The UK is current covered in snow, and it is the perfect time for jumpers and scarves, but if your warm clothes smell musty you might have mould lurking in your wardrobe. Wardrobes, as well as cupboards, tend to trap a lot of stale humid air, and if a room gets too cold it will cause condensation and create the perfect environment for mould spores to grow. Condensation is when hot air inside a home touches a cool surface to form moisture, and while it usually appears on windows, it tends to be a problem anywhere with humidity in your home.
If you do not notice wardrobe mould it will feed on clothes fibres, causing permanent stains and weakening the fabric but will also release spores into the air which can settle to other places in a room. However, the cleaning experts at Sheet Story have shared there is a easy way to prevent condensation and mould, and all you need is some baking soda from your kitchen cupboard.
They said: “Baking soda naturally absorbs the excess moisture surrounding it. Place a bowl of it into your wardrobe to prevent a mould outbreak.”
Baking soda is a simple but very effective way to prevent mould in enclosed spaces as it is highly absorbent and will draw any moisture out of the air.
Mould can also thrive in a humid environment, and baking soda is mildly antifungal so can help stop spores from being able to grow.
It is also a alkaline product, so will react to acidic odours and neutralise them, meaning it will get rid of any unpleasant musty smells on your clothes.
Baking soda is one of the best natural ways to stop mould before it becomes problem, but it should also be noted that you can also use a bag of uncooked rice for the same effect if you have that in your kitchen cupboard instead.
The expert said: “A bag of rice can also help reduce humidity in wardrobes with alarming moisture levels in the air.”
How to stop mould growing in a wardrobe or kitchen
To begin, simply clear out a wardrobe or closet so it is completely empty. Store your belongings in a safe place as you need to free up the space for a few hours.
If you wish, you can give your wardrobe a deep clean by wiping it down with white vinegar. It is a natural acid which can kill mould spores if they are starting to appear.
However, you simply need to put a bowl of baking soda (or rice) on a shelf inside the wardrobe. Leave it for around three to four hours.
When the time is up, remove the bowl and place your belongings back neatly. Piling up too much in a small space prevents air circulation, which will also trap moisture inside a wardrobe.
Then, keep an eye on your wardrobes and cupboards. As long as they are not overfilled, they should stay clean and completely mould-free for the rest of winter.
