For the longest time, I had a problem with mold growing on luggage, hand bags, clothing items, and even my leather desk chair.  All of these items are stored in a room I keep air conditioned 24/7, and a fan running.  Even so, most of the infected items were being stored in the darkest corners of an already poorly lit environment, something mold loves.  I later realized the problem was probably caused by my occasionally shutting of the air and fan when away for a few days.  I suspect this caused rapid condensation, which would create the ideal conditions for mold growth.  Once the mold got a foot hold it became very difficult to control.

At first I tried discarding items that had been infected, in hopes other pieces in the room would be spared, but that proved futile.  Even new replacement items were covered in mold within a few weeks of being stored in the room.  I discovered the infected items could be easily cleaned with water and a scrub brush, but the mold would quickly return.

Trying to find products to help battle mold is difficult, because all the labeling is in Thai.  You could be in a store starring right at it and never know.  So I decided to post on one of the Thailand forums, hoping someone could offer some advice on how to remedy the problem.  The only serious recommendation I got was to keep the air conditioner on and a fan running, something I was already doing.

So I decided to try using moth balls.  I knew they would prevent mold and mildew, but the only way to make use of them was to some how contain each item.  I concluded some of the smaller items could be placed in plastic storage containers, with a lid that seals tightly.  For bigger things, like pieces of luggage, I purchased large trash bags.  The bags are made of dark plastic which is not ideal, as it prevents light from getting in, and makes it more difficult to periodically inspect.  I happened to have a large clear plastic bag the dry cleaners used to package a bed quilt they had just cleaned.  So I decided to try it on my largest piece of luggage.

After several months in these various storage containers I found the moth balls were doing their job nicely.  Not one single piece had been infected with mold.  The down side, of course, is the unpleasant smell from the moth balls, but I’ve noticed it quickly dissipates after being removed from the storage container.

With that problem solved, I still needed to protect clothing items.  For the sock and underwear drawers I again made use of the moth balls, but they were not a practical solution for the closet where items are stored on hangers.  Then I got lucky one day while in the store buying more moth balls.

I discovered a product on the shelf right next to the moth balls.  Actually there are two different brands, but one is a Japanese import that’s quite a bit more expensive than the Thai manufactured Farcent.  This product was designed specifically for keeping closet spaces dry and fresh smelling, and sells for around 50 baht.  A couple of these in a large closet does the trick, but they need to be replaced every 30 days or so.  You can tell when they need switching out, as the white pellets in the top are all gone and the bottom has about one or two inches of liquid, previously not there when first put into service.

A couple of weeks ago I discovered a new product, located in the same area of the store as moth balls and Farcent. The Power Dry packs sell for around 25 baht and are much like the moisture absorbent packs you find in bottles of pills or in the box of a newly purchased consumer electronics item.  I’ve not used them yet, and haven’t asked one of the boys to read the instructions, so I know how long they last.  But I’m hopeful they will be a good replacement for moth balls.

I’ve also learned items that have gotten wet or been exposed to a very moist environment need to be thoroughly dried before placing back in storage.  Shoulder and hand bags can easily get wet during the rainy season.  The toiletry kit I use when traveling is hung in the bathroom while in use, and subjected to high levels of humidity.  These items need to be placed in a sunny area with a fan blowing on them to ensure they are completely dry.

I suspect most people already know this, but I’ll go ahead and mention it, as it’s another common mold problem in any tropical climate.  The best way to combat the black mold found in bathrooms is to put a strong mixture of bleach and water in a spray bottle.  Then give those areas in the room a good spraying down every week or two.  If one remains consistent with this practice mold will never set in.

If anyone has some other tips or tricks, please share them.