Mold can grow anywhere in your home and that includes your closet. The moisture that accumulates inside your closet and the fabric that serve as nutrients or “food source” from your clothes can cause mold growth and eventually becomes a health concern. Not only mold can ruin your clothes, but it can also pose serious health issues. Yet, the key to preventing mold growth in your closet is to keep the area dry. Follow these simple tips to prevent mold growth in your closets.
Ways To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Closets
1. Keep Clothes and Other Things Clean and Dry
Damp clothes like sweaty sportswear or shoes that got wet from the rain along with soiled fabric can be a perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Always make sure that everything you toss inside your closet is dry and clean. Let clothes or other items dry down properly and wash them before hanging them in the closet.
2. Clean Your Closets Regularly
Do this job as often as you can to prevent dirt accumulation. Move things out of the closet, clean the shelves, run a vacuum, and dry the inside thoroughly. Open door or doors and let fresh air circulate for several hours.
3. Keep The Closet Door Closed
If your closets are located in a room with high humidity like a bathroom, make sure to keep it closed. It is especially important if the shower moisture is present because it can seep into the materials of your closet.
4. Replace To Louvered Doors
If humidity is not a problem in your home, consider replacing your closet doors to louvered doors. These doors can help provide greater air circulation which is important for mold growth prevention.
5. Change Wood To Wire Shelving
Instead of using wood shelving in storing items like shoe boxes or other storage tubs, use wire shelving to allow air circulation and prevent moisture from trapping underneath the stored items.
Also, consider elevating things from the floor to shelves to reduce their risk of getting damp especially in case of a leak.
6. Leave The Lights On
Mold grows because of moisture, yet the warmth from a low-wattage light bulb can help dispel moisture and keep your closet dry. Install an energy-efficient light bulb inside your closet and leave it on day and night. Just be careful not to place the bulb too close to anywhere flammable or else you may be dealing with fire accidents. You can also consider using silica gel packs as they are effective in absorbing moisture in closets.
7. Don’t Store Clothes in Plastic
Avoid storing clothes in tightly sealed containers like plastic tubs. Plastic material can trap moisture around clothes and create a damp condition that is perfect for mold infestation.
8. Use Dehumidifiers or Air Conditioners
The humidity that is trapped inside your closet is the main reason why fungi grow in them. Use a dehumidifier that is specially designed for closets. It can effectively remove moisture from the air and ensure proper air circulation. Alternatively, if a dehumidifier is not available, you can turn on air conditioners to help circulate cool, dry air.
How to Remove Mold In My Closet
If you notice a musty or moldy smell in your closet, find the source of the problem and act fast. Mold grows and spreads quickly. Before you know it, you are already dealing with serious mold problems and costly repair.
Mold removal is better left with professionals. But if you are persistent, make sure to wear protective gear like a face mask and rubber gloves to protect yourself while cleaning.
1. Ventilate Your Closet
Open windows that are near the closet to provide ventilation when removing mold. Also, lay a tarp on the surrounding area to protect it from the cleaning solutions.
2. Clean And Remove Mold
Mix several drops of mild dishwashing soap to a bucket full of warm water. Apply the solution to the moly area. Use a stiff brush to remove the mold.
3. Wash and Clean The Affected Area
Wash the detergent solution with clean water. You can use a spray bottle, fill it with clean water, and rinse the detergent.
4. Dry The Area
Use large towels to dry out the surfaces of your closet. Keep doors open until the entire surfaces are completely dry.
Contact Professionals For Mold Removal Services
Mold can thrive even in the cleanest homes and hide even in the best-kept closets. Furthermore, mold removal in wood is extremely difficult, plus exposure to it can lead to health hazards like allergies.
Let professionals from Superior Restoration handle this job for you. We will take care of this job and ensure that mold is thoroughly eliminated from your closet. Contact our local office today, Water Damage Riverside for mold removal and remediation services.
