my battle with moldy closets and frizzy hair

I've tried both setups in my old Victorian - venting directly outside definitely made a noticeable difference. Venting into another room just shifted the humidity problem around. If you can manage it, I'd recommend going straight outdoors... your closets (and hair!) will thank you.

Interesting point on venting outside - I get why that made a difference for you. But you know, in my experience, sometimes going straight outdoors isn't always the best or easiest solution, especially if you're dealing with tricky house layouts or historical preservation rules.

We had a similar situation in our old farmhouse - built around 1910, lots of charm but also lots of quirks. Direct outdoor venting was ideal in theory, but the way our rooms were arranged and the material of the walls made it a huge headache. We tried it briefly, and while it did help humidity-wise, we ended up dealing with drafts and insulation issues (not fun during winter). Plus, drilling through original woodwork felt almost sacrilegious!

Instead, we ended up installing a good-quality dehumidifier and carefully planned interior ventilation to circulate air better. I was skeptical at first - like you said, I worried we'd just be shifting moisture around - but with some strategic placement and regular monitoring, it actually worked out pretty well. Mold issues cleared up noticeably after about a month or two.

Now I'm wondering if maybe it's not just about indoor vs outdoor venting but also how effectively air circulates indoors overall? Maybe your room-to-room setup wasn't optimized enough? Could've been worth experimenting with different fan placements or adding a small dehumidifier before giving up on interior venting altogether.

Anyway, every home has its quirks...and hair battles are real! I've definitely had my share of frizzy mornings no matter what I tried. Glad you found something that works for your Victorian though - it's always satisfying when you finally crack the code on these old houses.

We had a similar mold battle in our 1920s bungalow - super cute but ventilation was a nightmare. Outdoor venting wasn't an option (brick walls, weird layout), so we ended up using charcoal bags in closets and a small fan to keep air moving. Surprisingly, it made a huge difference. Still fighting the frizz though...humidity always wins somehow, doesn't it? Maybe I need a dehumidifier for my hair too, lol.

Charcoal bags are surprisingly effective, right? Had a similar issue in an old cottage flip - ended up sticking a mini dehumidifier in the closet. Worked wonders for mold...hair still looked like I'd stuck my finger in a socket though, lol.

Charcoal bags can help, but honestly, they're more of a temporary fix than a long-term solution. I've dealt with mold in older homes quite a bit, and while mini dehumidifiers do reduce moisture, they don't always address the root cause. Usually, mold issues point to poor ventilation or hidden leaks - especially in older cottages. I'd suggest checking behind walls or under flooring if the problem persists. Had a similar situation once where mold kept returning despite using charcoal and dehumidifiers. Turned out there was a tiny leak behind the drywall that we hadn't noticed. Once we fixed that and improved airflow with some discreet venting, the mold never came back.

As for the frizzy hair...well, humidity control helps, but sometimes you just have to embrace the chaos.

I get your point about leaks and ventilation, but sometimes mold issues aren't always that complicated. I've tackled a few places where the closets were built right against cold exterior walls - no leaks or anything, just condensation from temperature differences. Adding some insulation or even just rearranging furniture to improve airflow made a surprising difference. And yeah, the frizzy hair struggle is real... humidity always wins in the end, doesn't it?

"Adding some insulation or even just rearranging furniture to improve airflow made a surprising difference."

Glad you mentioned this, because I had a similar experience when I first moved into my fixer-upper. The closets were built right against the north-facing exterior wall, and every winter I'd open them up to find a lovely surprise of moldy shoes and jackets. At first, I panicked and assumed there was some hidden leak or major structural issue. After a weekend spent crawling around the attic and basement (and nearly getting stuck in a crawlspace - fun times), I realized it was just condensation from the cold wall meeting warm indoor air.

I ended up adding some foam insulation panels behind the closet shelves, and honestly, it was like magic. No more moldy surprises, and my clothes finally stopped smelling like a damp basement. Who knew something so simple could make such a difference?

As for the frizzy hair battle... well, let's just say I've accepted defeat gracefully. Humidity is undefeated, and my hair has officially declared independence from any styling products known to humanity. I've learned to embrace the chaos - it's easier than fighting it every morning.

Anyway, your point about airflow is spot-on. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best, even if they don't seem obvious at first. Renovating has definitely taught me that not every problem requires tearing down walls or calling in expensive specialists. Sometimes, a little creativity (and a lot of trial and error) goes a long way.

I had a similar issue with mold in my bedroom closet, and like you, I initially freaked out thinking it was a leak. Turns out, just rearranging the furniture to let air circulate better helped a ton.

"Humidity is undefeated, and my hair has officially declared independence from any styling products known to humanity."

Haha, same here... I've pretty much surrendered to ponytails and hats at this point. Easier than fighting nature every morning.

Totally relate to the ponytail surrender, haha. I had mold issues too, and besides rearranging furniture, I found that adding a few moisture-absorbing plants like peace lilies or snake plants helped balance things out. They're pretty low-maintenance and look nice too. As for the hair...I've accepted the frizz as my new "style." Life's too short to battle humidity every single day, right?

Interesting point about the plants. I've heard peace lilies and snake plants recommended a lot too, but I'm wondering, do they really absorb enough moisture to make a noticeable difference in mold-prone areas like closets? I mean, closets are usually pretty enclosed spaces without much air circulation. Wouldn't you need quite a few plants - or at least a bigger space - for them to effectively reduce humidity levels?

Personally, I tried using silica gel packets and those moisture-absorbing tubs (DampRid, anyone?) in my closets, and they seemed to do a decent job. They're pretty inexpensive, and I noticed the moldy smell disappearing within a week or so. Plus, they're small enough to tuck away without taking up valuable closet space. Have you ever tried those, or did you find them less effective compared to plants?

Also, regarding the frizzy hair situation...I totally get the "embrace the frizz" mindset, but have you experimented with any DIY anti-frizz serums or conditioners? I recently started mixing a bit of coconut oil with aloe vera gel - both budget-friendly and easy to find - and it actually tamed my hair quite a bit. Not a miracle fix by any means, but it definitely reduced the daily ponytail surrender for me. Curious if you've ever tried something similar or if you think it's too much hassle?

Either way, humidity battles are no joke...and neither is mold. It's always interesting seeing what works (or doesn't) for other people.

I totally agree about the plants - while peace lilies and snake plants are great for general air quality, I doubt they'd do much in a small, enclosed space like a closet. A while back, I had a rental property with a persistent mold issue in one of the bedroom closets. Tried the plant route first (because, hey, natural solutions always sound appealing), but honestly, it didn't make any noticeable difference. The closet was just too small and lacked proper airflow.

Eventually, I switched to DampRid tubs like you mentioned, and they worked surprisingly well. I placed two of them on opposite ends of the closet shelf, and within days the musty smell was noticeably reduced. After about two weeks, the mold stopped returning altogether. I've also heard good things about activated charcoal bags - they're reusable if you dry them out in sunlight every month or so - but haven't personally tried them yet.

On the frizzy hair front...I feel your pain. My hair turns into a fluffy mess at even the slightest hint of humidity. I've experimented with DIY serums too - coconut oil alone made my hair greasy fast, but mixing it with aloe vera gel sounds promising. Currently, I'm using a homemade spray with distilled water, glycerin, and a few drops of argan oil. It's not perfect by any means (still have those ponytail days), but it definitely helps smooth things out without weighing my hair down too much.

Humidity really is one of those sneaky problems that can affect everything from closets to hairstyles...and it's always interesting to see how others tackle it differently.

Have to say, plants didn't do much for me either, but honestly, DampRid wasn't a long-term fix. Ended up installing a small vent in the closet door - sounds drastic, but it finally solved the airflow issue. Hair-wise...still searching for my miracle fix, haha.

"Ended up installing a small vent in the closet door - sounds drastic, but it finally solved the airflow issue."

Installing a vent was actually a very sensible move. It might seem drastic at first glance, but closets often lack proper airflow, making them prime spots for mold and mildew. When I renovated my first place, I initially tried DampRid too - it's good temporarily, but as you mentioned, it doesn't solve the underlying problem.

One thing I'd suggest checking is your home's humidity levels overall. If you haven't already, investing in a decent hygrometer can help you pinpoint exactly how humid your indoor environment is. Ideally, you want to keep your indoor humidity between 40% and 50%. If it's consistently higher than that, even with improved airflow, you might consider a small dehumidifier or looking into your home's ventilation system more broadly.

Regarding your hair struggles...well, that's a battle many of us share! Humidity can be brutal on hair texture. I've found that using sulfate-free shampoos and silicone-based serums helps tame frizz somewhat. Also, microfiber towels instead of regular cotton ones are gentler on hair and minimize frizz caused by friction. Doesn't completely solve everything, but every little bit helps.

Lastly, if you're open to it, you could consider a protective coating or anti-mold paint inside the closet walls. It's not always necessary if the airflow is good now, but it can add an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Good luck with both your closet and hair endeavors - you're certainly not alone in this struggle!

"Ideally, you want to keep your indoor humidity between 40% and 50%."

Totally agree with this. I had similar issues in a rental property - ended up adding small portable dehumidifiers in closets. They're quiet, affordable, and really effective. Plus, my tenants appreciated fewer mold complaints...and better hair days too, lol.

"They're quiet, affordable, and really effective."

I see your point about portable dehumidifiers - they definitely have their place. But I think it's worth mentioning that relying solely on small units in closets might not be the most effective long-term solution for everyone. I've found that these smaller devices often need frequent emptying, especially in humid climates or during rainy seasons. It can get tedious pretty quickly, and if you forget to empty them regularly, you're back to square one with mold issues.

In my experience, addressing the root cause of high humidity tends to be more beneficial in the long run. For example, improving ventilation or checking insulation around windows and doors can significantly reduce moisture buildup without constantly managing multiple small appliances. I recently helped a friend who had persistent mold problems in an older home - turns out their bathroom exhaust fan wasn't vented properly, so moisture kept getting trapped inside walls and closets. Once we corrected that issue and added better airflow throughout the house, humidity levels naturally dropped into that ideal 40%-50% range.

Also worth considering: whole-house dehumidifiers or integrated HVAC solutions if budget allows. They're obviously pricier upfront but can save you headaches (and maintenance chores) down the road. Plus, keeping humidity consistent throughout your entire home - not just isolated spaces - really does wonders for overall comfort and air quality.

Not trying to dismiss portable units entirely - they're great for temporary fixes or smaller spaces - but just wanted to offer another perspective based on my own experiences tackling stubborn humidity issues over time.

Good points about ventilation and insulation. But honestly, in older homes like mine, sometimes it's just not practical (or affordable!) to overhaul the whole HVAC system or redo insulation. I've had decent luck just using larger portable units with drainage hoses so I don't have to empty them constantly. Sure, it's not perfect, but it keeps mold at bay without breaking the bank or tearing up walls...which is a win in my book.

Totally get where you're coming from with older homes - been there myself, and sometimes you just gotta get creative. Portable units are a solid workaround, but have you also tried those moisture absorbers like DampRid? They're cheap, zero hassle, and surprisingly effective in closets or tight spaces. Plus, tossing in some cedar blocks or sachets can help keep things fresh and mold-free. It's all about finding that sweet spot between practicality and comfort without gutting the place...trust me, been down that road plenty of times.

DampRid's decent, but I found it filled up way too fast in my place - felt like I was constantly swapping them out. Ever tried those charcoal bags instead? They're reusable, budget-friendly, and honestly seem to last longer...at least in my damp basement closet.

Charcoal bags are a solid suggestion - I've recommended them to clients dealing with persistent moisture issues, especially in smaller spaces like closets or cabinets. A few quick points from experience:

- Charcoal bags do last longer and are definitely more cost-effective over time compared to disposable moisture absorbers.
- They work best in enclosed spaces; if your closet has gaps or poor sealing, effectiveness can drop off noticeably.
- For larger areas or severe humidity issues, charcoal alone might not cut it. You might need to pair them with improved ventilation or even a small electric dehumidifier.
- Also, remember charcoal bags need regular "recharging" by placing them in direct sunlight every month or two. Skipping this step reduces their effectiveness significantly.

One client had success combining charcoal bags with a small battery-operated fan to circulate air - really helped keep mold at bay. Might be worth experimenting with something similar if your basement closet stays stubbornly damp.

Have you tried pairing charcoal bags with cedar blocks? I had similar mold issues in my old apartment closet...charcoal helped, but adding cedar seemed to boost the effect. Plus, smells great. Maybe worth a shot?