Getting Rid Of Mildew Smell From Closet | Full Guide
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate that it might be ridiculously difficult to remove mildew smell from your closet. Finding a way to do it is what makes you special. Getting rid of that smell is no small feat and certainly not something you can accomplish overnight. It will take some work on your part, but if there is one thing we know about our readers, it’s that they are persistent people. After all, the kind of person who is interested in removing mildew smells from their closet (instead of just living with them) is someone determined enough to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
As a neat freak, the thought that mildew could be growing in your closet is disturbing. That's why it's important to know how to remove mildew smell from your closet.
Mildew has a pungent aroma which indicates the problem may be more than just aesthetic. The moisture comes from moisture that has accumulated on the inside of your clothes.
In this article, we will be going over some simple ways to get rid of that mildew smell from your closet.
What causes mildew smell in the first place?
Mildew can be an ongoing problem if you do not keep up with it. Mildew is a type of fungus that grows in moist areas and produces spores which cause musty odors. This fungus can thrive in damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and closets.
Tackling your mildew problem is going to require a two-pronged approach. First, you will need to tackle the source of the moisture in the area that causes mildew smell. This can be done by increasing air circulation and removing excess moisture from the environment. The second step is to remove any existing mildew from your closet or other area.
How do you remove mildew smell?
The first thing you should do is to make sure that the source of moisture has been removed or reduced. Check for leaks around windows and doors, plumbing issues, and make sure there are no standing water sources anywhere in your home.
If you have a leak somewhere outside your home, it can seep under your foundation and into your walls causing more damage. If you notice any signs of leaks or standing water during this process, call a professional right away to fix the problem before it causes any further damage to your home.
- Strawberries and baking soda
Strawberries and baking soda: The reason why strawberries are used in this recipe is that they contain malic acid. This acid has the ability to kill mold and mildew spores when mixed with a detergent and water solution.
- Combine 1 cup of water and ½ cup of vinegar in a bowl.
- Add ¼ cup of strawberries and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Stir well until the mixture becomes one uniform consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before using it.
- Spray the mixture on mildew-affected areas, wait for about 10 minutes, then wipe off with a sponge or cloth.
- If any stains remain, spray again, then wipe clean.
- Lemon juice
Lemon juice is very effective in killing mold and mildew because it contains citric acid that helps prevent odors from growing stronger over time.
- You will also need a hammer for smashing the lemon peels into small pieces before applying them to your carpet/closet floor.
- Sprinkle the smashed lemon peels over the affected area and allow them to sit for several hours or overnight if possible.
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What Causes Bad Smells in your Closet?
Closet odors tend to be caused by one or more of the following:
- Poor ventilation: Closets are typically enclosed spaces with very little ventilation. The air inside the closet will start to smell if it is not properly ventilated. One of the easiest ways to make sure your closet doesn't smell is to keep it well ventilated. Make sure that you have a good size crack under the door as well as at least one window in the room. If necessary, purchase a fan or two that you can put in the room. Another option would be to have an outdoor clothesline where you can hang your clothes and let them air out.
- Dirty shoes: If you put your shoes in a closet, make sure they are clean and dry before you put them away. Clean your shoes regularly, and if possible, leave them outside of your closet to dry after each use. If you have a shoe rack in your closet, try storing the shoes on top of the rack so they do not get in contact with other items that may cause a bad smell, such as sweaters or shirts. Try storing shoes in a well-ventilated area like on top of a radiator or near an open window. Also try spraying some foot odor spray in your shoes to help prevent any unwanted odors from occurring.
- Dirty clothes: If you leave dirty clothes in your closet for long periods of time, mold can develop which can cause an unpleasant smell. It is important to remove dirty articles of clothing from your closet right after use and wash them so that they do not sit in your closet for extended periods of time and develop mold.
Conclusion
As far as ventilation is concerned, you want enough fresh air coming into the closet to replace the air that your clothes take up and expel. If you don't leave the door open on a regular basis, consider installing a fan or ventilator that circulates fresh air into the closet. Enjoy your newly cleaned and well-ventilated closet.