This article was written by the Meaco Dehumidifiers man himself... Chris MichaelWhen we started Meaco in 1991 we actually concentrated our efforts on museums and art galleries as we felt that this was a niche sector that was under represented and would react positively to a new supplier offering a b...

Both humidity and cold air are two very common asthma triggers and it is important that asthma sufferers bear this in mind.Whilst exposing a child to cold air or a steamed room may help with some croup sufferers, this will not work for asthma. Both cold air and humidity, too high or too low, can act...

Are you a light sleeper?Struggle to sleep with noise? We recently came across this article about harmful noise levels.  The effects of noise on hearing vary among people. Some people's ears are more sensitive to loud sounds, especially at certain frequencies. (Frequency means how low ...

Preventing Illness when kids go back to school. It is that time of the year again when our kids are getting ready for a new year at school. Whether your kids are going to pre primary or primary school there are ways you can help with the prevention of illnesses, controlling allergies and helpin...

THERE ARE AIR PURIFIERSTHAT PURIFY THE AIR.AND THERE ARE COOLERSTHAT COOL THE AIR.HERE’S THE SILVER-iTHAT DOES BOTH.COOLest solution for Summer Evaporative. Air. Cooler!(you can even take it on holiday with you) Have you thought to use an air cooler for some relief? They are better than ...

Competition Terms & Conditions 1. The promoter is: Solenco SA (Reg no. 2001/057992/23) whose registered office is situated in Port Elizabeth. 2. Employees of Solenco SA or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shal...

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you might be blaming your condition on a number of factors – from the time of year to your pets leaving their fluff behind. But did you know that it could be caused (or even aggravated) by your air conditioner?! According to a report in The New York Times...

Portable evaporative air coolers provide a great cooling solution in hot and dry climates, but in order to enjoy the benefits to the max, it is important to keep it clean and ensure proper maintenance. If this is adhered to you will enjoy more efficient fan operation and fresher air supply.One key f...

You wake up in the morning and sneeze several times. Your head is heavy and your nose itches. Your throat feels like it’s lined with needles as you gulp down your morning coffee en route to work, and dark circles under your eyes look back at you in the rearview mirror.You use half a box of tissues...

You’ve seen them and you can see how one could come in very handy in your home. You see how your time frees up by having diverted some of your daily chores to a robot and now you’ve decided that you not only want one, but NEED one.But what are the things that you need to consider when deciding o...

Condensation and high humidity problems can be quite a pest inside one’s home and this in turn can lead to moisture damage, mould and mildew.The simple answer to preventing this is to invest in a dehumidifier, but how else can a dehumidifier help you inside your home? 1.   They reduce ai...

It is well known that air pollution is dangerous to humans. But in a recent environmental performance report, air pollution was found to be the leading environmental threat to public health.

Do you have a hard time finding the right essential oil or aroma diffuser? Yes or no, essential oil or aroma diffusers are among the most complicated home appliances you will ever come across on the market. If you decide to buy a diffuser just because you heard that it comes with fascinating benefit...

The word 'micron' can be quite intimidating when it comes to explaining the filtration capabilities of air purifiers. Therefore, we thought it best to break it down for you so you can have a better idea as to what your air purifier can and can't filter out from the air that you breathe.  W...

It is estimated that more than 16 million people in South Africa suffer from seasonal allergies, and its prevalence is increasing.In addition to having symptoms of sneezing, congestion and a runny nose, most of these allergy sufferers also experience itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes and swolle...

Saving money on household bills is something that pretty much everyone is looking to do, and there are plenty of ways you can start getting those costs down. When it comes to your laundry routine it’s all about thinking smart and changing the way in which you approach this chore. So...

As the nights get darker and the bleak weather approaches, winter can be undeniably harsh on holiday homes. Winter rain can especially take its toll on holiday homes in coastal regions and can lead to structural damage and damage to furnishings. Damp in homes can be a serious concern as it can indic...

Managing water damage on your own can be overwhelming. The factors that go into determining how to clean up standing water and waterlogged areas are complex. A professional water restoration team is the best choice for evaluating your situation. For DIY damage control in the midst of a storm or leak...

Tackle mould and condensation to feel more comfortableDamp problems can be a serious concern in any home, whether you are a home-owner or renter, or living in any style of property. At best it can be a nuisance and make a room feel cold, unwelcoming and unhealthy, and at worst it can indicate struct...

We wash our clothes and fold it neatly away, but what about the shoes that we wear on a daily basis? From knowing how to clean suede shoes, to the best ways to store leather footwear, there are many ways in which you can care for your shoes that will ensure that you get the best durability out of th...

The prayers of many Kimberley residents for rain have been answered yesterday when the town was hit with flash showers recording over 60mm of rain in less than 40 minutes!However, following this heavy rainfaill, many home and business owners may find themselves dealing with damp, soggy building...

From knowing how to sterilise baby bottles to fighting the sleep deprivation caused by having tiny humans to look after, every parent finds themselves in a whole new world when they first bring their new baby home. Sleepless nights can be caused by a number of different factors, but there are a few ...

Dehumidifiers with their many health benefits are becoming a more popular must-have appliance in South African homes. It can reduce allergies by getting rid of mould, dust and mildew, thus reducing the risk of itchy eyes, rashes, sneezing and breathing difficulties.However, did you know that dehumid...

With Day Zero looming in the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape, we are inundated with calls from customers enquiring whether the water collected by dehumidifiers is safe for human consumption. In short, the answer is quite simple. NO.  There are mainly two reasons why you, nor your pet...

People often suffer from allergies that are caused by a multitude of factors: pollen, pet dander, mould, dust and dust mites (just to name a few), so we at Solenco SA often get asked whether they should purchase a dehumidifier or an air purifier. Firstly, it’s important to determine where these ai...

So you’ve identified that you have a mould or condensation problem in your home due to high humidity, but the question still remains: Which dehumidifier will be best suited for your application?This is probably the most commonly asked question that we get asked at Solenco and unfortunately it does...

My name is Rochelle Rae and I reside in Durban, South Africa. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to win a Twitter competition for a Solenco CF8500 air purifier. To be honest, I wasn't really sure if I was even going to keep it since from my experience, most of those purifiers are a noisy hassle. I ...

Hot summer nights may be ideal for enjoying a nice braai, but it's a completely different story when you're trying to get some shut-eye. We've all been there—tossing and turning in bed, struggling because our sweat has us practically glued to the sheets. It. Is. Awful. There are few things wo...

With most people used to closing closing all doors and windows when it comes to running an air conditioner, it is not suprising that people wonder why this doesn't work when it comes to evaporative cooling.  Many people assume that as many evaporative coolers, such as the Symphony range an...

If you're familiar with the effect of evaporative air cooling, then you should be aware of the fact that not only does it cool you down by making use of water and fresh air, but it also adds moisture to the air. This of course is great if you live in an area that experiences hot and dry summers...

A common request is for a quiet dehumidifier, customers often ask which dehumidifier is the quietest. The answer is ‘it depends’ and often noise becomes an issue because people use the dehumidifier in the wrong way as you will see below.

Children across the country are gearing up to head back to school, but millions of them will need to manage asthma and allergies along with homework and sports practice. This time of year, the mix of pollens and mould spores in the air, coupled with allergens and viruses that build up inside the sch...

With the increase of allergies in South Africa, it is becoming more common for schools to have children under their care who suffer from asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, insect allergies, anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis.  Inadequate guidelines exist for addressing the needs of such ...

The start of the school year can be busy enough without the added concern about your child’s asthma or allergies striking them in the classroom or playground. But that’s just the time when kids are most at risk of asthma and allergy flare-ups, with a spike in asthma attacks and hospitalisat...

Clothing is an integral part of human being, and it helps protect us from the elements of nature. Clothing does not just mean the clothes you wear, but it also means the other clothes like your bed sheets, quilts, curtains, towels, and much more.  Each piece of clothing plays an important role ...

Christmas is a busy time for everyone and you’ll want to celebrate and enjoy it with friends and family. However, we’re all short on time around this festive period, and if we’re not careful, house cleaning can get neglected. No one wants their guests coming round to dirt and mess, so fortunat...

Whether you're in the middle of a heatwave or live in a hot dry climate, then evaporative cooling can be just the solution to help you cool down! Let's look at 5 advantages of using this cooling method:1. Energy efficiency means lower running costs. Evaporative air coolers use up to 80% less en...

Do you dread laundry days – especially when it comes to the endless cycle of having to dry the clothes? Do you want to save energy (and some money) by not using your tumble dryer? Perhaps the lack of space or bad weather is preventing your from drying your laundry outside … What if you have no c...

Interior mould is not only a health hazard, but can also ruin soft furnishings, leather items and wood. To reduce the risk of returning to a mouldy holiday home, try the following solutions:Leave interior doors open in order to let air circulate between roomsBuy cheap bed sheets and put them over fu...

The energy-efficient Honeywell CS10XE is among the most affordable indoor portable evaporative air coolers on the market today. Requiring no permanent installation and using only water and electricity to lower temperatures by up to 10 degrees, it’s easy to operate and includes a 6-foot p...

It's Black Friday and Solenco SA is having a Sample and Demo Sale! Please take note of the following Terms and Conditions: 1. There are limited quantities available. Quantities available are specified for each product.2. Solenco cannot reserve stock nor guarantee stock availability without...

Dehumidifiers are soon becoming one of the widely used units in many homes. Here are some of the many benefits you can enjoy by using a dehumidifier.1. Go from damper to drierA warm, cozy place is what you call a home. So the last thing you would want in your home would be to feel damp and uncomfy. ...

Ever wake up one time only to suddenly find that a certain area of your house is riddled with unsightly spots and patches? Congratulations! Your house has now become a petri dish full of mould. While that sure sounds like some lab experiment gone wrong, mould growth in households is much more common...

The higher the level of particulates in the air, a new study shows, the greater the indications of psychological distress.“This is really setting out a new trajectory around the health effects of air pollution,” says Anjum Hajat, an assistant professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Hea...

Have you ever looked at your electricity bill and considered to rather invest in going off the grid? Unfortunately for some, it is not so easy as “going off the grid” comes with its own expensive price tag. And with Eskom wanting to hike electricity tariffs by 19,9%  many consumers are...

Summers can be rough in certain parts of South Africa where temperatures can easily reach 45 degree Celsius! Many living in the hot and dry climates make use of evaporative air coolers to battle the summer heat. These units are both, cost effective and also provide a lot of comfort.  But how ca...

When it comes to a musical instrument, whether it is a guitar, a grand piano or violin, the craftsmanship and precision it took to create is unsurpassed. Few sounds are more delightful to the ear than a well-cared for instrument that is being played. When it comes to caring for precious instrum...

Tweet and win to stand a chance to win a Solenco CF8500 Air Purifier! To be eligible for the prize, you must do the following:1. Like and share the post on Facebook (remember to change your settings to public!)2. Follow us on Twitter (@SolencoSA) and tweet your answer. Remember to tag us in you...

AFTER the recent heavy rains caused significant flooding in Durban in KwaZulu Natal, many home and business owners may find themselves dealing with damp, soggy buildings and furnishings. According to many disaster recovery experts the most important thing to consider before going into a building aft...

More than 200 environmental activists staged a protest outside a government air quality conference this week, against pollution in South Africa. Eskom was named as one of the biggest culprits. They say dirty air is killing people, making them ill and causing billions of rands in environmental and ec...

Air pollution, a serious danger to the environment, is also a major health risk, associated with respiratory infections, lung cancer and heart disease. Now a Tel Aviv University researcher has concluded that not only does air pollution impact cardiac events such as heart attack&n...

Air purifiers may have significant health benefits for those who live in polluted areas.Many of us live and work in an urban environment. And if the stress caused by trafficand high noise levels weren't enough, increased levels of heart disease are also linked to city-living and pollution.But t...

Tree pollen may trigger allergic rhinitis, or a runny nose, hay fever and red, itchy eyes and these symptoms usually occur seasonally. Symptoms to tree pollen are most often seen in springtime but may occur during the summer and autumn months. There are exceptions to this rule as the cypress tr...

Firm donates £21,000 (R376,992.00)to the David Shepherd Wildlife FoundationMeaco (U.K.) Limited, the UK’s leading domestic dehumidifier specialist, has teamed up with theGuildford-based wildlife conservation charity the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) to support the care of orphane...

When you become a parent, the simple act of breathing takes on a whole new meaning. Watching your baby's tiny chest rhythmically rise and fall and listening for a comforting exhalation on the baby monitor are two habits you're likely to pick up before you've even realized it. But what about the qual...

Communities living in the shadows of Johannesburg’s infamous mine dumps are at greater risk of respiratory illnesses than those residing in the city’s leafy northern suburbs‚ a new study by the Bench Marks Foundation has found.The study‚ titled Waiting to inhale‚ looked at household health...

Whenever there's a profusion of flowering trees, grasses and even weeds, it means sneezes, runny noses and itchy eyes for many of us suffering from hay fever. The change of seasons can be particularly trying. Up to 20% of South Africans suffer from allergic reactions, according to the Alle...

Although evaporative cooling remains one of the older forms of climate control which exists today, it also happens to be one of the most beneficial.It offers a variety of advantages over traditional air conditioners, all of which will keep more money in your pocket and less pollutants in t...

After a long, cold winter, most of us look forward to rising temperatures and blooming plants. But if you have asthma, allergies, or both, the pollen that comes with the season can take a toll.We give you some great ways to prepare and take the sting out of the sniffles that come...

Rust is not an optional extra that is desired by car owners, but unfortunately, if you live near the coast or in an area with high humidity, you may be all too familiar with this feature rearing its ugly head. Rust not only wreaks havoc on your car, but on your tools, appliances, furniture and ...

Rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation are the three most common types of damp that can affect your home. But each needs to be treated in different ways, and the costs can vary dramatically, so it's important to know what type of damp is affecting your home before you try to get it fixed.&nb...

If you live in a damp home and have accepted this ‘normal’ or have chosen to ignore the problem due to financial reasons, may need to reassess the situation in light of the health problems that you and your family may be experiencing as a result of dampness.Mould accumulates in damp and poorly v...

Damp typically occurs on walls, floors, doors and windows, and also within pipes, plumbing, ceilings and roofs.It is caused by moisture coming into the property from outside, from condensation within the house or from water being extensively used within specific areas such as bathrooms and laundry r...

Bricks and mortar provide us with protection from an increasingly harsh environment. But what if your haven of safety, your home, could unknowingly be causing you harm? Although a patch of mould may seem harmless as it first spreads into view, it can invade far more than the musty corners of a ...

Whether it is rising up from the ground or coming down from the roof, damp is not something you want in your house – and not something you can leave unattended as the consequences can be severe.These can include damaged furnishings and ruined clothing, the need for expensive structural repairs and...

Sailors are always trying to keep the insides of their boats dry to avoid funny smells. Either that or the serious racers are trying to get every last drop of water out of the boat before racing! Dehumidifiers have become commonplace on yachts from your average cruising day sailor right up to large ...

Indoor air pollution may be the hidden culprit behind your sniffles and fatigue I don’t like to complain, but I think everyone can collectively commiserate the fact that there is just “never enough time in the day.” We live in a fast-paced world where we have become completely dependent o...

Photo Credit: Knysna was crippled by raging veldfires the past week. Photo by IOL Online.  RESIDENTS of Knysna and the rest of the Garden Route up to Port Elizabeth have experienced devastating veld fires during the past week not only losing their homes, but some losing loved ones as well....

Residents of Cape Town are finding themselves in a water crisis and the City of Cape Town on Wednesday approved Level 4 water restriction, which limits residents to 100L of water per person per day! Residents are further banned from using municipal water for outside and non-essential use.  Thes...

Air purifiers are a great way to clean the air. In addition to investing in your health, they can help with allergies, unpleasant smells, snoring and more. Here are seven signs it might be time to invest in an air purifier…

On any given day, you breathe in a variety of particles, from dust and mould spores to the toxic chemicals used to clean your home. Some of these particles will multiply when given the right environment, which is usually warm, moist air. Using a dehumidifier in your home will quickly suck ...

Keeping your house warm during cold winter months is important, but keeping your family healthy has to be priority.Fireplaces are basically pollutant machines, while gas-fuelled forms of heating can contribute to carbon monoxide poisoning.There are many different types of heating, but not all of the...

There is any number of things wafting through the air in a home where a bird lives including dust, dander, seed hulls and even airborne particles of dried poop that occupy more than just the immediate air space. It settles on and into everything creating the need for a higher standard of hygiene.Flo...

Selecting the right dehumidifier may prove a daunting task for many as many brands send out conflicting information to make a sale into the type of technology (desiccant or compressor) that they prefer.For Meaco brands, the sales are pretty much 50/50 between the two technologies which leave us in a...

Children under the age of 18 are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with chronic allergies and asthma while their immune systems are still developing.  Allergens and pollutants in our air (including mould, dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander and VOCs) are ever increasing and evidence suggest...

Although aromatherapy with the use of essential oils is often associated with relaxation, it also holds health benefits from stress relief, to pain management, to improvements in blood pressure or depression! For the ladies struggling with a snoring significant other, there is even an essential oil ...

Veld fires are devastating in nearly every sense of the word. Residents from Somerset West in Cape Town can truly vouch for this, as they are still battling ongoing and fast spreading veld fires that broke out yesterday morning (January 3, 2017) and were raging out of control by the evening, fanned ...

It’s a hot summer’s day in Durban: 32 degrees with 75 percent humidity. We all know those numbers mean hot, but what exactly does that humidity percentage tell us? And why should we care? Below, some facts on humidity – 8 interesting facts in fact - and how it affects our daily lives: 1.&...

It is known that tumble dryers can make laundry days a little easier, but these appliances are also electricity monsters! This is why we are really excited about the a new dehumidifier from Meaco that is not only energy efficient, but will give tumble dryers a run for their money! The Meaco 25L Low ...

Homeowners in areas experiencing hot, humid and wet climates such as Kwazulu Natal may notice an increase of mould (or mildew) in their homes.Mould thrives in warm, damp environments and the soaring summer temperatures definitely encourage growth of fungus if the conditions are right.The rooms that ...

It's important to maintain the proper humidity levels in your home and workplace to keep a comfortable, healthy space. High humidity levels won't only wreak havoc on your home and possessions, but can also be detrimental to your health, as high humidity conditions are favourable to mould growth...

No matter the age of a house, whether it is situated next to a body of water or inland, there aren’t many homes immune to the ill effects of dampness – especially when left unattended.Holiday-home care differs slightly from caring for a home that is lived in all year round. Your holiday-home sit...

Why do dehumidifiers turn off and stop collecting water?  This is something that customers ask us over and over again.  I think that once someone has invested in a dehumidifier they want it to collect water on a daily basis and they are so amazed at the amount of water that is extracted fr...

It’s nearly summer time and people are putting in double time to shed the winter flab and get their bods beach and bikini ready. As a result, people are joining gyms to improve their build and their overall health. It is for this reason that it is important that gym owners and managers not only in...

It's summer. The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and the air is a hot, sticky mess. That steamy feeling that washes over you when you step outside is all thanks to the humidity in the air. And it can wreak havoc on your body when you're trying to stay cool.To understand how humidity aff...

Every gun safe owner needs to work with the best gun safe dehumidifier to prevent damage to not only your stored items, but also to prevent your safe from damage from moisture. It does this by soaking up the moisture thus leaving the safe dry.A safe does not allow for adequate air circulat...

While evaporative cooling is one of the oldest forms of climate control still found today, evaporative coolers remain a highly sought-after alternative to traditional air conditioning.While very effective and efficient when used properly, these cooling units are not for use everywhere. Due to the ev...

Not getting a good night's sleep - especially because of allergies - can make for one very grumpy person the next morning!  Chris Michael, CEO of Meaco in England, gives some advice in a newly uploaded Airvax Demo video. 

Using an air purifier in a child day care centre or crèche can be a great way of preventing and removing airborne germs and pollutants that can cause wide spread health issues, because so many children are in such close proximity to one another from spreading.Young children who are in day care very...

None of us are sleeping alone. Unfortunately we all share our beds with millions of dust mites. And if that hasn’t gotten your skin crawling just yet, then the following most definitely will… Your bed is the prime habitat of these minute creatures. A typical used mattress may have anywhere ...

WHETHER it's  musty odour, black spots on your shower curtain or ceiling, peeling paint, or fuzzy white patches on your floor, household mould and mildew are not only unsightly, but can be detrimental to your health – especially if you have allergies or asthma.Mould spores need a moist enviro...

Natural cleaners and green cleaning products are a smart way to clean your house the safe, non-toxic way and you'd be surprised to know that you probably already have what you need in your kitchen cupboard! As we are avid supporters of living greener, we have compiled some tips on getting rid o...

When expectant parents are preparing for baby’s arrival, they are inundated with various must-haves and they tend to pick out every detail with extreme care from the cribs and dressers to bottle sterilizers. However, there’s one item that is just as important but is often overlooked — a good h...

It’s been a while since filters were just that – filters. With the advancement in technology, filters have evolved into various air purifying jargon, such as HEPA filters, SEFF filters, Pre-filters, Charcoal filters. Why all the different filters? What do they do and why is it important to match...

My sneezing and people mistaking me for a teary-eyed Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, usually signal the start of the peak pollen season - as I’m sure many hay fever sufferers can also identify with. This misery will unfortunately come again with the start of Spring and may well last into the early...

Many women know that feeling of triumph of an empty laundry basket – even if that basket remains empty for only 5 seconds, because let’s face it, no matter how you dress it up, laundry is a chore, plain and simple.The biggest resource it seems to take up is our time: washing, drying (hoping it d...

The braai is a true South African tradition and if you are not fortunate enough to have an indoor braai, it is not always possible to throw some meat on the coles 365 days of the year. And what can be better than a "lekker braai"? Luckily, the latest in heating technology has changed all this. ...

Pets can be your best friends. If you have allergies or asthma, they can also be your worst enemy. Pets shed dander, a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers), which can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the allergens.   

Winter is not only snuggling up in warm blankets, but for many people who live in areas that reach sub-zero temperatures the icy season also brings the not-so-cozy things, such as frozen water pipes. This is why desiccant dehumidifiers have always been the main option to get rid of cold dampness, ho...

Air pollution, both inside from cooking fires and outside from traffic fumes, ranked among the top 10 causes of stroke. These findings came after an international research team analysed data from several studies, reports and official statistics from 180 different countries over a period of 23 years....

Anyone who has children, or perhaps is the caretaker of someone’s child, knows that it takes a lot of self-discipline for a child not to press a button on any device! And seeing as many children (and some adults!) lack self-discipline, the concept of the “Child Lock” was born.For some parents,...

The Dehumidifier that loves your baby and saves you money. Neutralises mould, dust, dust mites, viruses, bacteria and odours Other dehumidifiers have ionisers but none has an ioniser like Zambezi! Ionisers on dehumidifiers have an effective range of around one metre and only deal with dust. Zam...

One of the major causes of condensation and mould in the home is drying clothes on radiators or a clothes horse in the winter. As the clothes dry the moisture is released into the air and the air becomes damp, the room air feels colder, condensation forms on windows and mould grows faster. All dehum...

We are excited to introduce the Meaco DD8L Zambezi Dehumidifier.  A world of firsts is heading your way.  Meaco, through their partners Solenco South Africa, is launching the most advanced and flexible desiccant dehumidifier available today. The DD8L Zambezi is probably the best ...