Mold is a type of fungus found both indoors and outdoors, playing a crucial role in breaking down organic materials. It can produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and is often identified by visible spots or a musty smell. Proper moisture testing and humidity control in manufacturing environments are essential to prevent mold growth on garments, with specific guidelines on testing, storage, and corrective actions if moisture levels exceed acceptable limits.

1. What is Mold?
Molds are organisms that may be found indoors or outdoors. They are part of the natural
environment and play an important role in the environment by breaking down and
digesting organic material, such as dead leaves. Also called fungi or mildew, mold is neither
a plant nor animal. Mold can multiply by producing microscopic spores 2‐100 microns in
diameter like the seeds produced by plants. Many spores are so small they easily float
through the air and can be carried for great distances by even the gentlest breezes.
Mold Identification
Moldy Smell:
Some compounds produced by mold have a strong smell and are volatile and quickly
released in the air. These compounds are known as Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds.
Because (MVOC’s) often have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the
moldy odor or musty smell frequently associated with mold growth.
Visible Spots:
The most important sign of a mold problem is visible mold, but don’t be fooled as not
everything that looks like mold is mold. Some dirty spots caused by poor housekeeping can
often look like mold growth, so if you are not convinced the root cause is mold, the related
materials or garments can be sent for testing in a Certified Microbiology Laboratory.
WARNING!
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions to sensitive
individuals. Mold produces Allergens of which are substances that can cause allergic
reactions of which can include hay fever‐like symptoms such as: Headache, Sneezing, Runny
Nose, Red Eye’s and Skin Rash – Dermatitis.

2. Seasonal Changes in Weather Patterns
Wet Season Table
Country Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month
Bangladesh 7
Pakistan 2
China 7
Vietnam 7
Myanmar 7
Thailand 6
Cambodia 12
Indonesia 12
India 5
Sri Lanka 12
Malaysia 12
Mexico 4
Ethiopia 5
EL Salvador 6
Months highlighted in Blue represent the wet season in the designated countries of
manufacture of which poses the greatest risk.
Countries not included in the table above are considered to have a very low risk and
therefore are exempted from any mold prevention process.
Sadly, we cannot always blame the Weather
With more and more pressure being asserted to deliver on time or face the penalty of
incurring excessive air freight charges, it is becoming more common practice to press and
pack garments without providing the necessary time for the garments to dry.
By adopting such a bad practice, the reality is that you are creating the ideal environment to
grow your own mold of which once detected, will cost you far in excess of any airfreight
charges to be imposed for late shipment.

3. Moisture In‐House Testing
Incoming Materials
All incoming materials and absorbent trimmings should be tested for moisture as part of the
approval process.
All physical measurements taken on Materials and Trimmings should be recorded on
‘Moisture Measurement’ Report Format, in the Moisture Reading column.
Header: Incoming Goods Warehouse – See Appendix 1
Material and trimmings approved for production should be stored in the appropriate
racking, off the floor and in a dry room.
Any PO’s that fail the moisture content testing cannot be utilized and the factory should
immediately contact the related CGS QA Manager for further guidance.
Day to Day moisture readings can be monitored through the simple installation of a
humidity reader in the incoming goods warehouse.
The Optimal Relative Humidity Level (RH) Should be Between 50% ‐ 60%
Finished Garments and Accessories Assessments
The moisture content should be checked on all PO’s for garments and accessories.
Any PO’s that fail the moisture content testing cannot be utilized and the factory should
immediately contact the related CGS QA Manager for further guidance.
Assessment on garments should always be conducted prior to final packing and not just
after pressing.
All physical moisture measurements taken should be recorded on the ‘Moisture
Measurement’ Report Format, in the Moisture Reading column.
Header: Packing Department – See Appendix 2
Day to Day moisture readings can be monitored through the simple installation of a
humidity reader in the Packing Department.
The Optimal Relative Humidity Level (RH) Should be Between 50% ‐ 60%

4. Packed Carton Assessments
A minimum of three cartons should be selected for the moisture assessment from each PO
and this should be conducted at least 3 hours prior to shipment.
For products stored in a warehouse for more than three weeks, they should be re‐tested
every two weeks after packing until shipment and the last testing should be conducted 3
hours prior to shipment as above.
All measurement results should be recorded on ‘Moisture Measurement’ Report Format for
Packed Cartons.
Header: Dispatch Warehouse – See Appendix 3
Any PO’s that fail the moisture content testing cannot be shipped and the factory must
contact the related CGS QA Manager immediately for guidance.
Day to Day moisture readings can be monitored through the simple installation of a
humidity reader.
The Optimal Relative Humidity Level (RH) Should be Between 50% ‐ 60%
Moisture Content Failure and Corrective Action Plan
1.Unpack all cartons for the whole PO, remove and dehumidify all the garments in a drying
room for a minimum of 4 hours. If you do not have a drying room, you may need to allow
the garments to dry for at least 12‐24 hours depending on the Humidity level.
The original poly bags and cartons must be destroyed.
2.Check the moisture content on the garments after dehumidifying, along with the smell
and surface appearance to detect any mold.
3.Contact the related CGS Quality Manager for further guidance and support.

5. Carter’s Approved Aqua‐Boy Moisture Meter and Accessories
Carter’s Approved Aqua‐Boy Moisture Meter Accessory Listing:
 Aqua‐Boy Meter ‐ TEM‐CPO1
 Knife Electrode – 210
 Needle Electrode – 205
 Surface Electrode – 213
 Calibration Electrode ‐ 299

6. Moisture Content Requirements
FIBRE/MATERIAL MOISTURE METER
INDICATOR
REMARKS
Wool 24
If the moisture level
detected exceeds the
requirements, the PO
cannot be shipped
and the related CGS
QA Manager should
be contacted for
further guidance
Cotton 67
Viscose/Modal 45
Linen/Flax 77
Acetate 60
Nylon 67
Acrylic 40
Polyester 39
Silk 45
PU 30
Leather 50
Paper/Straw 40‐50
How to take a Moisture Reading
Moisture content percentage for different fibers is converted into the ‘Converted Moisture
Index Indicator’.
Example:
Carter’s requirement for Cotton is 67, so if the moisture measurement reading using the Aqua Boy
Moisture Meter is below 67 e.g. 0-67 it is a PASS.
On the other hand, if the moisture measurement reading is higher than 67, this would indicate that the
moisture content is too high and would FAIL.

7. Aqua‐ Boy TEM 1 Scales
The readings obtained on the upper scale are converted into per cent moisture on the
textile conversion tables. The lower scales for wool, rayon and cotton indicate the moisture
content directly in the per cent.

8. Equipment Recommendations
Aqua Boy Moisture Meter and Accessories
For all sales and services enquiries, pls contact (HCL Asia Ltd) directly as detailed below:
HCL Asia Ltd., Unit 14, 6/F., Worldwide Industrial Centre, 43-47 Shan Mei Street, Fotan, Shatin,
Hong Kong.Tel: +852 27420018 | Fax: +852 27420053 | Email: info@hcl-asia.com.hk
www.hcl-asia.com.hk
http://www.hcl-asia.com.hk/catalog/Order_form_CARTERS.pdf
Objective
To check the moisture content of Materials, Absorbent Trimmings, Garments and Packed
Cartons before shipment.
How to use on garment bundles
Garments stacked in bundles after press and waiting for ticketing and packing should be
tested using the Knife Electrode 205.
Simply place the Knife between the layers of the folded garments in both the middle and
bottom of the bundle to measure the moisture content.
Aqua‐Boy Knife Electrode 205

9. How to use on boxed stock garments
Unpack the carton boxes, open the poly bags and hang the garments for testing.
Pick samples from the top and bottom of the carton box.
Put the needle head of Surface Electrode 213 on the individual hanging garment to
measure the moisture content. Do not attempt to measure the garment flat on any
surfaces i.e. table or floor.
If garments have a shell fabric or inner lining, measure both the inner and outer materials
respectively.
Aqua‐Boy Surface Electrode 213

10. How to use on Cartons being stored in the warehouse
Select at least three cartons stacked within the carton warehouse – Top Middle and Bottom
of a related Order/PO and use the Needle Electrode 205 to gently pierce the outer carton,
taking care not to pierce the inner carton and garments packed.
Aqua‐Boy Needle Electrode 205

11. How to Calibrate your Aqua Boy
Simply take the Aqua‐Boy Calibration Electrode 299 and insert into the central top decking
station of the Aqua‐Boy.
Once locked in, press the square white moisture meter reading button on the Aqua‐Boy to
check that the pre‐set reading is 70 on the meter?
It is recommended that you calibrate your Aqua‐Boy at least every 6 months, to coincide
with the beginning of your rainy season in order to ensure it is functioning correctly.
For your information the Calibrator is built to last over 15 years, so once purchased and
installed correctly, this should not prove to be the source of your problem in taking a
successful moisture meter reading.
Should you find your Aqua‐Boy is not working properly and you need assistance, please
contact (HCL Asia Ltd) directly, at the address and contact details listed below.
email: info@hcl-asia.com.hk www.hcl-asia.com.hk
Aqua‐Boy Calibration Electrode 299

12. Mold Prevention Best Practice
Relative Humidity Reader
It is highly recommended to install Relative Humidity Readers throughout your factory that
includes your Incoming Goods Warehouse, Cutting, Supermarket, Sewing, Finishing, Packing
and Carton Storage Warehouse.
The Optimal Relative Humidity Level (RH) Should be Between 50% ‐ 60%
Relative Humidity should be recorded at least twice a day both in the morning and
afternoon on the Relative Humidity Measurement’ Report Format. Whilst this may be the
simplest method, you may choose to purchase one of the many new and upcoming
innovative products available in the market to record humidity on your Smart Phone.
Humidity Reader

13. Dehumidifier
The installation of a Dehumidifier in your Incoming Goods Warehouse, Finishing, Packing
and Carton Storage Warehouse would certainly lower the risk of growing mold in your
factory.
The Optimal Relative Humidity Level (RH) Should be Between 50% ‐ 60%
Dehumidifier’s should be purchased and installed with drainage, by a reputable source and
should be well maintained, with calibration being conducted on a regular basis.
De‐Humidifier

14. Dehumidifying Room
The set‐up and service of a Dehumidifying Room is now becoming a ‘Best Practice’ in many
countries and factories alike.
The Dehumidifying Room must be airtight with a reputable source of Dehumidifier installed
as detailed above.
With a defined SOP and adherence to such a policy, all garments to be tested of which
should include the cartons they are going to be packed in should be recorded using the
Relative Humidity Measurement’ Report Format after a minimum of 4 hours.
For PO’s that have failed the moisture test, they must also be placed in the Dehumidifying
Room for a minimum 4 hours until they meet the CGS Moisture Content Requirements.
The Dehumidifying Room should not be used as a ‘Storage Room’ for excess W.I.P Garments
awaiting finishing, especially as the more garments crammed in such a space will impact on
the Relative Humidity of the Dehumidifying Room.
Dehumidifying Room