How do you keep clothes from getting moldy in storage?

14 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Closets Store Dry Items. ... Keep Clothing Clean. ... Air Out and Deep Clean Closets. ... Spray Vinegar on Surfaces. ... Leave Space Between Clothing. ... Search for Water Leaks. ... Dry Wet Areas Quickly. ... Keep Plastic Bags Away. More items... •

innovativehomestorage.com - 14 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Closets

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Your custom closets provide the ideal environment for mold to flourish - dark, damp, and enclosed with no airflow. Mold spores spread quickly through the air to everything nearby, including carpets, upholstery, clothing, shoes, paper, food, etc. The best way to eradicate mold is to reduce your closet’s moisture and humidity levels. Moisture is the “food” that fuels mold growth. If you reduce the dampness in your custom closets, you remove what makes mold thrive. This article discusses the steps you can take to halt mold spores from spreading throughout your custom closets. Mold is a common adversary for homeowners. A type of fungus, mold can be harmless in small amounts. However, when mold reproduces and spreads throughout your house, it can damage your home and everything inside.

1. Store Dry Items

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.

2. Keep Clothing Clean

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.

3. Air Out and Deep Clean 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.

4. Spray Vinegar on Surfaces

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.

5. Leave Space Between Clothing

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.

6. Search for Water Leaks

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.

7. Dry Wet Areas 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.

8. Keep Plastic Bags Away

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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.

9. Control Humidity Levels

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.

10. Open the Doors

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.

11. Use Moisture-Absorbing Products

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.

12. Turn on a Light

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.

13. Clear the Floors

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

14. Remove Carpets

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.

Conclusion

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.

innovativehomestorage.com - 14 Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Closets

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