Cart
0
You open your wardrobe, expecting fresh clothes and accessories – and instead you get hit with that damp, musty smell. Worse, you find some greenish marks on your favorite jumper.
Sound familiar? Mould has a sneaky way of finding its way in – and once it settles, it does not go away easily. Do not worry; this post will share effective and easy-to-do tips to prevent mould in your wardrobe.
Everyday Habits that Help Prevent Mould in Wardrobe
Wardrobes are often tightly packed and poorly ventilated, making them easy targets for trapped moisture. When this damp air has nowhere to escape, it nurtures the perfect breeding ground for mould.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent mould before it takes hold of your wardrobe.
#1. Do Not Overload Your Wardrobe
It is tempting to squeeze everything in, especially when space is tight. But packed wardrobes hold in moisture. Air cannot move between clothes, which makes it easy for damp to build up.
Leave a little space between hangers and avoid piling clothes to the top shelf. This simple habit helps prevent mould and keeps your wardrobe smelling clean for longer.
#2. Make Sure Everything Is Fully Dry
Even a little bit of moisture is enough to trigger mould. Make sure clothes are fully dry before putting them away. That includes items fresh from ironing—let them cool and air out for a bit first.
Jumpers, jeans, and heavy layers hold water longer than you think. Tuck a clean dry towel in the bottom of your laundry basket to stop leftover moisture from transferring.
In wardrobes with mirrored panels, moisture may not be as visible right away. The reflective finish can hide damp patches, so it is worth checking the corners and backs of shelves now and then.
#3. Place Moisture Absorbers Inside
If your wardrobe feels damp or smells musty, it is a sign moisture is building up somewhere. One of the simplest ways to deal with it is to use moisture absorbers.
You do not need to spend a fortune. In fact, you might already have some of these at home:
-
Silica gel – absorbs moisture
-
Activated Charcoal – good for odour control
-
Camphor or mothballs – repel bugs and moisture
Place them in corners or at the bottom of your wardrobe. Avoid direct contact with clothes, and swap them out every few weeks for best results.
These small fixes go a long way to prevent both mould and smell from building up.
#4. Air Out Your Wardrobe
Fresh air is your best defence against mould. Open your wardrobe doors fully at least once a week to let moisture escape.
Sliding door wardrobes often make it easier to leave one side open during the day to let air move around. Use that to your advantage.
#5. Use a Small Dehumidifier If Needed
Sometimes the room itself is the problem. Bedrooms that get little sunlight, poor ventilation, or are close to bathrooms can hold onto moisture longer than they should.
A small plug-in dehumidifier can do the trick. Place it near your wardrobe and let it run a few hours a day.
Using a hygrometer (a humidity reader) can also help track moisture levels in the room.
Keep indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. Once it climbs higher, mould is far more likely to develop and spread.
#6. Keep an Eye on the Walls Behind
Sometimes mould is not coming from inside your wardrobe – it is creeping in from behind it. Wardrobes against cold external walls are more likely to suffer from damp buildup.
If you can, pull it slightly away from the wall. Even a gap of two or three centimetres improves air movement and reduces condensation.
#7. Lift Your Wardrobe Off the Carpet
If your wardrobe sits directly on carpet, the fibres underneath may trap dampness, especially after a wet spell.
Place small rubber spacers under the corners to lift it slightly. This creates a buffer and lets the base air out properly.
#8. Use Fabric Covers for Seasonal Items
If you keep thick winter coats or special-occasion outfits stored for long periods, use fabric garment covers. Unlike plastic ones, these allow airflow while still offering protection.
Avoid vacuum-sealing anything for long stretches. While it saves space, it also seals in any existing moisture, which mould loves. Rotate stored items every couple of months so nothing sits untouched for too long.
How to Remove Mould from Your Wardrobe (If It is Already There)
If your wardrobe already shows signs of mould, act quickly to stop it from spreading. Follow these steps to clean it up and prevent it from coming back.
Step 1: Clear Out Your Wardrobe
Take everything out – clothes, boxes, shoes, even the smallest items. Check each piece for any sign of mould or musty smell.
If any clothes are affected, wash them right away in warm water with a bit of white vinegar or a mould-fighting detergent. For delicate fabrics, dry cleaning may be a safer option.
Leave the wardrobe empty for a few hours so air can circulate before you begin cleaning.
Step 2: Use A Mild Cleaning Solution
Mould is stubborn, but harsh chemicals are not always necessary. A reliable mix is equal parts white vinegar and water. It is safe for most wardrobe surfaces and strong enough to kill mould spores.
For stronger cases, add a few drops of tea tree oil or a splash of mild dish soap to the solution. Avoid bleach unless the mould is severe and the material can handle it.
Step 3: Wipe Every Surface of Your Wardrobe
Using a soft cloth or sponge, wipe the entire interior. Do not focus only on the dark spots – treat every area where mould could be hiding.
Reach behind rails, along the back panel, under shelves, and into the corners. Wipe slowly and thoroughly. If the surface is textured, go over it a second time.
Once done, wipe your wardrobe again with a clean, dry cloth. Leaving moisture behind only invites mould back.
Step 4: Let Everything Dry Before Putting It Back
Once cleaned, leave the wardrobe open for as long as possible – at least until every surface feels dry to the touch. Use a fan or open a window to speed it up if needed.
Only return clothes and items that are completely dry. Check each one carefully to avoid reintroducing moisture into the clean space.
Upgrade to Smarter Wardrobes That Keep Damp Out
If mould keeps coming back, it might be time to upgrade to a smarter solution. At the UK’s top-rated furniture store, Sliding Door Wardrobe, we offer the perfect blend of style and everyday function.
Our wardrobes are not just easy on the eyes. They are designed to help reduce moisture and keep mould away, with smart ventilation features and solid materials that work behind the scenes.
Have a look at our premium wardrobe collection today. Find a wardrobe that keeps your space stylish, and your clothes fresh.
