Proven Strategies to Keep Your Wardrobe Mould-Free

Finding mould on your clothes is unpleasant and can be bad for your health. In this post, you will explore why fungus grows in clothes cabinets. After that, you will learn how to stop mould in your wardrobe. Last but not least, you will also become familiar with some prevention tips.

Let’s dive into the steps you can take to protect your clothes and wardrobe unit.

Why is there mould in my wardrobe?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated areas. Is there any surprise then, that it loves wardrobes? Wardrobes, especially if they’re fitted against external walls, are great at trapping moisture.

You don’t get just one kind of mould, either. You can see black mould (very dangerous for your health) or white mould (not as dangerous, but still a cause for concern). Black mould appears as dark, slimy patches, whereas its white counterpart spreads quickly and can leave a powdery residue on clothes and wardrobe surfaces. Mind you, your bathroom may also have black mould, so check it.

So, what causes mould on clothes in the closet? It’s humidity. It causes mould and mould thrives in moist air. Poor ventilation and lack of sunlight make it worse. Even storing damp clothes can lead to mould.

Untreated mould damages clothes. It creates dark patches that are hard to remove. It also leaves a musty smell, which is tough to eliminate. If that isn’t bad enough, it can give you respiratory problems, skin irritation, and mould sickness.

How can you tell if your wardrobe has a mould problem? The first sign is often a musty smell inside the wardrobe. You might also spot discoloured patches on the back of the wardrobe, in corners, or at the bottom where moisture tends to gather. Worse, you might find mould directly on your clothes.

Cleaning and removing existing mould from the closet

Act fast as soon as you discover the fungus in your bedroom.

1. Sort through all clothes and items

Start by emptying your wardrobe completely. Take out all clothes, shoes, and accessories, and inspect each item for signs of mould.

For clothes affected by mould, check the care labels before you try any cleaning. Natural fabrics like cotton and wool can often be saved if treated promptly. Synthetic materials may sometimes resist mould stains. If an item has extensive mould growth, a foul smell that doesn’t budge, or visible damage to the fibres, just throw it out.

2. Inspect the wardrobe

Once you empty the wardrobe, it’s time to examine every inch.

Check the wardrobe’s interior walls, bottom panels, and corners for moisture. Then, pull it away from the wall and look behind it. You might even discover the wall has mould.

If you discover mould, cleaning it is just one part of the solution. You still need to find the cause of the problem. For example, a leaking pipe behind the wall might be seeping moisture into the wardrobe area. Condensation could be forming if the wall is poorly insulated. Don’t ignore these issues. No matter how thoroughly you clean, you will always get mould if you don’t fix the underlying problem.

Keep an eye out for signs of deeper damage in your clothes cabinet. If the affected surface feels damp to the touch or shows signs of warping or bubbling paint, you may need to repair or replace it.

3. Clean the mould with a suitable solution

You need to tailor your approach based on the material you are cleaning. The good news is you have a range of options—from natural remedies to stronger commercial treatments. Let’s go through what works best for each material.

Homemade eco-friendly solutions

If you’re looking for a natural, gentler way to clean mould, these options will do the trick.

Commercial mould removal treatments

Stubborn or widespread mould in your wardrobe may need stronger solutions. Commercial removers containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide can tackle tough infestations on hard, non-porous surfaces like laminate panels, metal hardware, painted or sealed wood and built-in mirrors.

However, these products can be harsh on delicate materials such as specific wood or plaster. Always test on a small area first. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure good ventilation when using strong chemicals.

In cases where the mould has spread significantly or you have a leak, it’s worth calling in professionals. Mould experts tackle persistent problems, safely accessing hard-to-reach areas. They find and fix root causes, like leaks, ventilation issues, or water damage.

Preventive tips to stop mould from returning

When it comes to mould, prevention is always better than the cure. Taking a few simple steps can keep your wardrobe dry and fresh, stopping mould from making a comeback.

Humidity control

Dry clothes before storing them. In damp rooms, use dehumidifiers or natural options like rice or cedar wood to control moisture. Aim for 40-60% humidity when you use a dehumidifier.

Ventilation strategies

Good airflow is another way to prevent mould in the wardrobe unit. Leave wardrobe doors open and fit vents for airflow. Use fans in small spaces and open windows whenever possible to reduce moisture.

Seasonal checks and cleaning

A little maintenance goes a long way. Make it a habit to vacuum and wipe down your wardrobe every season. This will prevent moisture from accumulating and keep mould from returning.

Smart organisation of clothes

Organise your clothes to allow airflow and prevent moisture retention. Avoid overcrowding and store off-season clothes in breathable bags.