I get the appeal of cedar planks, but honestly, the cost adds up fast if you’re covering a whole closet. I’m more inclined to stick with silica gel or even just a small fan on a timer—less hassle, less money.
Has anyone tried those rechargeable mini dehumidifiers? Wondering if they’re actually worth it or just another gadget collecting dust.“Sometimes it’s about finding that balance between practicality and aesthetics, right?”
RE: My Battle With Moldy Closets And Frizzy Hair
I’m right there with you on the cedar planks. The price tag for enough to line a whole closet made me do a double take. I ended up going with a combo—some silica gel packs (cheap and easy to swap out) and one of those rechargeable mini dehumidifiers you mentioned. Honestly, I was skeptical at first. The one I got has those orange beads that turn green when they’re full of moisture, then you just plug it in to dry them out again.
It’s not magic, but it does seem to help, especially in the corners where air doesn’t circulate much. I’d say it’s better than nothing, but if your closet is huge or super damp, you might need more than one. They’re not silent when recharging (little fan noise), but otherwise pretty low maintenance. I still run a small fan on a timer for a few hours a day—makes a bigger difference than I expected.
Haven’t noticed much difference for my hair, though. Still frizzy on rainy days... guess that’s just life in a humid climate.
Totally agree—the fan on a timer is underrated. I’ve seen people overlook airflow, but it really does make a difference, especially in older homes. I’ve also had clients use those moisture-absorbing tubs (the kind you toss when they’re full), which are cheap but need replacing often. For hair, I wish there was a closet fix, but humidity’s just relentless. Maybe a small essential oil diffuser could help with musty smells, though?
Honestly, I’m not a fan of those disposable moisture tubs—they’re just more plastic waste in the landfill every month. Have you tried using charcoal bags or even a bowl of baking soda in the closet? They’re reusable and way less wasteful. And about the diffuser, it’ll mask smells but won’t tackle the root issue. I’d focus on sustainable fixes first, even if they take a bit more effort upfront.
I’d focus on sustainable fixes first, even if they take a bit more effort upfront.
Totally get where you’re coming from about the waste. I’ve always wondered, with the charcoal bags—how often do you “recharge” them in sunlight? I tried baking soda once but it got clumpy pretty fast in my closet. Maybe I used too much? I’m also curious if anyone’s tried those little USB dehumidifiers. They’re pricier up front but might cut down on waste and work long-term. Sometimes the low-tech stuff works best, but I like knowing all the options.
