how do i keep my clothes from molding in my closet

^{How to Prevent Mold Growing in Closets: 10 Simple Strategies}

1. Keep Things Clean and Dry. Mold feeds on dirt in fabric fibers, so resist the temptation to toss soiled clothes back into the closet.
2. Stay Away From Plastics. Remove clothes from dry-cleaning bags as soon as possible. Their polyethylene composition traps humidity around fibers, and the dampness encourages mold growth.
3. Elevate Things on the Floor. Move things currently stored on the closet floor to shelves. ...
4. Keep the Doors Closed. This tip is especially important when our Chicago weather gets humid. ...
5. Clean Closets Regularly. Make this job more than a part of your spring cleaning routine. Every few months, move things out, dust shelves, and run the vacuum.
Don’t Ignore Musty Smells. Trust your nose. If the closet smells musty and moldy, dig around until you locate the source. ...
Set Out Silica Packs. When we’re asked about what absorbs moisture in closets, we recommend silica gel packs. ...
Leave the Light On. Mold needs moisture to live, but the warmth from a low wattage light bulb can help keep the closet dry.
Trade Wood for Wire. Replace wood shelves with wire shelving so that closet air can circulate freely. Lightweight wire shelves are also more mold-resistant than traditional wood shelving.
Upgrade to Louvered Doors. If you don’t have a humidity problem at the house, consider upgrading to louvered closet doors. ...

How do you keep mold away from closets?

To keep mold away from closets and their contents, the EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent and ideally between 30 and 50 percent. Other ways to keep your closets dry and mold-free include: Clothes should be 100% dry before being set in the closet.

How do I get rid of mold in my clothes?

If your clothes are still damp, hang them in a well-ventilated place until completely dry. All of this also applies to sweaty gym clothes. Sweat is still moisture, and mold isn’t picky about where it grows. Dry your damp clothes before you throw them in the laundry hamper! 2. Clean Your Shelves At Least Every Month

How do you keep your closet clean?

Keep closet doors closed to damp air, and deny mold the moisture it needs to grow. Power Tip: If humidity is a problem in your home, consider using a dehumidifier specially designed for closets. 5. Clean Closets Regularly Make this job more than a part of your spring cleaning routine.

Why do my closet shelves have mold?

Aside from humidity, the biggest culprit of causing mold is a lack of airflow. Pair that with heavy shelving made from wood, which absorbs and holds moisture, and you have a perfect recipe for mold growth. Replacing your wooden closet shelves with wire structures will make all the difference.

Why is mold growing on my clothes in my closet?

The moisture in clothing can accelerate mold growth. Store only clean clothing and items in closets as dirt and other organic substances are potential food sources for mold. Don't pack clothes or other items too tightly in closets. Allow air to circulate between them to reduce moisture.

How do I keep moisture out of my closet?

Silica packs or equivalent products can be placed in your closet to reduce humidity levels. These packs contain anhydrous calcium sulfate, which acts to absorb moisture from surrounding areas.

What kills mold in closets?

You can get rid of mold in your closet with bleach or vinegar. To keep mold from coming back, address the source of moisture in the closet, which could include leaks, high humidity, or wet clothes.

Does baking soda absorb moisture in closet?

The growth can attribute to the odors in a closet. To combat mold and mildew, you need to remove the dampness from the cabinets. Baking soda can help absorb the moisture and also the foul odors on soft surfaces. The first step is to remove all clothing and hangers from your closet.

How do you prevent mold in high humidity?

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew from FormingKeep Air Cool. Keeping the air inside your building cool is a great way to reduce airborne water vapor. ... Increase Airflow. Another benefit of an HVAC system or air conditioner is that, in addition to providing cool air, it helps increase airflow. ... Use a Dehumidifier. ... Heat the Floor.

Should you throw out moldy clothes?

No matter how it happens, once mold has gotten into your clothes, you officially have a problem. The good is news is that you're not necessarily going to have to throw everything away. With some persistence and quick action, you can rid those clothes of mold so they're safe to wear again.

Can moldy clothes be saved?

Various methods can be used to remove mold. Try hand washing, dry cleaning or using a machine to clean your clothes. Borax, baking soda, tea tree oil or using hydrogen peroxide are common and natural ways of killing the spores. Alternatively, bleach and regular mold-killing detergents can also be used.

How do you stop mold from growing?

To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store.

Is mold in closet dangerous?

Yes. Inhaling and touching toxic mold can cause allergic reactions in you and your family. Mold can also grow on and destroy your clothes. In the c...

Is mold in closets common?

Not as common as mold in the kitchen or bathroom. But if you tend to hang wet clothes in your closet, then you are more at risk. Mold is not a sign...

Can mold in a closet make you sick?

Yes. Mold in your closet can cause hay fever symptoms, trouble sleeping, headaches, and other allergic reactions. Remove mold at the first sign.

How to keep mold out of closet?

Stopping mold means stopping moisture. To keep mold away from closets and their contents, the EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent and ideally between 30 and 50 percent. Other ways to keep your closets dry and mold-free include: Clothes should be 100% dry before being set in the closet.

How can I get rid of mold in my closet?

How to Remove Mold in the Closet 1 Ensure the room is well-ventilated. Open windows and circulate fans in the area. 2 Cover any furniture or belongings (or remove them from the room). 3 Place a drop cloth or plastic covering to protect carpet or flooring. 4 Suit up: wear protective gear to avoid getting mold on your skin, in your eyes, or breathing it in. 5 Dampen the mold. This step sounds counterintuitive, but to keep mold spores from blowing around the room while you work, a bit of moisture is key. 6 Mix your cleaning solution, as per CDC and EPA guidelines, and scrub the mold away. 7 Rinse (with a spray bottle) and thoroughly dry the closet area. 8 Focus on mold prevention. Keep humidity low to prevent the mold from returning.

Why is mold in closets bad?

It can aggravate existing respiratory problems and cause headaches, runny noses and itchy eyes. People with compromised immune systems are susceptible to mold-related health issues.

What to do if your closet smells musty?

Trust your nose. If the closet smells musty and moldy, dig around until you locate the source. It may be growing behind the walls, so consider bringing in a certified mold remediation contractor.

What causes moisture in the attic?

Leaky pipes behind your walls can be a hidden source of moisture in your home. Problems with plumbing can provide the moisture mold needs to grow in a closet near a bathroom or kitchen. 2. Attic Mold. Roof leaks or humidity can add moisture to your attic.

Why do closet doors stay closed?

Closet doors usually stay closed, so any humidity in the air can be trapped there. This can be a problem in the summer as well as in regions with high humidity the majority of the year.

How to remove mold from shoes?

It’s possible to remove mold from clothes and shoes by washing with vinegar instead of detergent to remove the smell or by brushing mold away outside before washing with detergent in hot water and drying in the sun.