9 Easy Steps to Prevent Mold Growth in Closets

Inspect and Toss Mold-Infested Clothing

Mold loves dark and damp conditions. As such, closets can often be ideal places for mold to take root and spread. One of the easiest ways to keep it out of your closets is to regularly inspect your clothes. Once mold spores have found their way onto clothing, it can be very hard to remove them. If you find mold-infested clothing, it’s best to safely bag and toss the affected items before the problem worsens.

Spray and Scrub The Affected Wall With Distilled White Vinegar

If you see mold spreading on one of your closet walls, don’t panic. One of the easiest ways to kill it is to clean and treat the area with distilled white vinegar and a bit of water. Clean My Space advocates for filling up an empty spray bottle with the solution, and spraying it onto any moldy patches in your closet. After 30 minutes, simply scrub the affected area with a brush, rinse it off with water, and give it time to dry.

Important Note: Make sure that your closet is totally empty before spraying. Some fabrics do not tolerate acidic chemicals well and long-term damage could result. 

Only Store Dry Items

This may seem like common sense, but it can be surprisingly difficult to keep damp items out of a closet, especially if your bedroom is already prone to humidity. A clever way to deal with this is to invest in some silica gel packs or a product like DampRid to help contain any excess moisture.

Buy a Dehumidifier

When silica gel and other drying products aren’t enough, it’s time to invest in a good dehumidifier. There are many options available to fit every closet size and type, and they’re completely non-toxic and safe for being around children and pets.

Maintain Proper Airflow

Ventilation is the bane of any mold spore's existence. Since mold thrives in dank environments, it’s best to periodically open your closet doors and allow for fresh air to circulate. This extends to your clothing, too. While plastic dry cleaning bags can work wonders for keeping your clothes unwrinkled, they can also trap humidity and encourage mold growth.

Take Your Hamper Out of The Closet

If you have a laundry room that stays open and has proper airflow, then that’s the best place for your clothes hamper. If you do keep your hamper and dirty clothes in the closet, you’ll want to make sure that nothing is damp or wet at the very least, as mold spores can spread rapidly in this kind of environment.

Clear the Floor

If possible, try to keep your closet floor completely clear of any items, especially storage bins and shoe boxes. Mold can easily spread in these containers, especially if they’re not moved often. It’s very common in the case of a plumbing leak for mold to cling to these types of surfaces, so clear the floor and don’t give mold a chance to cohabitate with your clothes!

Regular Light Cleaning Is Key

By far one of the best ways to keep mold out of your closets long term is to regularly clean them out, check for signs of growth, toss any items you don’t need or use anymore, and clean all surfaces. A simple wipe-down and some vacuuming really go a long way, especially if you leave your closet doors open for a few hours before putting everything away.

Turn On a Light

This may sound strange or out of place given some of the other steps on this list, but it really works. A simple "low-wattage light" will put off enough heat to dry out your closet and keep mold from forming. Home Stratosphere agrees and strongly recommends keeping all clothing and flammable items away from the bulb. Leaving the light on for six hours a day should be enough to keep mold away.

Conclusion

While it’s easy for mold to form and spread in your closets, it’s also very simple to clear it out and prevent it from ever coming back. By following these steps and staying vigilant, you’ll be able to keep mold out of your closets and enjoy fresher, cleaner clothes.

Sources

• https://cleanmyspace.com/mold/
• https://www.homestratosphere.com/how-to-prevent-mildew-in-closets/