How to Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Closets

Jessica Parsons • May 16, 2022

The sight or smell of mold in your custom closets is something you don't want to encounter. Not only is mold disgusting and smelly, but it can pose a health threat to you and your family. Here are some things you can do to prevent this unwelcome intruder from gaining a foothold in your closets.

Repair plumbing leaks
Clean regularly
Store clothes properly
Respond to musty odors
Take moisture-absorbing precautions
Get a dehumidifier

Take Care of All Leaks to Prevent Mold in the Closet

It sounds like common sense that leaks should be repaired, but not all leaks seem like an emergency. If you have a quiet steady drip coming from the kitchen sink, you might not want to get that fixed right away. The fact is, however, even a small leak can cost you a lot of money over the long run and should be addressed immediately.

It’s especially important to be aware of any hidden leaks somewhere within your walls. If there are damaged pipes above or behind your closets, water could leak into the dark space where you keep your clothes - a breeding ground for mold.

To check for hidden leaks, turn off all faucets in the house and take note of the reading on your water meter. Leave everything off, then check the meter again in about an hour. If the reading has changed, then there’s likely a leaky pipe within the walls, and a good time to call a plumber.

Keep the Closet Clean

Mold loves dirty clothes. Feeding off the dirt contained within fabric fibers, mold can flourish in closets containing shirts and pants that have been worn a few times without being washed. Even shirts that pass the “underarm test” should probably head to the laundry instead of being placed on a hanger.

In addition to keeping a closet free of dirty clothing, you’ll want to clean it on a regular basis. Periodically cleaning out a closet serves two purposes: it creates an environment that’s uninviting to mold and mildew, and it gives you the opportunity to check for mold growth so you can stop it before it gets out of hand.

Safely Store Your Clothes

If you're in the habit of keeping some items of clothing stored in tightly sealed plastic bags, now would be a good time to stop. Plastic tends to trap moisture, encouraging mold growth. It’s also important to make sure clothing is dry before storing.

Avoid leaving items on the floor. Don’t ever pile clothes on the floor (no matter how convenient), and even neatly folded items on the floor should be placed up onto shelves or hung.

Don’t Ignore Musty Smells

Trust yourself. If you notice an odor coming from your closet or clothes that seems a little rank, there might be something going on. Instead of ignoring it and hoping it goes away, do some investigating around your closet. You might find the source of the smell with a little research, but if you can’t locate anything specific, there’s a good chance the smell is coming from within the walls, and a plumber might have to be summoned.

Remove Ambient Moisture

If you’ve discovered mold growth in your closet, you’ll need to eliminate it as quickly as you can. Hunker.com has helpful hints here on how to do so. To prevent the mold from returning, you’ll need to make sure everything within your closet is nice and dry.

In humid weather, it’s wise to keep the closet doors closed so the moist air is kept out. To further protect your closet, silica packets are a tried-and-true means of removing moisture from the surrounding air. Other items that serve a similar purpose include baking soda and activated charcoal. Likewise, a low-wattage light bulb can create just enough warmth in a closet to encourage a dry, mold-free, environment.

Dehumidify the Air

In humid weather, your whole home could probably benefit from the presence of a dehumidifier. They’re effective at making the home more comfortable and can help those who suffer from allergies by reducing the presence of mold throughout the house.

Placing a humidifier near your closet doors will perform the same function while providing additional protection for your closet.

Conclusion

Mold is bad everywhere, but it’s especially pernicious when located within your closets. Not only does it create a musty, unpleasant smell in your home, but that same smell follows you all day long trapped within your clothes!

If detected and addressed in time, mold can be eliminated relatively easily. Furthermore, by taking these simple steps, you can protect your closets (and your clothes) from mold’s deleterious effects now and far into the future.