provides actual solutions and positive results. This should encourage many concerned with this issue. Question, do you dry your wash in your place or outside?

[@traveltidbitsrus]

Thank you for the great comment and kind words. We dry our clothes on a rack on our balcony or on the line outside our kitchen window. We have tried to dry clothes inside the apartment, but this time of year, it can take us 2 days for the clothes to feel dry. When it is the rainy season, we wash our clothes at the apartment, then I package them up and walk to a laundromat to dry them.

[@chrismedeiros3201]

@@traveltidbitsrus Okay, thanks Joric. I was thinking drying clothes inside would also add a substantial amount of moisture.

[@traveltidbitsrus]

@@chrismedeiros3201 Yes it does, and even with more than one dehumidifier unit going, it still takes a long time to dry them.

[@starchild890]

What about an airexchanger unit?

[@cesariamonteiro3207]

👍👍👍👍

[@traveltidbitsrus]

Thank You!

[@cristinapinto4964]

You probably live in the North or Central Portugal. There is nothing like that south of Lisbon.

[@traveltidbitsrus]

Ok, thank you for commenting.

[@jaanaprall9961]

I live in the south of Portugal and I can confirm that keeping the mold at bay even in fairly new construction is something you have to be mindful of.

[@traveltidbitsrus]

@@jaanaprall9961 Good to know.

[@cristinapinto4964]

​@jaanaprall9961 I don't know that. Alentejo is dry, Algave is dry.... all my family live in Portugal, and all of my husband's family were born and raised there. I guess expats get the mold. Lol

[@elizg]

I live in the Algarve close to the water. In a bldg 3 years old. I’ve seen more mold here than near the beach in CA. A ridiculous amount! Just a little in my rental, but plenty everywhere else around here. It’s the cost of living near water. Plus a lot of the homes are built on sand - that contains salt - which draws the moisture right into the walls and home. It’s a big problem here. Beware when buying.