If you've ever stuck your head in a closet that hasn't been opened in a long time, you know what that musty smell means: mold.
It is important to understand the causes and prevention of mold growth in your closet and how to remove it if it occurs safely. Mold can cause damage to clothing and other items stored in closets, so taking steps early on to prevent its growth is key.
If you have recently experienced water damage or black mold growth in your home, professional water damage restoration and mold abatement services are available that specialize in removing existing molds from clothes and preventing future infestations. Don't let the fear of finding mold on your clothes keep you from getting help – contact a certified specialist today!
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. It grows in damp, warm environments and thrives on organic materials such as wood, paper, insulation, fabrics, and other household items. Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can then spread to other areas of the home or building.
Main Causes of Mold on Clothes in Closets
High Humidity Levels
High humidity levels are among the most common causes of mold growth on clothes in closets. When moisture is present, it can create an ideal environment for mold to grow and spread. This is especially true if the closet has no ventilation or air circulation. To prevent this from happening, homeowners should keep their indoor humidity levels below 50%.
Leaky Pipes or Roofs
Leaky pipes or roofs, as improbable as they may seem, lead to mold growth on clothes in closets. If water seeps through a roof or pipe into the closet space, it can cause dampness, providing an ideal breeding ground for mold spores to thrive and multiply. It’s important to repair any leaks as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potential health risks associated with exposure to black mold.
Poor Ventilation
While poor ventilation can cause issues in the closet, you're better off buying a room dehumidifier than any other solution. Opening the windows will let more moisture into the home, making problems worse in most cases. Keep your home at a fairly stable temperature. If the problem persists, a small dehumidifier is the best option to prevent condensation.
How to Prevent Mold on Clothes in Closets
Mold can be a serious problem in any home, especially when it grows on clothes in closets. Mold is caused by high humidity levels, leaky pipes or roofs, poor ventilation, and flooding or water damage. To prevent mold growth on clothes in closets, homeowners should take the following steps.
Dry Your Clothes Before Putting Them In The Closet
Have you ever put clothing up in the closet before it was dry? We've all done that at some point, even if the only damp thing was a section of the sleeve or pant leg. This is one of the worst things you can do with your clothing.
You should always ensure that your clothing is completely dry before putting it away! This is especially true if your closet isn't adequately ventilated because the moisture has nowhere to go.
An extension of this concept is to not store dirty or wet clothing in the closet with clean clothing. Wet clothing should be placed in the laundry area for quick laundering, particularly if it's clothing that's been soiled with dirt, urine, or feces.
Don't Store Clothing In Plastic
It may seem like you're helping by storing clothing you don't want to be damaged in plastic, but unless you're making sure it's completely dry and vacuum-sealing it with silica packets, you're not doing much good. The plastic you're using retains heat and moisture; even if it's sealed, the clothing can still become moldy due to humidity.
Use Moisture Control Packets
Moisture control packets are designed to hang in your closet and eliminate musty odors. These are the next best things if you don't have the option to install different doors or an exhaust fan. DampRid Moisture Absorbers are scented and can last up to 60 days in your closet, depending upon the temperature and humidity. You can check them out here.
Use Wire Instead of Wood Shelves
Wire shelving in your closet is superior to wooden shelving if you're having issues with mold on your clothes. They're lower maintenance because they allow air to move more freely within the closet.
Clean Your Shelves
Whether you have wire or wooden shelves in your closet, you should clean them at least every few months. Wire shelves can be more difficult to clean once they're dirty because of the way they're constructed, but they don't have to be cleaned as often. Solid surface shelves should be cleaned more often because there is more flat surface for dust and mold spores to stick to.
Use An Air Purifier
If you have a power outlet inside your closet, keeping a small air purifier is a great idea if the space has little to no ventilation. A walk-in closet would benefit from this best, and a decent air purifier for a small walk in closet should cost no more than $25-$40.
Keep Humidity Levels Low
High humidity levels are one of the main causes of mold growth. It’s important to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%. Homeowners can use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture and help prevent mold from growing on their clothing. If you're storing clothing in a high-humidity room like a basement, a dehumidifier could help a lot.
Check for Leaks and Repair them Immediately
Leaky pipes or roofs can also cause mold growth if not addressed quickly. Homeowners should regularly check for leaks around windowsills, ceilings, and walls where moisture could accumulate and cause problems with mold growth. If there are any signs of a leak, they should be repaired immediately before further damage occurs.
Use the Sniff Test
If you smell a musty odor in your closet, it's time for a clean-out. Maybe the closet has been shut for a long time, and nothing in it has been used, or perhaps someone put something in there that doesn't belong, like dirty clothes or a wet towel, and forgot about it. Either way, it's time to inspect and do what's needed to fix it.
Improve Ventilation in the Closet Area
You can improve ventilation in the closet by having bi-fold doors with gaps between them and the top and bottom of the door frame. This allows fresh air to get into the closet. Below is an example of the best type of closet door to install:
This door type is available in various styles to allow air into your closet. Shop around and find one that works for your home!
You can also install an exhaust fan or cooling fan in the closet. These are available for around $100-$200 and can be best if you have solid closet doors instead of slotted doors as shown above.
How to Remove Mold from Clothes in Closets
Mold growth on clothes in closets can be a severe problem. Taking the necessary steps to clean your garments and prevent mold from returning is essential. Here are some tips for freshening musty fabrics.
Remove All Clothing From The Closet
Once you've determined that your closet and the clothing in it smell of mold, it's time to do a closet cleanout; this is a good time to clean anything out of the closet and remove what you no longer need. The more items in the closet, the more area there is for dust and mold spores to settle on. You want to increase the air space in the closet so air moves more freely.
Take all of the fabric items out of the closet and prepare to wash them.
Wash and Dry All Affected Clothing Items
Wash all affected clothing items according to their care labels. After washing, dry them completely. If you can safely dry an item on high heat, use it, because it will help kill any remaining mold spores on your clothing items before they can spread further into your closet space.
Vacuum the Area Thoroughly
While your clothing is washing, it's time to vacuum. The first step in removing mold from your closet is to clean the area thoroughly, including the shelves. A vacuum with a hose attachment is best for this, as it will allow you to reach high and low areas easier. Make sure you use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner, as this will ensure that all of the spores are removed effectively.
If your closet has tile or wood flooring instead of carpet, you should also mop it. Let it dry out completely before placing any clothing items back in there, though!
Wipe Down Hard Surfaces With Disinfectant
Whether you have wire, wooden, or metal shelving, you want to clean it thoroughly with a safe disinfectant on those surfaces. White vinegar is a good natural cleaning option, but you should spot-test it first to ensure it won't discolor your shelves.
If you cannot get rid of persistent black mold or other water damage-related issues, consider hiring professional services such as Water Damage Restoration and mold Remediation. These specialists specialize in restoring homes affected by water damage or black mold growths quickly and safely without causing additional harm or disruption within your home environment.
Reorganize
Now that your clothing and closet have both been cleaned, it's time to put everything back. You can take this as an opportunity to reorganize your closet so that everything is easier to get to and that air flows easier than before.
FAQs
Should you throw out moldy clothes?
Moldy clothing should be thrown away if it's too discolored or damaged to be salvageable. Most of the time, mold can be washed out of clothing and fabric items like blankets, curtains, etc so it's no longer a health issue, but it may be too discolored by the mold to be worth saving. You can clean mold from fabrics using your own machine and dryer, but you should not attempt to salvage fabric items that cover dense foam, such as dog beds. Then you should make sure.
Can mold in a closet make you sick?
Yes, mold in a closet can make you sick. Mold spores are released into the air, and when inhaled, they can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. Moldy clothing can also cause skin rashes, even in people who don't have allergies, but people with asthma or allergies may be more sensitive to it. It is important to take action if you suspect mold growth in your home, even if it's only on clothing.
Is it normal to have mold in your closet?
No, it is not normal to have mold in your closet. Mold growth can occur when excessive moisture is present and the conditions are right for its growth. This could be due to a water leak, high humidity levels, condensation on cold surfaces such as pipes or windowsills in walk-in closets, or inadequate ventilation. Suppose you suspect you may have mold in your closet caused by water damage. In that case, you should call a professional water damage and mold remediation company to detect the damage and, if any, assess the extent of it.
Conclusion
Mold on clothes in closets can be a serious problem, but with the right preventative measures and timely removal of any mold, you can keep your closet free from mold. Use the tips and tricks mentioned here to help reduce the odds of mold growing in your closet or clothes. We prefer that you not meet the great staff at Damage Control 911 by accident.
