How to Control and Keep Moisture Out of Closets

Moisture in a closet causes a lot of damage. Mold and musty smells can quickly spread throughout a closet holding a lot of moisture. Because the air in most closets is cooler than the rooms in a home, this is the perfect breeding area for mold and mildew. The mold can grow on the walls in the closet and can spread to clothes and other items in the closet. If this gets out of control it can be very costly.

• Leave your closet doors open. The heat from the rest of the house makes the closet the perfect temperature, and this reduces the moisture in the closet.


• Turn the light on in your closet. If you do not have a light in your closet, consider putting a small lamp in the closet. You should leave it on for several hours during the day. This heats up the closet, which cuts down on mold.


• Wrap any cold water pipes that are located inside the closet. This helps keep the temperature higher inside the closet which cuts down on moisture in the closet.


• Purchase a small a dehumidifier for inside the closet. The unit keeps moisture from the enclosed area. This moisture collects in a small tray or compartment that can be poured out.


• Avoid hanging damp or wet clothing inside the closet. The moisture from these items causes the humidity level to rise throughout the closet. When humidity increases in a closed in area mildew and mold grows.


• Use silica packets in your closet. These gel packets absorb moisture in the air and can be placed inside of the closet. Make sure they are put on a high shelf out the reach of children and pets. 


• Avoid hanging excessive amounts of clothing in a closet. If you have a lot hanging, get rid of some of your items. It is crucial that you have enough space in your closet for air to circulate.