For many, the only thing worse than finding a spider's nest in the back of their wardrobe is finding mould. The perfect place for storing clothes and bedding in, wardrobes are also ideal for mould to grow too. Wardrobe mould typically occurs because of two reasons - damp clothing being stored and condensation being trapped in a small, poorly ventilated space.
There’s plenty of advice online for dealing with mould on ceilings and walls, but not so much for wardrobes and cupboards. If you’ve noticed signs of mould on your clothes, such as clothing with a bad smell or mould on shelving or the rear wall, it may be time to take action.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to stop mould in a wardrobe and when to consider calling in the experts at Mould Cleaning Australia.
Common Signs Of Mould In Wardrobes
Able to grow on virtually any surface, including wood, gyprock, cloth, wardrobes are especially susceptible to mould growth due to the high levels of humidity that often build up inside them. The fact that most wardrobes are made from gyprock, melamine or wood and will eventually contain cloth, fabric and leather means you need to be extra vigilant - especially in humid areas.
Common signs of mould include yellow, black or dark green spots on the walls or ceilings, a musty smell, and peeling paint. If you suspect that your wardrobe has developed mould, it's important to take action immediately in order to prevent the problem from spreading.
The main signs of mould in wardrobes include:
- Yellow spots forming on doors and shelving
- The underside of draws have spotting
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Furry patches on fabric
What To Do When You Notice Mould In A Wardrobe
When finding mould in the home, it’s always best to call in the professionals to take care of it. All too often, a small mould issue can become a much bigger one when spores are disrupted or incorrect cleaning solutions are used. With a little effort, they can get rid of mould for good and keep your wardrobe (and clothes) looking its best.
Once you've identified the source of the problem, you can take steps to address it. If the mould is due to excess humidity, try opening the doors of the wardrobe plus running a dehumidifier in the room. If the mould is due to a water leak, repair the leak and dry out the area thoroughly. Doors of any wardrobe should be opened on a regular basis to allow fresh air to circulate. In addition, try to keep your wardrobe as clean as possible by vacuum-cleaning or dusting it regularly.
Should You Clean Or Throw Away Mouldy Clothing?
If you have mould on any of your clothing or bedding, it's important to take action right away. The first step is to try to clean the item with a mild detergent and place them on the hottest washing machine setting possible (a minimum of 40 degrees celsius). If the mould is still present after washing, you may need to treat the item with a mould removal solution.
However, if the mould has already spread to multiple items, it may be best to simply throw them away. If you’re concerned about spores spreading around your home, it's important to take measures to remove any mouldy clothes or bedding as soon as possible and call in the mould remediation experts at Mould Cleaning Australia. Using the latest tools and advances in mould removal, return mould-covered belongings back to their original condition without fear of recontamination.
Which Fabrics Are Most Susceptible To Mould?
While mould is most often found in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as bathrooms and basements, it can also grow on clothing, upholstered furniture, and other porous materials. But which fabrics are most likely to succumb to mould growth?
Fabrics made from natural fibres such as cotton, silk and linen are particularly susceptible to mould growth. As these fabrics tend to hold onto moisture and are made from organic compounds, mould finds it easier to attach and grow. Leather and wood are also at risk from any mould inside wardrobes and storage units.
While synthetic fabrics such as polyester, pleather and nylon are also at risk, they are less likely to experience any permanent damage from it - but can still harbour spores. Basically, any fabric can become a host to mould if the conditions are right, which is why it’s so important to address any signs of an infestation and work to remove mould from fabric as soon as possible.
How To Prevent Mould In The Wardrobe
Mould thrives in warm and damp environments that lack airflow, so it's no surprise that it often finds its way into closets, wardrobes and storage spaces. Whether your wardrobe is built-in or free-standing, the steps to take to keep it free from mould are the same.
A few simple steps on how to stop mould in wardrobe include.
- Making sure that the wardrobe is well-ventilated, which helps to keep moisture levels down and discourage mould spores from taking hold.
- Try to keep your clothes and bedding as dry as possible. If they get wet, make sure to hang them up to dry as soon as possible.
- Avoid overfilling wardrobes with sheets, quilts and clothing as this will inhibit airflow and increase humidity.
- Empty your wardrobe every six months, dust and vacuum inside, then replace your clothing to remove any dust and spores.
- Use a dehumidifier close to the wardrobe if possible. This will help to keep humidity levels low and make the environment less hospitable for mould growth.
- For free-standing wardrobes, be sure to check behind to check the walls for any signs of mould - often seen when placed against walls that have an external side.
When To Call In The Professionals
If you suspect that there is mould in your home, especially in wardrobes and cupboards, it is important to call in the professionals rather than ignoring the problem. While small areas of mould can be easy to clean and maintain, mould on fabric, clothing and bedding can transport spores around the home, worsening the problem.
Specialising in mould removal and mould remediation services in and around Sydney, Mould Cleaning Australia has been helping keep homes and businesses in the region clean and free from mould for more than a decade. Our experienced team will assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They will also take steps to prevent mould from returning in the future.
If you are concerned about mould in your home and are unsure of the best steps to take to remove it, book a FREE, no-obligation inspection with Mould Cleaning Australia.
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