There’s loads of advice for homeowners regarding mould prevention tips and cleaning suggestions, but much of this advice seems to focus on the type of mould that appears in bathrooms and kitchens. There are very few resources out there that look at mould in wardrobes, and many people don’t even realise that this is something they should be keeping an eye out for at home. Mould in wardrobes derives from two main factors: condensation and damp clothing. So how do you get rid of it? Here’s your guide to understanding more about this type of mould and getting rid of it for good.
Why should damp in wardrobe furniture not be ignored?
It’s better to try and follow our tips to prevent damp in your wardrobe in the first instance. However, if you do notice some damp in wardrobe furniture and other places in your home, it shouldn’t be ignored. Damp usually leads to mould, which can lead to, or irritate, health conditions such as chest tightness, coughing, or even asthma in the worst cases. Some age groups are more vulnerable than others, but it’s never worth taking the risk. Other people can even suffer from mould allergies, in which case their reaction could be more serious. With the rainy UK climate, it’s not a surprise that damp and mould might thrive in our wardrobes, but it’s definitely best kept in check.
Why does mould in a wardrobe need special attention?
When dealing with bathroom mould, bleach products such as Domestos, are the best removal methods. However, when it comes to wardrobes, bleach may not be appropriate for a particular material, or for a delicate wood or finish. Even when diluted, bleach is a very strong substance, and it could eat away at the protective gloss on your wardrobe, create damage to the wood, or cause discolouration. For wooden surfaces and vulnerable materials, it’s always best to use as gentle a cleaning solution as possible. This is why preventing mould in wardrobes takes a little extra care.
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How to stop mould in a wardrobe
The first step in stopping mould is removing any mould that is already present in your wardrobe. An alternative to using bleach on wooden surfaces is to use white vinegar. Always test any product in a small area first before continuing.
Pro Tip: Check out our comprehensive guide on how to remove mould and mildew from fabrics.
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1
Use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution
Treat with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. This will remove the very outer layer of the mould, removing any black residue.
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2
Wipe the solution over the affected surfaces with a cloth
Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe over the affected surfaces. It may now look as if the mould has completely gone, but there may still be spores remaining deeper down.
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3
Treat with undiluted vinegar and leave to dry
This should be treated with undiluted vinegar and left to dry.
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Rinse the surfaces with cold water and then towel-dry
The surfaces of your wardrobe can then be rinsed with cold water, and towel-dried. This should kill off all mould that’s already growing inside the wardrobe.
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Does mould in wardrobe grow on clothes?
Mould in a wardrobe can indeed grow on clothes. Mould requires a combination of moisture, darkness, and organic material to thrive, and clothing provides an ideal environment for mould growth. If clothes are stored in a damp or poorly ventilated wardrobe, especially if they are made of natural fibres like cotton or wool, they can become a breeding ground for mould. Mould spores can land on the clothes and grow, leading to discoloration, musty odours, and even deterioration of the fabric. To prevent mould growth on clothes, it is important to ensure proper ventilation, control humidity levels, and store clothing in a clean and dry condition.
How to Clean Mould in Your Wardrobe?
Identify The Affected Areas
The first step to cleaning mould in your wardrobe is to identify the affected areas. Check the walls, floors, and any other surfaces of the wardrobe. Look out for discoloured patches, a musty smell, and signs of moisture. Ensure you wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothing when handling mould as it's harmful to your health.
Remove The Clothes
Take out all the clothes from the wardrobe and inspect them for any signs of mould. If you notice mould growth on your clothes, put them in a plastic bag and take them outside. Brush off any visible mould with a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Wash the clothes with hot water and add bleach or vinegar to the wash cycle to kill any remaining mould spores.
Clean The Wardrobe
Once you have removed the clothes, the next step is to clean the wardrobe. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar or bleach in a spray bottle and spray it on the affected areas. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the mould. Scrub the mould with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge and rinse with clean water. Use a cloth to dry the wardrobe and leave it open to air dry.
Now, you’ll want to employ some simple prevention tactics:
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Move your wardrobe out a few centimetres from the wall to prevent condensation from seeping into the cupboards.
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Never hang damp clothing in your wardrobe. Always ensure that it is completely dry before putting it away.
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Don’t overfill your wardrobe. If clothes are tight up against each other, mould can grow from the fibres of one item to another, encouraging the spread of spores.
