This $2 hack will keep your closet free of mold and damp this winter

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

As soon as fall hits, I’m faced with the problem of tackling mold and mildew in my home. It creeps up around my window sills and on my bathroom ceiling. But, apart from these common places that mold strikes, it can also seep inside your closet and damage your clothes.

Besides damaging your garments, and causing unsightly black marks in moisture-prone spots, mold can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma symptoms and irritate skin. So, it’s one hazard that shouldn’t be ignored.

While ventilating rooms can help prevent mold in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, it’s harder to apply to closets, as the idea is to keep your clothes behind doors to protect them from light and dust. What’s more, it’s much tidier to have a closed closet rather than an open clothes rack in your bedroom.

Inside a wardrobe — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

However, Melissa Denham, Interior Design Expert at Hammonds Furniture, has the answer to protect your clothes. “Nobody wants a space filled with damp and mold, which can cause a musty lingering smell on your clothes,” she says.

As a solution she suggests adding one simple item to your closet that will keep your clothes smelling fresh. “A simple $2 hanging dehumidifier bag, available in most grocery or hardware stores, can help absorb excess moisture. Many of these bags come in a variety of scents, such as linen, helping to remove dampness and keep your wardrobe smelling fresh,” she says.

Other ways to keep your closet mold free

If you’re like me and swap your spring/summer wardrobe over to your fall/winter wardrobe, at this time of year, it gives you the perfect opportunity to give your closet a deep clean. It will not only ensure your closet it dust free, but will help to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

“It’s important to regularly clean the inside of your closet to prevent damp and mold from building up. Simply wipe down the shelves, hangers and walls with a mild detergent or vinegar solution. Make sure to remove any dust or debris you can see that may attract moisture and cause a musty smell to linger on your clothes,” advises Denham.

She adds, “Use a duster to get rid of any lingering debris, and wipe both the interior and exterior of your wardrobe with a damp cloth and disinfectant spray to ensure it’s completely clean and fresh in preparation for your fall and winter attire.”

Drying clothes can also be an issue at this time of year, even if you use a clothes dryer, and she warns against storing clothes that are still damp. “You must let your clothes properly dry to minimize the risk of mold and mildew.”

Apart from Denham’s guidance above, she also recommends using one of the best dehumidifiers to control the humidity levels in your bedroom. And there’s another simple hack, which won’t cost you a dime, “Open windows regularly allowing fresh air to circulate and preventing condensation buildup,” she says.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

More from Tom's Guide

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.

Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.

Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

GET TG ACCESS QUICK

Other ways to keep your closet mold free

More from Tom's Guide