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Keep mold and moisture at bay with these wardrobe hacks
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If you’ve had run-ins with mildew or damp clothes, you’re not alone. There are many ways to protect your clothing from moisture and pesky mold. If you’re looking for a short-term solution, try using a cleaning product designed to repel or absorb moisture, like charcoal or silica gel. If your clothes have already succumbed to mold or mildew, there’s no need to panic—with a few household cleaners, you can sanitize and restore your garments in no time! Read on to learn even more tips and tricks to protect your clothes from moisture.
Things You Should Know
- Place silica gel packets in the pockets and hoods of your garments to absorb moisture while they’re in your closet.
- Invest in a dehumidifier if your closet is prone to humidity to remove water from the air and keep your clothing dry.
- Keep your wardrobe door open whenever possible to allow airflow and prevent moisture from being locked in.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Best Ways to Protect Your Clothes from Moisture
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Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Silica gel packets naturally soak up moisture wherever they’re placed. While they aren’t a foolproof solution, place these packets in the pockets and hoods of your garments to soak up moisture and prevent your clothes from becoming moldy. [1] X Trustworthy Source University of Missouri Extension University of Missouri program dedicated to research-based, practical public education Go to source
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Install a dehumidifier in your wardrobe. Dehumidifiers remove water from the air, reducing the moisture in an enclosed space. If your home and wardrobe feel humid constantly, using a dehumidifier can help keep the air (and your clothes) dry and balanced. [2] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- If you don’t have a dehumidifier, you can also use an air conditioner to keep the air cool and dry.
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Store a tin of charcoal in your closet to absorb moisture. Fill a large container or coffee can with plain charcoal briquettes that aren’t designed for grilling. Secure the lid on the coffee can or other container, then poke the top a few times. Keep this can in your closet to soak up moisture and keep your clothes dry. [3] X Research source
- Charcoal works as an impromptu, natural dehumidifier as it naturally soaks up moisture.
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Set up a fan in your closet if your clothing looks or feels moist. Find a wall outlet near your wardrobe and plug a box fan in. Situate the fan so it’s pointed at the front of the wardrobe. If you suspect your wardrobe is overly humid, turn the fan on to a low setting and let it air out the area. [4] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- Alternatively, you can open a window to air out your wardrobe.
- If only a few clothing items look damp, this might not be necessary.
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Keep your closet door open, even when you’re not in the room. Get in the habit of keeping your wardrobe open, regardless of the time of year. If you’re going on vacation or heading out for the weekend, leave your wardrobe open so it can air out while you’re away. [5] X Research source
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Keep your wardrobe at a consistent, cool temperature. Check your thermostat to make sure that the temperature isn’t spiking and dropping constantly. [6] X Research source Try to keep your wardrobe temperature beneath 23 °C (73 °F) so your clothing can stay as fresh as possible. [7] X Research source
- If the temperature changes a lot, your clothes might lower in quality.
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Check that your clothes are clean and dry before you hang them up. If your garments still feel wet or damp to the touch, hang them up in an open area so they can air-dry. If you find dirty clothing in your wardrobe, be sure to set it aside so you can wash it. [8] X Research source
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Rearrange your clothes so they aren’t packed tightly together. Moisture and mildew go hand in hand, especially when your clothes are packed like sardines. Remove any off-season clothes from your closet, and store your fancier garments in perforated bags, which gives them room to breathe. [9] X Research source
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Spritz your clothes with a water-repellent spray . While commonly used by campers and hikers, water-repellent sprays can give your clothing a protective, moisture-resistant layer. Spray the product all over the outside of your clothes before storing them in your wardrobe, and you may see positive results. [10] X Trustworthy Source University of Missouri Extension University of Missouri program dedicated to research-based, practical public education Go to source
- A lot of these sprays are made with silicone. If you have an allergy, this product might not be a good option for you.
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Hang a low-wattage bulb in the closet to provide extra heat to the area. Purchase a small, 60- to 100-watt lightbulb . If your home’s wiring permits, install the bulb from the ceiling of your wardrobe. Keep this light turned on as often as you can, as it can warm your clothes. [11] X Trustworthy Source University of Missouri Extension University of Missouri program dedicated to research-based, practical public education Go to source
- This works best in smaller closets and wardrobes.
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Install plastic-coated shelves in your closet so moisture doesn’t build up. Closet shelving that’s coated with plastic helps prevent moisture from building up in your closet and around your clothes. Invest in a shelving unit, and use the instructions to install (or hire a professional for help). [12] X Research source
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Warnings
- Avoid using mothballs, as they’re full of harsh chemicals that could harm your clothes and closet environment. [19] X Research sourceThanks
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Tips
- Plastic bins can be a great alternative if you’re running low on closet space. If the container isn’t perforated, throw in some desiccant packets to keep your clothes fresh and dry. [20] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh5928
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- ↑ https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/tips/5-things-do-charcoal-briquettes/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- ↑ https://napola.org/resources/Documents/Wardrobe%20Preservation%20Tips%20for%20NAPO.pdf
- ↑ https://napola.org/resources/Documents/Wardrobe%20Preservation%20Tips%20for%20NAPO.pdf
- ↑ https://www.safestore.co.uk/blog/2014/11/how-to-store-your-clothes-long-term/
- ↑ https://www.puroclean.com/blog/how-to-prevent-mold-growth-in-your-closets/
- ↑ https://napola.org/resources/Documents/Wardrobe%20Preservation%20Tips%20for%20NAPO.pdf
- ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh5928
- ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh5928
- ↑ https://www.puroclean.com/blog/how-to-prevent-mold-growth-in-your-closets/
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/how-to-prevent-and-remove-mold/
- ↑ https://moldpedia.com/mold-removal
- ↑ https://moldpedia.com/mold-removal
- ↑ https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/humidity/
- ↑ https://www.puroclean.com/blog/mold-in-closet-remediation-tips/
- ↑ https://www.puroclean.com/blog/how-to-prevent-mold-growth-in-your-closets/
- ↑ https://www.kcet.org/home-garden/smart-tips-for-storing-your-winter-clothes
- ↑ https://www.kcet.org/home-garden/smart-tips-for-storing-your-winter-clothes
- ↑ https://sustaintrust.org.nz/blog/hygrometer
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Reader Success Stories
- "After staying in a 5-star resort in Mexico all my clothes now smell like mold. Even though many were not worn though put in the closet and set of drawers, they now smell moldy and I don't want to have to pay to dry clean clean clothes, so I appreciate the tips." ..." more
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