Six Effective Tips for Preventing Mold in Your Closets

One of the most effective ways you can prevent mold from developing in your closet is to reduce the amount of humidity present in the air. This can easily be done by placing a small dehumidifier within the area. There are several options available, so think about which type will work best for your situation.

If you have a large closet, a plug-in electric mini dehumidifier may be right for you. Depending on the model, it can remove around 9 ounces of water from the air every day. Completely safe to use around children and pets, an electric dehumidifier is one of the most effective ways to prevent mold from showing its ugly face. 

If your closet is on the smaller side and you don’t have an outlet available, you can choose a wireless, mini rechargeable version that uses silica to remove moisture from the air. It is a non-toxic option, so no worries about it being a danger to your family.



If you would prefer to use a disposable alternative, many people find fragrance-free drying crystals to be just as effective. All you do is remove the seal from the plastic, no-spill bucket and place it within your closet. Simply dump out the water when the cup becomes full.

Most people make it a habit of keeping their closet doors closed at all times. Unfortunately, this traps odors and moisture within, promoting mold and mildew growth. 

Now, you may feel better about leaving your closet doors open from time to time. When you do, there is something else that you can do to help fresh air circulate throughout your custom closets. HomeStratosphere.com recommends positioning a fan in the back corner of your closet for a few hours each day, to remove any stale odors that may be lingering there.

Is your closet unorganized or stuffed completely full? If this is the case, it may be time to give your wardrobe some breathing room. Affordable Custom Closets & Garages notes that donating items you no longer wear will allow more space to exist between your hanging clothes and will bring you good Karma at the same time. To learn more about how to organize your closets, check out Four Steps for Organizing Your Custom Closets.

Another tip is to utilize the heat generated by a 60–100-watt bulb to help dry out the air inside of your closet, according to HomeStratosphere.com. Simply install the bulb and keep it turned on for about six hours every day. If you do this, just be sure to keep it at a safe distance from clothing or other flammable items.

When you get out of the shower, where do you put your wet towels? Many people have a hook inside of their closets where they hang their wet towels or damp bathrobes to dry. While this may be convenient, it is not ideal for keeping excess moisture at bay.



Others may even decide to use their closets as a drying station of sorts, where they hang their clothes that aren’t dryer-friendly. A better idea would be to hang your clothes to dry in the fresh air and sunshine to ensure that they are completely free of moisture.

Are your closet walls showing any signs of existing mold? Whether they are or not, it is a good idea to clean and disinfect them on a regular basis. Should you happen to notice that telltale odor or see signs of mold on your closet walls, here is how to handle it, according to Bob Vila.

Take a spray bottle and mix “one part bleach to three parts water.” Now, before getting started, you will want to make sure that you have emptied your closet so that you won’t accidentally ruin any of your clothing. Spray the bleach solution on the walls of your closet and let it soak in. Scrub the area if necessary, and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

It's easy to think about taking good care of clothing, but what about all of the other items that often get put into your hallway closets, for example? What about sporting goods? Homeyguy.com notes to make sure that all of your outdoor gear is maintained as well, including umbrellas and rain boots. Give them a good cleaning and drying after each use.

In addition to this, if you decide to store them away, be sure that it isn’t in a sealed container, as this will just hold in moisture. A better choice is a storage basket with holes so that the contents will remain dry.

There is no reason that mold should ever have to make a home in your closet. If you clean your closet walls regularly, place a dehumidifier in there, and allow air to circulate freely within it, your closet and the contents within it should stay safe and sound from excess moisture and musty odors.

Sources

• https://www.nccustomclosets.com/four-steps-for-organizing-custom-closets
• https://www.homestratosphere.com/how-to-prevent-mildew-in-closets/
• https://www.bobvila.com/articles/mold-on-the-walls/
• https://homeyguy.com/how-to-prevent-mold-in-closet/