My mother was going through the clothing in my sister's closet to donate and make room for new items. As she was doing so, she noticed the tall tale signs of mildew on some clothes: white circles on the fabric, and the smell of humidity. We don't know if this is due to the fact that these clothes have sat untouched for about 6 years (though the closet doors are open, to allow air circulation), or if there's some sort of leak somewhere in the closet. Perhaps mildew is normal in South Florida since it's humid year round? I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but thought I'd throw it out there. The room is located next to the air conditioning units outside of their house, so she thinks perhaps the condensation from the air conditioning is causing the moisture in that closet. She is planning to put new clothes in the closet for storage, but is concerned that those articles of clothing will also get ruined, due to the mildew. She said she heard about using mothballs for controlling humidity in storage spaces. I saw some people on a forum mentioning Damp Rid online, but I was not sure if this would be able to contain the entire closet from mildew, how often it needs to be replaced, and if it is safe for use, as they have a cat. I didn't really see much in the way of the mothball solution, though. I think a dehumidifier would be too expensive for her, especially if she finds this mildew issue happening in other closets of the house, which is a possibility. She is very frustrated and I promised I'd try to find an answer for her, so I was hoping maybe someone knew of an easy tried and true solution. Thanks in advance!
I'm confused, why would anyone put new clothes in storage? Is this some kind of hoarding situation?
Clothing is (somewhat) organic, like food. If you aren't going to be wearibg and washing it regularly, why are you keeping it?
ok I understand your question. You need to know if it will be safe to put different clothing in the closet after you clear out and donate the existing clothing. So I would get plastic bins to store things in. But first make sure the clothing in question was not put into the closet slightly damp (who knows after 6 years lol) but that could have been the problem. I would not store things for 6 years as a rule. If it is not used within a year then out it goes. Skip the moth balls they are disgusting. smell bad, make the clothing smell bad and that smell never ever comes out. no matter how many times you wash the clothing. clean out the clutter in the closet and start over with plastic bins.
Why keep clothes for 6 years if nobody is wearing them? Wash them and donate them to the needy.
Mothballs don't control humidity. They keep moths and snakes out. They're also poisonous.
Theyre shouldn't be any condensation inside from your A/C. Air conditioning works by removing all the humidity and exhausting the condensation outside. If there is that amount of humidity in the house, it's time to call a HVAC repair person to come and fix the A/C. That should solve the problem.
I'm pretty sure that "south Florida" is your answer as to why they are mildewed! ;-) Y'all have some CRAZY humidity down there.
If you would like to wear them again, then yes, direct sunlight on all that can. The ones you can wash in hot, do it and add some vinegar to the wash.
If you aren't going to wear them then wash all of them with hot water and vinegar and donate to a charity. And yes I agree that perhaps getting some Rubbermaid type tubs to help seal out the air would be best to store clothes from now on.
My mom and I swear by DampRid. The disposable variety come in individual containers that are sealed with a plastic grate on top, so you don't have to worry about pets or kids getting into granules. You can either buy the kind that is disposable or the one where you replace the granules. With a cat, you might want to go with the disposable kind so the cat doesn't overturn the box and make a mess. You'll have to replace it every couple of months, but it does work, esp in closets and smaller areas. They aren't expensive- about $3 each. With kids around the house, I checked on the safety, and their website claims that DampRid is safe for the children and pets.
My mom's house is very humid and these have kept her clothes from getting mildew. I keep one in my bathroom and it has really helped with mildew in that area, as well.
Ah, the down side to Florida. Is this a concrete block, wood frame or mobile home? I would double check for any leaks in that closet, even the smallest leak will cause mold and it can make everyone sick if not removed. I know that wood and mobile homes are known for these problems in Florida.
I would get a container of Damp-rid and put it in the closet, but you will need to replace it now and then. The tub style container has a covering so I don't think the cat will get into it, you can always hang it so its higher up.
I haven't had any problems with mold/mildew inside my home (concrete block), it is usually outside that gets bad in the winter (where the sun is not hitting the house) and none of my closets are on outside walls.
Added** Charcoal also absorbs moisture and is cheaper then Damp-Rid. Mothballs do not prevent mold, just insects and critters.
I'm sure there are instructions with the Damp Rid.
If new clothes are going to sit as long? Is use a different closet or put them in bins.
Sorry-maybe in not fully understanding the situation.
i grew up in bermuda so i totally hear you about the humidity and the pervasive perfume of mildew. gah!
but 6 years is a LONG time to sit in a closet, open doors or not. i'd toss that bunch, if a good wash with plenty of vinegar in the rinse doesn't do the trick.
getting the air conditioning checked and serviced might help, but regardless, clothing just can't sit for 6 years. if she's planning on wearing and laundering the new clothes regularly they'll probably be fine.
mothballs will make the clothes reek unbearably, and not help with dampness. don't go there.
if you really think it's the room itself, not the 6 years of disuse, i'd go with rubbermaid tubs instead of hanging in the closet.
khairete
S.
I had this problem living in Tx... For some reason, everything in my closet seemed to mildew when left alone. (Not even for years... Sometimes, they would mildew after a few weeks.)
I would suggest painting the closets with a mold/mildew resistant paint. Also put a stopper on the ends of the hanging rod, so the clothes don't get pushed right up against the wall. (That's where the mildew always seemed the worst.)
Good luck!
Wash them in cold water with a cup of white vinegar added to the water.
