Ever gone to reach for your favourite pair of jeans after a long, hot summer, only to be greeted with unsightly mould? 

Finding mould in your wardrobe not only ruins your outfit plans, it may be a sign of a larger problem at hand.  

Here, we’ll look at the common causes of mould in the wardrobe, how to safely remove it and your best methods for prevention.  

What Causes Mould In The Wardrobe? 

Wardrobes are small, crowded spaces that lack airflow and natural light. Not to mention, they’re full of organic fibres like linen and cotton.  

If they’re met with high humidity, poor ventilation or damp clothes, wardrobes create the perfect conditions for mould to thrive. 

To find out more about what causes mould in the home, see our article here. 

6 Ways To Safeguard Your Wardrobe From Mould 

Actively preventing mould in the wardrobe is much easier than removing it.  

So, to safeguard your beloved clothes, shoes and accessories from a dreaded mould infestation, follow these 6 handy tips.  

1. Less Is More 

Clothes tightly packed into a wardrobe reduces circulation and creates stagnant air. So, one of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of mould in your wardrobe is to remove clutter. 

That old dress you’ve been saving for a special event for several years now, consider selling or donating it instead of leaving it to sit and gather dust (and mould). This will create some extra room for your clothes to breathe and give someone else a chance to enjoy your unused items. 

It’s a win-win. 

2. Vacuum Seal Any Unworn Clothes 

One of the best ways to reduce clutter is to create a seasonal wardrobe. This means storing away your big coats in summer and packing away the shorts in winter. 

Vacuum storage bags are a great way to do so, keeping clothes clean, fresh and out of the way. Just make sure items are clean and dry before sealing! 

3. Keep Doors Open Where Possible 

As we’ve mentioned, wardrobes are dark, enclosed spaces with minimal airflow, making them prone to dampness and mould.  

To combat this, try to leave your wardrobe doors open where possible and open any external windows when weather permits. This will allow for some natural light and air to circulate throughout your wardrobe, keeping clothes fresh and mould-free.  

4. Only Hang Dry Clothes 

Waiting for your clothes to dry in cold or humid weather may seem like a tedious task, but it’s important not to jump the gun. Putting away clothes before they’re dry invites moisture, and eventually mould, into your wardrobe. 

If you live in a high-humidity climate or an apartment without a balcony, it may be worth investing in a clothes dryer. They draw out any excess moisture from clothing, ideal for when items can take days on end to dry on the line. 

5. Wash Mouldy Clothes Immediately 

If you notice any spots of mould starting to appear on your clothes or shoes, it’s important to remove them from your wardrobe immediately. Give them a good wash, as well as any other items that may have come in contact with mould. 

Failing to act quickly allows mould to continue to grow, spread and potentially destroy more of your precious items.  

6. Use Damp Inhibiting Products 

Another great way to safeguard your wardrobe from dreaded mould is to invest in ‘anti-mould’ products.  

This includes dehumidifiers and moisture-absorbing packs or pellets. You can often purchase these from your local hardware store or supermarket. 

Leave them in the wardrobe to draw out any excess moisture lingering in the air and keep your clothes fresh and mould-free. 

Found Mould In Your Wardrobe? Here’s What To Do 

You’ll want to remove mould in your wardrobe as quickly as possible to avoid a serious infestation. Here’s what to do: 

Remove All Items 

The first thing you’ll want to do is remove all items from the wardrobe, checking them for any signs of mould as you go.  

This allows you to see any previously hidden areas at the back or on the ceiling of your wardrobe, as well as identify any items the mould may have spread to.  

Not to mention, this also stops the mould from further contaminating any more of your precious items!  

Identify What’s Causing It 

Next, you’ll want to look for signs of what might be causing the mould – this could be anything from damp clothes to a more serious plumbing problem.  

Even the smallest amount of moisture creates the perfect conditions for mould to grow in the wardrobe.

If you can’t identify what’s causing the mould, you may want to reach out to a professional mould removal service for an inspection.  

Your Options For Removal 

1. Remove The Mould Yourself 

If the mould you come across is only small, you may be able to remove it yourself using vinegar or specialised mould removal products.  

However, it is difficult to completely eradicate mould using DIY methods, especially if the cause of the mould, such as poor ventilation or plumbing problems, has not been addressed.  

Disclaimer: If you do attempt to remove mould yourself, always wear a mask and gloves to prevent touching or inhaling mould spores.  

2. Call A Professional (Recommended) 

If you find yourself dealing with large or reoccurring patches of mould, skip the DIY methods and go straight to a professional mould remediation company like MouldMen.  

We’ll safely and effectively remove all mould and its airborne spores, returning your wardrobe to its former mould-free glory.  

Book a Free Inspection Today 

MouldMen offer free inspections, costing you nothing upfront, but often saving you thousands in the long run by catching mould before it becomes a serious problem. Call us on 1300 60 59 60 to book your free inspection today.