Dont Ignore Musty Smells
If you sense amusty odor, you may have mold or mildew growing inside. Dont ignore it or try to cover up the scent with an air freshener. You need to search for the source.
The musty smell may be coming from your clothes or shoes. If thats the case, then you should launder the suspected items or throw them out if they are beyond salvaging. On the other hand, if you spot mold growing on your walls, cabinets or shelves, be sure to thoroughly clean them using the vinegar or bleach methods previously discussed.
Signs Of Mold In The Closet
Having respiratory symptoms that you cant shake, headaches that are getting worse, and a musty odor in your home are unmistakable signs you have mold in your home.
Closets can be a likely culprit because theyre usually dark with back walls and corners that are difficult to see.
Sometimes black mold spores are visible on walls, so shed light on your closet walls to check. They can also be green or white.
Tips For Protecting Your Closets From Mold
When you think about mold, you probably picture a nasty fungus growing in dank basements or behind leaky pipes in the back of a cabinet. One of its favorite places to hide is inside closets. Their dark spaces and cramped conditions make closets an ideal breeding ground for fungus.
The good news is there are steps you can take to protect yourcustom closetsfrom mold, including:
- Keep Them Clean
- Make Sure Your Clothes Are Dry
- Control Humidity
- Dont Ignore Musty Smells
- Remove Your Hamper
Keep reading to learn what you can do to protect your closets from mold.
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Is Mold On Clothes Harmful
The answer to the question of whether or not mold is harmful on clothes depends on the type of clothing and the amount of mold that has formed.
A lot of clothing is made out of synthetic fabrics, which cannot support mold growth. These fabrics include nylon, acrylic, and polyester. In this case, the presence of mold will not have any ill effects on your health. However, if you have a garment made out of cotton or wool, then it may be more problematic.
The real danger from moldy clothes comes from breathing in spores from the fungus as well as touching your skin with wet hands. This can lead to health problems such as allergic reactions or rashes or infections for those who are prone to them .
Can Mold On Clothes Make You Ill
Mold has dangerous health effects that should not be ignored. Though your bodys reactions to mold depend on the amount of mold growing in your home, and the sensitivity of your current state of health, the presence of mold has long-term adverse health effects.
The Aspergillus species of mold on clothes can easily be inhaled by people and has been known to cause respiratory problems, like coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and even fever. For those who are particularly susceptible, like children, the elderly, or asthmatics, the consequences can be serious.
Other types of mold on clothes can cause skin allergies and rashes, if you are particularly sensitive. You can also suffer from fatigue, headaches, and dizziness caused by mold on clothes.
The long-term effects of having mold on clothes, and in your home, can lead to a weakened immune system and recurring ill-health that could indirectly lead to severe infections like tuberculosis, and thus must be remedied as quickly as possible.
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Dealing With Closet Mold In The Chicago Il Area We Can Help
Mold can show up in the cleanest homes and sneak into the best-kept closets. Youre up against an invasive fungus that spreads quickly.
Dont risk your health by trying to clean up a mold mess on your own. ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba provides industry-certified mold removal and mold remediation to Chicago homeowners, and we serve the suburbs, too. Flexible scheduling options are available, and satisfaction is guaranteed.
Our team of mold experts will study your situation through a property inspection, high-tech moisture analysis, and sample collection. If mold is found, the ServiceMaster by Zaba team can begin complete mold remediation and finish with a final inspection, including air sample analysis to make sure your home is mold-free.
Just give us a call, and let us take care of the mold in your closets: 773-647-1985
What type of mold grows in closets?
The same molds that grow under sinks and behind walls also grow inside closets. Common closet molds include aspergilus and alternaria. Stachysbotrys chartarum, often referred to as toxic black mold, can also grow inside closets.
Is mold in closets dangerous?
Mold inside closets can become a health hazard for people who suffer from allergies. It can aggravate existing respiratory problems and cause headaches, runny noses and itchy eyes. People with compromised immune systems are susceptible to mold-related health issues.
What type of mold grows on clothes in closets?
How Do I Know If There Is Mold In My Closet
You may be unaware of mold growth in your closet until you notice that unmistakable musty odor. A musty smell can emerge quickly after unseen mold spores begin to grow. It is the first sign that you may have mold growth.
Another indicator of closet mold may appear on your clothing. For example, white or black spots on clean clothes or shoes may be mold growth. If you see this, it is best not to ignore it.
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Clean And Declutter Regularly
Your closet clutter may not be responsible for mold growth, but it doesnt help either. When you drop dirty clothes off of the floor, pull things off hangers or out of drawers and dont put them away, or let other things pile up in your closet, you make it hard to see whats going on inside of your closet system. You could be covering up mold growth, in other words.
Clean and declutter your closet on a regular basis. This prevents conditions that encourage mold growth from forming in your closet and gives you a chance to take a close look around the space regularly to ensure you havent missed anything troubling.
Air Out And Deep Clean Closets
Clean your closets regularly to ensure that they are mold-free. Remove everything from the space and check for moisture and mold. Wipe down all hard surfaces. Vacuum the floors, drawers, and cabinets. If necessary, steam clean the carpets. Ensure that your closets are dry before returning your belongings.
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How To Remove Mold From Shoes And Why Not To Ignore It
Many of us have experienced pulling out a pair of shoes from storage, only to be greeted with a stench of mold. Our first instinct would be to throw the kicks away. However, its not too late to save them. Today, were answering the question: how to remove mold from shoes.
Whether you live in a humid climate or left your winter boots in storage for too long, mold is almost inevitable. Weve gathered a few tips for getting rid of harmful spores and restoring your shoes.
Heres how to remove mold from shoes:
- Brush off visible spores.
- Wipe down with mild detergent.
- Let air dry.
The Dangers Of Closet Mold
Mold anywhere, including your closets, can cause health issues if left untreated. At first, the symptoms may mimic allergies with sneezing, rashes, irritated eyes, and runny noses. Mold is especially dangerous for those with asthma, as it can severely impact the ability to breath. The quicker that you remove the mold, the better.
Below are tips on how to remove mold both from your closets and your clothing.
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How Do You Know If You Have Mold
Generally speaking, the nose knows. Give your closet the sniff test. Do you sense a musty odor? If so, then its time to investigate because you might have an outbreak of mold or mildew.
If you are like most people, your closet is probably jam-packed with clothes, shoes, accessories, and more. This makes it difficult to see whats hiding behind the hangers and bins. If you suspect there might be mold in your closet, start by taking everything out of it. Once all of your belongings have been removed, you will be able to search for telltale signs of mold, such as black or green colored patches on the walls or shelves. Be sure to carefully inspect the areas along any outside walls or the walls backing up to a bathroom, as mold tends to grow best in dark, moist places, especially those that may have hidden water damage.
What Do I Do If I Find Mold
If you find mold in your closet, the first thing to do is remove clothing and other items from the closet and ventilate it. Next, open the closet door and use fans to help the air circulate. The next step is locating where excess moisture is entering your closet.
Piles of blankets, stacks of clothes, or towels can all trap moisture and may feel damp when you pick them up to remove them. As you remove the clothes in your closet, pay attention to any items that feel damp. Where you find damp items may indicate where moisture is collecting in the closet.
Check from the ceiling to the floor for water damage. Damp towels, a dirty clothes hamper stored in the closet, and even hanging your wet bath towel to dry behind a closed closet door may cause added moisture to the environment.
It is also important to note if you see visible mold growth as you go through this process removing items and checking for moisture. You may find it on walls, carpets, or the ceiling. Make a note of anywhere you see the mold and take pictures.
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Water Damage From Leaks
If you are still battling mold after addressing any humidity issues, you may have water damage. Water leaks are a significant cause of mold growth. Because moisture is a necessary element in the development of mold, you have to locate the source. The water damage could be from a leaking pipe behind one of your closet walls or perhaps from a leaky roof.
Empty Out The Closet Completely
Remove everything from the closet including items on the floor. Put the machine-washable footwear and wet clothes into the washer if they are stinky. After that, you can hang the clothes outside to dry for a fresher scent. Do not put wet shoes into the closet as they will make your closet musty again.
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Steer Clear Of Plastics
Plastic dry cleaning bags may have kept your clothes clean on the way from the cleaners, but they can cause moisture to build up from your clothes. This moisture is where mold colonies start. Avoid keeping your items in plastic bags as these do not promote good air circulation around the closet. Stick to mesh bags and light canvas bags to store clothes instead.
Keep Moisture Levels Low
Are moldy clothes a recurring issue inside your home? Unsure of the root cause? Mold thrives when the humidity level surpasses 60 percent . Therefore, maintaining moisture at its minimum is key when it comes to prevention.
Good Ventilation
Keep your home and closets well ventilated. Turn on ceiling fans and open windows to let fresh air circulate. We also advise positioning your furniture a few inches away from the wall to allow better airflow.
Remember that mold spores arent static. So make sure to keep your carpets clean and dry, so they dont become a source of the invasion.
On rainy days, close all windows to keep humidity at bay.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a simple and efficient way of controlling humidity levels inside your home. Place the dehumidifier near your garments. You can do this whether youre storing your clothes in your basement or inside your rooms closet. If you need to dry your clothes indoors, position it by your drying rack.
Check Filters
Lastly, check your HVAC filters. Screens are typically found in any ventilation, heating, or cooling system. Replace the filter every one to three months to prevent mold and allergens from accumulating and growing.
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How To Prevent Mold On Clothes
If you come from outside and throw your sweater clothes on a corner of the house for a long time, there is much possibility of having fungus on your clothes. Clean it as early as you can. Sometimes people dont dry their clothes properly after washing and keep them wet. If the clothes are kept wet for a long time, then there is an imminent possibility of having mold on the clothes surface.
Use the UV of the heated sun or drier to dry the clothes properly. Also, wet clothes increase the moisture and humidity level of your home. If you are using a dryer, then keep the room ventilation system perfect so that the moisture released from drying clothes can not get stuck in the room.
Why Does Mould In A Wardrobe Need Special Attention
When dealing with bathroom mould, bleach products such as Domestos, are the best removal methods. However, when it comes to wardrobes, bleach may not be appropriate for a particular material, or for a delicate wood or finish. Even when diluted, bleach is a very strong substance, and it could eat away at the protective gloss on your wardrobe, create damage to the wood, or cause discolouration. For wooden surfaces and vulnerable materials, itâs always best to use as gentle a cleaning solution as possible. This is why preventing mould in wardrobes takes a little extra care.
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Remove Your Hamper Out Of The Closet
Speaking of mold, note that you can easily bring mold spores into your home on your clothing. As a result, those spores will easily grow since they will be feeding on the dirt that is stuck in fabric fibers!
This is why it is best to keep your dirty clothes out of the closet. The laundry room is the best and the most suitable place to store your hamper, in fact.
However, if for any reason you need to keep a laundry hamper in your closet, make sure that there are only dry clothes in it. Anything wet or damp should be allowed to dry completely before you toss that item in the basket! By the way, your shoes can also attract mold spores!
This is why we recommend you make sure that your shoes and other footwear are clean and dry. Only then they can be put away in your closet.
Use The Dryer Sheet Method
Most people don’t realize the other potential uses adryer sheetcan have on their homes! Instead of using them just for drying your clothes, strategically placing them throughout your custom closets can work wonders for removing closet odors.Drape a dryer sheet over your shoe rack, clothing shelves, and over the ledge where you hang shirts.They will naturally emit the clean linen smell that you get after your clothes are done tumbling in the dryer.
Avoid putting dryer sheets over air vents. While this does increase the fragrance of the room and circulates the smell, try not to overdo this if you use your closets often. The scent from these sheets isn’t dangerous, but it’s also not ideal to breathe in. Instead, consider getting essential oils or a more organic form of air freshener for the closet.
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What Causes Mold Growth In Closets
Yourcloset systemis home to your clothing, shoes, and accessories, but you don’t want it to also be home to mold or mildew. Many people dont even realize that their closets might be hospitable spaces for mold growth, but sometimes they are. Mold growth can harm both the space and the clothes and accessories in your closet, so knowing what causes mold growth and how to prevent it is vital if you want to keep your closet mold-free.
- Keep an Eye Out for Leaks
- Reduce the Humidity
- Dry Wet Items Before Storage
- Clean and Declutter Regularly
Mold growth has a lot to do with moisture, so most of the methods of preventing it have to do with keeping dampness away from your closet.
Make Sure Your Clothes Are Dry
Mold loves moisture. It thrives off of it. If you are storing your clothes in your closet before sufficiently drying them off, youre asking for trouble. Even if they only feel slightly damp, dont store them in confined spaces. Youre providing the mold with a perfect breeding ground.
This is most relevant when you first retrieve your clothes from the dryer. Despite their best efforts, dryers dont always achieve 100% dryness. If your clothes are still damp, hang them in a well-ventilated place until completely dry. All of this also applies to sweaty gym clothes. Sweat is still moisture, and mold isnt picky about where it grows. Dry your damp clothes before you throw them in the laundry hamper!
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How Can I Get The Smell Out Removing Musty Smells From The Closet
Do you find your closet so SMELLY? If yes, there may be some mold stain growing inside. Hanging the wet shoes or clothes that are not completely dry inside the closet is the primary cause of mustiness and odor in closets. This can lead to mildew stain as well since mold stain grows in a warm, moist and dark environment. Mold stain can also make your fresh clothes smelly. Stuffiness from lack of air circulation is another major factor. If you are a smoker, the smoker garments can create a serious odor problem in the closet. But dont worry, you can get rid of it by taking the following steps.
