In winter, mold appears in many homes in Korea. Because floors are heated from underneath (a traditional system called ondol), warm indoor air meets cold walls, creating a temperature gap. Add in less ventilation, and indoor humidity rises quickly, giving mold exactly the conditions it loves. Mold is not just unpleasant to look at; it releases spores into the air that can cause respiratory problems, skin issues, and allergic reactions. If you have young children at home, it is especially important to take this seriously. Below you will find clear steps for removing mold when you find it, and practical ways to stop it from coming back.
Why Does Mold Grow?
Winter mold in Korea mainly comes from three causes.
- High indoor humidity: Breathing, cooking, and showering all add moisture to the air inside your home.
- Condensation: When there is a big difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, or when indoor humidity is high, water droplets form on walls and windows. That moisture is one of the main things that feeds mold.
- Poor ventilation: In cold weather, people tend to keep windows shut, so humidity gets trapped inside.
How to Remove Mold
If mold has already appeared, use the steps below to get rid of it.
What You Need
- A bleach (known in Korea as “Rax” or 락스, lak-seu) solution mixed with water, or a solution of vinegar and water in a 2:1 ratio
- A spray bottle
- A scrubbing brush
Step-by-Step Removal
- Pour your chosen solution into the spray bottle and spray it evenly over the moldy area.
- Leave it for at least 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub the mold away with the brush. If you are using vinegar, leave it for about 1 hour for better results, as vinegar needs more time to break down mold.
- Let the cleaned area dry completely.
- If mold remains, repeat the process.
5 Ways to Prevent Mold
Once mold appears, it tends to come back again and again. These steps will help you stop it before it starts.
1. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier pulls moisture out of the air, making it much harder for mold to grow. Aim to keep your home at around 20°C (68°F) and a humidity level of 40 to 60%. That range is good for preventing both condensation and mold.
You can buy dehumidifiers at large supermarkets and electronics stores near you, such as Lotte Mart, E-Mart, Hi-Mart, and Homeplus.
2. Use Disposable Moisture Absorbers (Mulmeoknun Hama)
A more affordable option is a disposable moisture absorber. The most well-known brand in Korea is called “Mulmeoknun Hama” (물먹는 하마), which literally means “hippo that drinks water.” You can find it at most supermarkets and convenience stores. It works especially well in small, poorly ventilated spaces like wardrobes.
3. Use a Dedicated Mold Removal Product
You can find mold-specific cleaning sprays in the cleaning supplies aisle at large supermarkets like E-Mart or Lotte Mart. If you have trouble finding one, you can show a staff member the word “곰팡이 (gom-pang-ee)” written on your phone and they will be happy to help you.
For wardrobes, placing mothballs (좀약, jom-yak) inside can also help prevent mold and odors.
4. Move Furniture Away from the Walls
When furniture is pushed flat against a wall, air cannot circulate behind it, and moisture builds up in that gap. Simply moving your bookcase, wardrobe, or bed 5 to 10 cm away from the wall improves airflow enough to make a real difference.
5. Ventilate Regularly
In winter, try to open your windows 2 to 3 times a day for at least 10 minutes each time. Even 5 to 10 minutes a day of fresh air helps prevent mold and keeps the air quality healthier for everyone in the home. After showering, turn on the bathroom exhaust fan or a small fan to remove moisture quickly.
Extra Prevention Tips
- Fix any leaks right away. A dripping pipe or leaking ceiling is one of the fastest ways to get a serious mold problem.
- For areas that get mold often, such as window frames and bathroom walls, spray diluted vinegar once a week as a preventive measure.
- Clean your air conditioner filter regularly to help keep indoor air quality good.