Do you have difficulty dealing with mildew smell? Worry not, because we will help you know how to get rid of mildew smell in closet in a few simple steps.
What Is Mildew?
Mildew can grow on a variety of surfaces. Mold produces a thin, black (or sometimes white) growth, and they are basic plants that belong to the fungus family.
Molds are always present in the air, but mildew-causing molds require moisture and specific temperatures to flourish. They thrive in hot, humid summer conditions, especially in enclosed spaces.
These molds will grow on anything that provides them with adequate nourishment. They thrive on cotton, linen, rayon, silk, wool, leather, wood, and paper the most in homes.
Many synthetic fabrics are mildew resistant. Mildew-causing molds thrive in wet, warm, poorly lit, and airless environments, such as cellars, crawl spaces in houses without basements, and garment closets.
It’s also on basement recreation room drapes and rugs, shower curtains, and damp garments wrapped up for ironing. Because of the moisture in the building components, these molds are also prone to grow in a new house.
Here’s a guide on what causes mold in a closet.
How To Prevent Mildew
You can prevent mildew from growing into your home by following these simple steps:
Step #1. Cleanliness is a must. If you want to prevent mildew from growing in your home, you must make cleaning a habit.
Thus, always do a thorough cleaning, especially your closets, drawers, cabinets, dressers, and other home appliances.
Step #2. Avoid or remove moist/damp. Mildew grows from wet places, making it a home ground to grow.
Make sure that all your appliances are dry and far from moist.
Apply two coats of cement paint, colored with mineral coloring if required, to weatherproof concrete and other masonry walls above ground. It may need waterproof coatings to seal absorbent brick and other outside surfaces.
In crawl spaces under houses, spread a layer of moisture-barrier material over the dirt. You can use heavy roofing paper or polyethylene plastic film.
It is critical to have adequate ventilation. If at all feasible, avoid enclosing the crawl space.
In extreme circumstances, a fan or blower may be required to transfer the damp air from beneath the building. For an additional guide, here’s how to prevent mold on clothes in closet.
Step #3. The air should be dry. The moisture content of cool air is lower than that of warm air.
Air-conditioning systems that are appropriately installed remove moisture from the air by capturing warm air, chilling it (removing the humidity), and recirculating the cool, dry air back into the room.
Mechanical dehumidifiers are useful in spaces that aren’t air-conditioned, like the basement. You can manage the humidity using a humidistat attached to the device.
On the other hand, mechanical dehumidifiers can generate heat in a room. Keep windows and doors closed when using air conditioners or dehumidifiers.
How To Remove Mildew Smell In Closet
Step #1. To avoid additional undesirable and destructive mold growth, take extra care to get rid of musty odors as soon as feasible. If the space is adequately heated and dried, musty odors usually subside.
If the scents persist, the following procedures may be required.
Step #2. To get rid of musty odors, use chlorinated lime (also known as chloride of lime or bleaching powder). Allow this chemical to sit in the closet until all mustiness has vanished.
After that, sweep it up.
Step #3. Let air in and dry out the cabinet. It is applicable if you could dry it in heat or by the sun to ensure that it will fully dry.
Although you can use bleach to destroy and eliminate mildew, that quantity of cleaning is rarely required. If you decide to use bleach, make sure you have plenty of fresh air and put on safety gear like rubber gloves and a face mask.
Step #4. To dry mildewed wood as quickly as possible, use heat and improve air circulation. It may be necessary to replace badly infected wood, preferably with treated or naturally decay-resistant wood.
Scrub the mildewed surfaces, woodwork, and other wooden components with a mild alkali. You may use washing soda or trisodium phosphate (8 to 10 teaspoons per gallon (3.8 liters) of water) or disinfectants, such as quaternary disinfectant or pentachloro phenate.
Under various brand names, they sell these items at paint and food stores or janitors’ supply companies. Allow the wood to dry completely after properly rinsing it with clear water.
After that, use mildew-resistant paint to finish the job.
Step #5. If you have difficulty ridding off mildew smell, it is best to call for a professional’s help. You may check out this guide on how to remove mildew from outdoor wood furniture.
Conclusion
These are essential details and information to know about mildew, specifically how to get rid of mildew smell in closet. We hope we have provided you with a helpful article for your service.
In any case you need additional help, do not hesitate to ask for professional service.