Mold Growth: Invading Your Closets

Mold can grow anywhere in homes, including closets. Moisture can accumulate in closets, providing a breeding ground for mold growth. Thus, preventing mold in closets is a matter of keeping the closets dry. Taking mold seriously can save your health, your home from structure damage, and no one likes moldy smelling towels or clothes.

Mold Growth Health Risks

Mold can pose risks to your health as inhaling or coming into contact with mold or its spores can trigger allergic reactions, especially in individuals who are sensitive. These reactions may manifest as hay fever-like symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes.

In more severe cases, mold exposure can lead to asthma attacks in asthmatic individuals or cause respiratory issues even in those without pre-existing conditions. Prolonged exposure to mold, particularly in large quantities, can result in chronic respiratory problems, fatigue, and sometimes even neurological effects. It is crucial to address mold problems promptly by identifying the source of moisture that is facilitating its growth and taking steps to eliminate it. This might involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or using dehumidifiers to maintain a dry environment.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

• Make sure that clothes are completely dry before storing them in closets. The moisture in clothing can accelerate mold growth.
• Store only clean clothing and items in closets as dirt and other organic substances are potential food sources for mold.
• Don’t pack clothes or other items too tightly in closets. Allow air to circulate between them to reduce moisture.
• Avoid storing clothes in sealed containers like plastic tubs. Keep them in breathable packaging like a cotton sheet.
• Don’t store items on the closet floor to prevent trapping moisture underneath them.
• Choose plastic-coated wire shelves instead of solid shelves to improve air circulation.
• Leave closets open when possible. Replace solid closet doors with louvered doors for better air circulation.
• Avoid opening closets if they are in rooms with high humidity, particularly when producing moisture (e.g., showering or cooking).
• Place a low-wattage light bulb in closets, at a safe distance from clothes or other flammable items. Leave the light on for several hours. The heat from the bulb helps keep the closet and the clothing dry.
• Empty, clean, and dry closets thoroughly on occasion. Doing so ensures you keep them fresh and aired out, reducing the possibility of mold growth.
• If you have a humidity problem in your home, use the air conditioning unit or a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
• If clothes in a closet smell musty, take them out and fix the moisture problem. Learn how to remove musty smell from clothes.

Structural Damage

Mold can lead to staining, discoloration, and erosion of the material it develops on. Without removal, mold will persist in growing and spreading, resulting in additional damage.

Regular cleaning and proper ventilation can help prevent mold from establishing itself in your home. In cases of severe infestation, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance to ensure complete removal and to identify and rectify the underlying causes of moisture buildup.

When To Contact Professionals

Mold on wood is notoriously difficult to remove, often requiring professional intervention to ensure it is completely eradicated. This resilient fungus can thrive in damp, dark environments, making basements, bathrooms, and attics prime locations for its growth. Left untreated, mold can cause structural damage to buildings and pose serious health risks, including respiratory issues and allergic reactions. If you have this problem, check out how to remove mold from wood and learn more about where mold grows in homes. Contact your local PuroClean for mold remediation services and water damage repair.