TL;DR: Keep air moving, and keep surfaces clean and dry. Aim for indoor relative humidity around 45-55%, never store damp items, and ventilate or dehumidify the wardrobe space.
Why wardrobes grow mould
Mould thrives where four conditions align: moisture, still air, cooler surfaces, and food sources like cotton, leather, dust, or paper. A tightly packed wardrobe against an external wall traps humid air. Any condensation or damp clothing tips the balance in mould’s favour.
Immediate steps if you’ve spotted mould
Isolate affected items. Bag them in sealed plastic temporarily to stop spores spreading while you clean.
Empty and vacuum. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on shelves, joints, and the floor of the wardrobe.
Clean hard surfaces. Wash with warm water and detergent, then wipe with white vinegar and allow to dry. For stubborn patches on non-porous surfaces, a diluted household bleach can help. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
Dry thoroughly. Prop doors open and use airflow or a dehumidifier until everything is bone dry.
Launder textiles. Hot-wash what you can. Sun-dry woollens or delicate items, then brush and air them.
Mould prevention checklist
1) Control moisture
Target humidity: Keep indoor RH near 45–55 percent.
Dehumidify the room: A small dehumidifier on a timer is more effective than sachets alone.
Use desiccants inside the wardrobe: Silica gel or calcium chloride tubs help buffer moisture. Replace or recharge regularly.
Fix sources of damp: Check for window leaks, condensation on external walls, or plumbing issues nearby.
2) Improve airflow
Make space: Do not overpack. Leave a hand’s width between garments.
Create ventilation: Louvred doors work well. If not possible, add discreet vent grills or leave doors ajar daily.
Lift off cold walls: Leave a 2–3 cm gap between the back panel and external walls to reduce cold-surface condensation.
3) Store only dry, clean items
Never store damp clothing, shoes, or gym gear.
Dry after wear: Particularly for coats, knits, and leather.
Rotate seasonally: Air and sun items at change of season, then store with breathable protection.
4) Choose breathable storage
Garment bags: Use cotton or other breathable fabrics, not plastic.
Tissue: Wrap delicate items in acid-free tissue.
Shoes: Insert cedar shoe trees. Dry soles fully before storage.
5) Keep a light, regular cleaning routine
Monthly: Quick HEPA vacuum, wipe shelves with mild detergent, and check corners.
Quarterly: Refresh desiccants, inspect backs and bases, and air textiles in sunlight.
6) Wardrobe design tips
Shelves and rails: Allow gaps so air can circulate.
Lighting: A low-heat LED strip can gently warm the air and reduce damp pockets.
Floor contact: Use small spacers or feet so the base can breathe and you can clean under it.
See more: How to organise a kid's wardrobe?
Troubleshooting guide
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Musty smell, no visible spots | High humidity and poor airflow | Add desiccant, crack doors daily, reduce overcrowding |
| Mould on back panel | Cold external wall causing condensation | Pull wardrobe off wall, add venting, consider insulating that wall |
| Spots on shoes and leather | Stored while slightly damp | Fully dry, condition leather, add cedar, rotate wear |
| Recurring mould after cleaning | Persistent room damp or leak | Use dehumidifier, investigate building moisture, seek professional advice |
Safety notes
Wear gloves and a simple mask when cleaning. Keep cleaning agents away from skin and fabrics. Do not mix chemicals. If mould covers an area larger than about one square metre, or returns quickly after thorough drying, consult a professional to check for structural damp.
A practical shopping list
Digital hygrometer to monitor RH
Small dehumidifier with timer
Desiccant refills or tubs
HEPA vacuum
Breathable garment bags and acid-free tissue
Cedar shoe trees or blocks
