CelinaGAlright, meray desi doston—let’s talk about something we don’t usually deal with in Pakistan but is SUPER important in Germany: ventilation! Yes, I’m talking about opening windows, drying your bathroom, and making sure your apartment doesn’t turn into a moldy horror show. It might sound strange at first, but trust me, it’s a big deal here – Germans are like frische Luft- addicts.
So, grab a cup of chai, sit back, and let me explain why you need to keep your windows open (even when it’s cold!) and dry your shower like a pro.
1. What’s the Deal with Ventilation (Belüftung)?
In Germany, houses and apartments are super insulated—great for keeping you warm in the winter but also a perfect environment for mold (Schimmel in German) to grow if you don’t ventilate properly. Since there’s little natural air circulation, the humidity from cooking, showering, and just living your best life needs to escape, or else you’ll end up with mold on your walls. And trust me, mold is not the guest you want in your home.
2. Why Should You Care About Mold?
Mold isn’t just ugly; it’s bad for your health! Breathing in mold spores can lead to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. So, unless you want to be coughing and sneezing all day, it’s time to take ventilation seriously.
Tip: Landlords in Germany expect you to prevent mold. If mold grows and you haven’t been ventilating properly, it could be your responsibility to pay for the cleanup!
3. The Art of Lüften (Ventilation)
Ventilation in Germany isn’t as simple as opening a window whenever you feel like it. Nope. There’s a whole system to it, and I’m here to break it down for you:
- Cross Ventilation (Stoßlüften): This is the best way to get fresh air into your place. Open windows on opposite sides of your apartment for 5-10 minutes to create airflow. Do this 2-3 times a day—yes, even in winter! Don’t just crack a window a tiny bit; you need a full burst of fresh air to push the humidity out.
- After Cooking and Showering: Humidity levels shoot up when you’re cooking or taking a hot shower. So, after you’re done, make sure to open the windows wide for a few minutes to let that steamy air escape. You don’t want it to sit around and turn your lovely apartment into a moist mess.
- Bathroom Ventilation: If you have a window in your bathroom, great! Open it after every shower for at least 10 minutes to get rid of the steam. If not, don’t worry—leave the bathroom door open so the humidity doesn’t stick around. And if you’ve got a fan, use it!
👉 Pro Tip: When it’s freezing outside, don’t leave the windows open for too long! 5-10 minutes is enough to swap the air without turning your apartment into an icebox.
4. Drying the Shower—Yes, You Need to Do It!
Okay, I know in Pakistan we don’t usually dry the shower after using it. We’re used to letting the water just sit there and evaporate. But in Germany, that water can lead to—you guessed it—mold.
- After Every Shower: Take a towel or squeegee (you can find one at any supermarket) and wipe down the walls, shower screen, and tiles to remove the excess water. This might sound extra, but it prevents moisture buildup and keeps mold away.
- Leave the Shower Curtain Open: If you have a curtain, make sure it’s spread out so it can dry completely. A bunched-up curtain will trap moisture and become a mold magnet.
👉 Pro Tip: Wiping the shower doesn’t take long, but it makes a huge difference in keeping your bathroom fresh and mold-free.
5. Dealing with Mold (Schimmel)
If you spot mold in your home, don’t freak out—just deal with it quickly. Here’s how:
- Small Mold Patches: You can use a special mold cleaner (Schimmelentferner) from stores like DM or Rossmann. Spray it on the affected area and wipe it away. But remember, prevention is better than cure, so keep up with your ventilation routine!
- Larger Mold Problems: If the mold spreads or becomes a serious issue, tell your landlord (Vermieter) right away. They’ll usually send a professional to deal with it, especially if it’s caused by structural issues.
👉 Tip: Don’t wait too long to report large mold spots! It can damage the property and your health.
6. Keeping Humidity in Check
Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be between 40-60%. You can easily measure this with a hygrometer (available for cheap at most stores).
- Use a Dehumidifier: If you find that your place is still humid even after ventilating, you can get a dehumidifier to help. These machines suck moisture out of the air and are great for rooms that tend to stay damp (like bathrooms).
- Drying Clothes Indoors: Be careful when drying clothes inside the apartment, especially in winter. It creates a lot of humidity. Try to dry them in a well-ventilated room or use a dryer if you have one.
7. Final Thoughts—Keep it Fresh, Keep it Mold-Free!
Mold prevention might seem like a new and strange concept for us coming from hot countries like Pakistan, where houses are ventilated naturally through open windows and doors all the time. But trust me, it’s something you need to pay attention to in Germany, especially with how tightly insulated homes are here.
So, start airing out your apartment daily, dry that shower after every use, and you’ll keep mold far away from your cozy German home. You’ll thank me when your landlord isn’t knocking on your door with a mold complaint, and your health stays in tip-top shape!
Now go on, fellow Pakistanis in Germany, and Lüft like a pro! 💨
