I have found mildew on shoes and a leather jacket in 2 of my closets. Many of our coats smell of mildew too. These closets both are on the wall running through a bedroom and a bathroom. It was an outside wall, but is now inside an unheated garage. Our house is very humid as well.
I hesitate to use a dehumidifier as they use too much electricity. Any suggestions to get rid of the mildew and humidity? Help please.
Saving those silica packets that come with nearly everything are great to throw back for things like this. Since they do control moisture i always save them for such things. as far as shoes etc.I place the packet in the box that I will store them in and for the pocketbooks and bags I simply tuck it in the zippered compartment out of site. Carla
We had this problem but I found a simple idea you should try. I watched a home repair show that explained that the steam from a shower can travel through the house and will condense in the coldest part of the house -- even if the cold part is on the other side of the house.
I replaced the switch on our bathroom fan with a timer switch. Now whenever someone takes a shower, they are under strict instructions to set the timer for at least 20 minutes. This has greatly reduced the overall humidity in the house.
In our case, the coldest part of the house was the back closet. No steam going through the house equals no dampness for the mildew to grow in. The closet no longer feels damp or smells.
The timer switch was $20 and I was able to install it myself. You should either be able to do it yourself or find someone who can be bribed with cookies.
Mom has the right idea. However, if you do not have that kind of money, for now, go to an RV shop or storage unit office. They might sell it elsewhere, but I have not seen it anywhere but these two places. They have something called "DryZair" and it's a crystal type substance that you can put in a hanger designed for a rod, or just in a bowl.
When the bowl if wet with no more crystals in it, you have dryer closets and storage units. You have to keep replacing it, but it's cheap.
I would also clean all the shoes and clothes, and hang the clothes in see through protective zipper hangers and put your shoes in see through boxes...both of which can be purchased through the dollar stores. Good luck
I would start by making sure you have no leaky pipes or roof anywhere. if so, fix them. Then I would get a dehumidifier. While it is running, leave the closet doors open. You may also need to instal a exaust fan in your bathrooms and kitchen as well.
You may also need to install a vapor barrier in your outside walls and floor.
This pages has been archived 1 time. You can view older posts and feedback below.
Request: Dampness and Mildew in a Closet (10/27/2009)
When I opened my closet today, there is a strong smell of musty mildew. This has not been there before, although two times this winter, the sleeve on my sweater was damp when I took it out of the closet.
Post Feedback:
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Archives:
Request: Dampness and Mildew in a Closet
Archived on 10/27/2009
When I opened my closet today, there is a strong smell of musty mildew. This has not been there before, although two times this winter, the sleeve on my sweater was damp when I took it out of the closet. The sleeve was facing the back of the closet, which is an outside wall.
I have lived here two years, and the closet has always smelled fresh. Now today, I cannot stand to open the door! I can find no sign of water leakage in there at all. I don't have money to hire a carpenter, and my husband is disabled. Does anyone have any ideas? What can I do about this smell, that will ruin our clothing?
Julie from Southwestern, Minnesota
Feedback:
RE: Dampness and Mildew in a Closet
There is moisture coming from somewhere. Is there a bathroom / water heater / kitchen on the other side of the closet? Or possibly above it? Maybe there is a leak above the room, in the roof? Or do you have a small crack in your foundation, that would let the moisture in? Where ever the leak is, it needs to be fixed. Moisture could result in toxic mold which endangers you and your family's health, as well as costs thousands to remove. See if you can find a friend / family member to help inspect it. There may be a public service that may help since your husband is disabled. I really hope this article will help you, it's not just about a smell anymore. Good luck. Check with your disability / health dept. there may be a low cost/free testing
How do I tell if I have a mold problem?
Investigate don't test. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.
I had a mildew odor and dampness in my closet. I took a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and sprayed the carpet and the wall, you want to get it pretty wet. The smell of the alcohol will be a little strong, but it will kill the mold and the alcohol will evaporate the water. (02/24/2007)
By TMAHVAN
RE: Dampness and Mildew in a Closet
I'm pretty sure the damp sweater is a sign of water leakage. You should really get it checked out before the damage becomes too expensive to repair. Is there someone at a local church who might be willing to help out? Or perhaps a construction class at a vocational school? (02/26/2007)
The dampness is from the contact of the warmer fiber against the cold wall; it's a condensation from two extremes. The wall will need better insulation. Meanwhile make sure there is air flow and no objects touching a perimeter wall to avoid. Closets are bad for this, I've learned the hard way. (02/26/2007)
