If you find out that your closet smells musty, then it is highly possible that you have discovered mold growing on the walls, floors, shelves, or even your clothes. Mold is an unpleasant discovery & is not considered good at all, particularly in the space where you store your clothes. Getting rid of the visible mold growth as well as fixing the underlying problems that led to mold growth will help you to solve the issue. Mold can grow anywhere with the right conditions, which may also include your closet. Moisture is needed for mold spores to grow, therefore, mold growth in the closet means that there is a source of moisture somewhere in that part of your home. Some of the main causes of mold in closets include the following:
- Plumbing leaks.
- Ceiling leaks.
- High humidity.
- Wet clothes in the closet.
Identifying or recognizing the source of the mold in your closet is extremely important. You will need to correct the issue going forward in order to keep the mold from coming back as soon as you clean up the existing mold problem.
Getting Rid Of Mold In A Closet
- Vinegar Or Bleach
In order to get rid of the mold from closet surfaces, you can use vinegar or bleach, however, make sure never to combine the two or use them one after the other. The combination will create a very dangerous gas. Don't combine bleach with other cleaning products either, particularly ammonia. Always ventilate the space well where you are going to clean up the mold. - Inspect All Surfaces To Find Out Molds
Take out all the clothes from the closet before inspecting all surfaces in order to find all of the molds. Then, you need to prepare your cleaning solution. If you are using vinegar, then make sure to place it in a spray bottle. If you are using bleach, then it is important to dilute one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. - Wipe Down The Surfaces
Wipe down the surfaces where you find out the mold before scrubbing tough mold areas. If the mold doesn't come up immediately, then you need to apply more of the cleaner and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing again. Wipe the area with the help of a clean cloth and water and dry all surfaces well. Allow it to air dry longer before you put your clothes back in the closet.
Preventing Future Mold
Getting rid of the existing mold is only a temporary solution if in case you still have a moisture issue in your closet. Finding as well as fixing the source of the moisture is important for long-term closet mold removal. Some potential fixes when it comes to long-term mold control include the following:
- Fix Plumbing Leaks: If hidden plumbing leaks in the walls is the main reason for mold issues, then you need to hire a plumber to find as well as repair them immediately.
- Fix Ceiling And Roof Leaks: For moisture coming from above, you might need to make repairs to your roof in order to stop the water from entering your closet.
- Run A Dehumidifier: Tackle general high humidity in your home using a dehumidifier near your closet.
- Keep Clothes Dry: It is important not to keep wet clothes in your closet. Not only can the clothes mold, however, the moisture can also be the main reason for the mold to grow on other surfaces.
- Store Clothes Properly: Prevent sealing clothes tightly in plastic, which, in turn, can trap moisture as well as cause mold growth. Keep away from piling clothes on the floor, where moisture can get trapped.
- Air It Out: Open up your closet doors on a regular interval in order to let fresh air in and moisture out of the space.
- Clean Regularly: Pulling your clothes out of your closet as well as cleaning well allows you to check for mold regularly.
- Absorb Moisture: Place silica packets, baking soda, activated charcoal, as well as similar moisture-absorbing products in your closet in order to absorb excess moisture.