In this article, you will learn how to prevent mold on clothes in closet by using desiccants or dehumidifying items. We included several points on mold identification and removal in this article, so read until the end!
Mold On Closet Clothes
Mold can devastate any of your belongings, from your furniture to your clothes. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Familiarize yourself with the signs and effects of mold on clothes to help prevent future circumstances of extensive mold damage.
What is the smell of moldy clothes?
Moldy clothes smell musty, like a damp cloth stored too early. The pungent smell of mildewed clothes is due to the off-gases the mold produces. The off-gases are called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC).
The water-damaged porous material causes these MVOCs. In this case, it may be due to your water damaging your closet. It may also be due to your damp clothes.
For mold growth in a closet, this article about the causes of mold may help clarify some things for you. However, if you are sure that the clothes are the root cause, read this article until the end.
Just a heads-up, black mold is more intense and harmful. The Stachybotrys stain is incredibly potent, and its off-gas produces toxins.
What are the effects of moldy clothes on people?
Moldy clothes lead to the same symptoms as with your other mold-damaged belongings. However, being near it may be more damaging to you.
For those who are susceptible to mold, the effects of moldy clothes may be more pronounced. The ones susceptible to mold are children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Those who have respiratory and immune system issues are also vulnerable to mold.
The symptoms in response to mold may range from mild to severe allergic reactions. Mild symptoms include rash and itchy or watery eyes.
Moderate symptoms include itchiness and breathing difficulties. Severe ones may range from breathing difficulties to diarrhea.
What are the signs of mold on closet clothes?
One glaring sign of moldy closet clothes is the mold symptoms you may experience. Another way to identify mold on clothes is the smell.
Since clothes are stored in a closed space, the smell is more contained within the area. Hence, when you open your closet, you’re unlikely to miss the smell.
Mold on clothes is also easy to spot due to its effect on clothes. It leaves a discolored spot and has a fuzzy texture; you definitely won’t overlook it. Removing mold from clothes is necessary, so here’s an article about mold removal on clothes.
Ways On Preventing Mold On Closet Clothes
Mold removal is crucial, but mold prevention should hold more importance. Here are ways to do that:
1. Ensure the clothes are dry
Mold thrives on damp surfaces, so mold prevention includes ensuring that your clothes are fully dry. If you store your clothes when they’re wet, they’ll be mold-ridden the next time you find them.
To dry your clothes, let them hang on the clothesline under the sun. If it’s rainy outside, use a fan or a blowdryer to dry them.
2. Consider desiccants
Since mold on clothes may also be due to mold on closets, it will be helpful for you to consider using desiccants to maintain a state of dryness in your closet. The most common desiccant in the market is silica gel.
Those small packs that come with your shoes or other belongings are silica gel. You can also buy bigger packages, which are better if you wish to put them in your closet.
You can also use mothballs, although they aren’t technically desiccants. Most households use them because they keep away mold and moths, which are damaging to clothes. The downside of using this is the smell they leave on clothes.
3. Use dehumidifying items
If you do not want to use desiccants, here are other items that may help dehumidify the clothes in your closet.
4. Kitty litter
This is an excellent alternative to desiccants, especially if you have pets. Just put a small amount of kitty litter in a bowl and place it inside your wardrobe.
It is effective in absorbing moisture as well as preventing odors. So, really you’re hitting two birds with one stone here.
5. Dehumidifier
Another option is to use a dehumidifier. It is a well-known equipment that absorbs moisture and maintains the humidity levels in your room. However, it runs on electricity and may not be as eco-friendly as the other options.
6. Charcoal bricks
Charcoal is considered a desiccant, although not a commercial one. Charcoal is an effective way to wick moisture and neutralize the musty smell.
To use this, wrap the charcoal bricks in a cloth. Then, store it in the closet.
Conclusion
Knowing how to prevent mold on clothes in the closet is an excellent way to avoid extensive mold damage in the future. As you know, mold may start off in one place, but it can easily be transferred on other surfaces.
If you wear moldy clothes, they may get into the furniture of your house. From the furniture, mold may spread to the walls, and so on.