my battle with moldy closets and frizzy hair

Cedar blocks actually do work, but only if you like the “log cabin” thing - otherwise, they can be a bit much. I’ve tossed lavender sachets in my closet too, and they help with the stale smell, but don’t expect miracles. Those USB fans? Not overkill at all. I’ve rigged one up in a client’s ancient wardrobe before - just enough to keep things from getting swampy, especially if you set it on a timer. Honestly, it’s all about stacking those little wins. Mold hates movement and dry air more than any fancy product.

I’ve tried the cedar blocks too, and yeah, my closet smelled like a lumberyard for weeks. Not the worst thing, but my sweaters started to smell like I’d been camping. I’m with you on the USB fans - had one clipped to a shelf in my old apartment’s closet, and it made a bigger difference than any of those fancy “closet freshener” sprays. The only downside was remembering to empty the little water-collector thingy I rigged up underneath (learned that lesson the hard way...).

Curious if anyone’s ever tried those moisture absorber tubs? The ones with the little white pellets? I stuck one in my linen closet last summer and it filled up fast, but I always wonder if they’re just a band-aid. Also, does anyone else’s hair get frizzier when the closet’s musty, or is that just me being paranoid?

Curious if anyone’s ever tried those moisture absorber tubs? The ones with the little white pellets?

I know what you mean about the cedar blocks - my partner complained our whole hallway smelled like a sawmill for a month. As for those moisture absorber tubs, I’ve used them in a few closets and honestly, I think they’re more than a band-aid if you swap them out regularly. They pull a surprising amount of water out of the air, but you’re right, it’s not a permanent fix if the closet’s got real ventilation issues.

About the hair thing... I’ve noticed my hair gets frizzier when it’s humid, but never really connected it to musty closets. Maybe there’s something to that? Or maybe we’re just overthinking it after too many bad hair days.

I’ve dealt with more musty closets than I care to admit - comes with the territory. Those moisture tubs actually saved a couple of my rental units from turning into science experiments. They fill up fast in older places, especially if the closet’s on an outside wall. Still, if you’re seeing mold, you probably need to look at airflow or maybe even a dehumidifier. As for the hair, my wife swears her curls go wild if the closet’s damp. Maybe there’s something to it after all.

You’re not alone - old houses seem to have a knack for trapping moisture in the weirdest places. I’ve been tearing out some old shelves and found mold hiding behind them, so airflow really does make a difference. Those moisture tubs help, but I’m starting to think a small dehumidifier is worth the investment, especially if you’re seeing mold come back. And yeah, humidity definitely messes with hair... mine goes from straight to a frizzy mess overnight. Hang in there, it’s fixable.