14 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Closets

Allow clothes, shoes, and linens to dry completely before returning them to your closets. Even if an item is slightly damp, mold can find it. 

Mold thrives on dirt and dried food and destroys fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon, silk, and wool. Only store clean clothing in your closets.

Clean your closets regularly to ensure that they are mold-free. Remove everything from the space and check for moisture and mold. Wipe down all hard surfaces. Vacuum the floors, drawers, and cabinets. If necessary, steam clean the carpets. Ensure that your closets are dry before returning your belongings.

Homestratosphere.com explains that you can fill a bottle with white vinegar and spray it on all hard surfaces in your custom closets, including walls, cabinets, and clothing rods. Leave the vinegar to dry. Diluting the vinegar with water lessens the effectiveness against mold.

Note: Make sure to remove all items from your closets before utilizing this method.

Circulating air helps stop moisture and humidity from building up. Packing clothing too close together prevents airflow. Space out your clothing so there is enough room for the air to circulate. 

Look around your closets regularly for signs of a plumbing leak. Look along the walls, floors, and ceilings for wet spots.  If you suspect a leak, shut the water off and inspect your pipes.  Repair any leaks you discover quickly.

Clean up spills, water damage, or moisture build-up in your custom closets as soon as possible. The Environmental Protection Agency advises drying wet or damp areas "within 24-48 hours" to avoid mold growth. If carpets or upholstery take longer to dry, remove or replace them.

Remove clothing from plastic dry-cleaning bags before hanging them in your closets. Plastic traps moisture and invites mold.  If you want to store a dress or suit in a garment bag, use one made of a breathable material.

If you live in a humid climate or your closet is near a bathroom or basement, removing moisture from the air is essential. The Environmental Protection Agency advises homeowners to keep indoor humidity levels between “30 and 50 percent.” To keep water away, use a dehumidifier. If space is an issue, place the dehumidifier as close to the closet entrance as possible.

Whenever possible, keep your closet doors open to allow fresh air to flow through. Use a fan to direct air to the area. If your closet is near the bathroom, keep the door closed when the shower is on.

Desiccants are calcium chloride-based materials that remove moisture from the air. Baking soda, chalk, washed charcoal, and silica gels are all common examples of items that can soak up excess water and humidity. Store the desiccants in open containers in your custom closets. However, make sure children and pets cannot access these materials.

Keep a light on for at least six hours a day to burn off any moisture in your closets. Ensure the bulbs are not near clothing or other flammable materials.

Do not store items on your closet floors. Moisture can get trapped underneath, leading to mold growth.

Carpets absorb water and take a long time to dry. If you have carpeting in your custom closets, consider removing and replacing the carpeting with area rugs, which are easier to pull in the event of a flood or water leak.

Mold is something you do not want to see in your custom closets. Not only does it produce a foul odor, but mold can destroy your clothing and other items. To prevent mold from becoming a significant burden, follow the tips outlined in this article to control moisture and humidity.

• https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
  
• https://www.homestratosphere.com/how-to-prevent-mildew-in-closets/