Tub-style dehumidifiers found to be most effective in tests

Tub-style chemical dehumidifiers tested by the Consumer Council were found to be the most effective for keeping mould at bay.

Under standard testing conditions of 25 degrees Celsius and 80 per cent relative humidity, the tub models had the best dehumidifying capacity of up to 192 millilitres in 31 days. The top three models were S. T. Chemical, Mizutori Zosan and Hakugen.

They were followed by smaller calcium chloride bags, which can absorb up to 45ml. Non-calcium chloride bags came a distant third with a capacity of 0.09 to 0.21ml.

The council's Larry Kwok Lam-kwong said five of 17 models tested leaked when turned upside down, while three developed cracks after being dropped. 'Consumers are advised to keep the containers as airtight as possible and reduce the frequency and time of opening and closing,' he said.