I totally get the struggle—humidity is relentless, and old houses seem to have a sixth sense for trapping it in the weirdest places. I’ve been down the “fan-in-the-closet” road too, and while it helps a bit, I always end up feeling like I’m just blowing the funk around instead of actually getting rid of it.
Ever thought about drilling a vent or adding a louvered door? I know it sounds drastic, but sometimes you gotta get creative when the humidity just won’t quit.
I’ve definitely *thought* about it, but then my brain immediately jumps to: “How much is this gonna cost me?” and “Will I mess up my security deposit if I start drilling holes everywhere?” Has anyone tried those stick-on vent covers or those little moisture absorber bags? I saw some at the dollar store and almost grabbed a handful, but wasn’t sure if they’re just snake oil or actually do something.
Dehumidifiers are awesome, but man, some of them are pricey. I found a used one on Facebook Marketplace last year and it’s been a game changer, but it’s loud as heck. Like, “is there a jet engine in my hallway?” loud. Worth it for dry closets though... I guess?
Also, does anyone else feel like their clothes just *absorb* that closet smell no matter what? I started putting dryer sheets in my shoes and pockets just to try to mask it. Not sure if that’s genius or just desperate.
Curious if anyone’s tried those closet rods with built-in fans? Or is that just another gadget that’ll end up in the donation pile? Sometimes I wonder if there’s a truly budget-friendly fix or if we’re all just destined for slightly musty wardrobes and frizzy hair forever.
That closet funk is real. I’ve tried the moisture absorber bags—honestly, they work okay for small spaces if you swap them out before they get too soggy, but don’t expect miracles. Those stick-on vents are mostly cosmetic in my experience, unless you’re pairing them with a fan or have serious airflow. The closet rods with built-in fans? Gimmicky and usually not worth the money. If you can snag a quieter dehumidifier on sale, that’s your best bet. And yeah, I’ve given up on keeping my shirts 100% fresh—dryer sheets in pockets is just part of life now.
I hear you on the closet funk—it's one of those issues that just keeps coming back, no matter how many gadgets or hacks you try. I've seen a lot of properties over the years, and honestly, you're right: those moisture absorber bags are a decent stopgap, but they're not a long-term fix if you've got persistent humidity. The stick-on vents always look promising in the packaging, but unless you actually have a way to move air through the space, they're just for show. I’ve had tenants try those closet rods with fans, too. Most of the time, they end up as expensive coat hangers.
A quieter dehumidifier really does make a difference, especially if you can tuck it away and let it run on a timer. In some older buildings, I've gone as far as installing small louvered doors or even cutting in transom vents above closet doors—nothing fancy, just enough to let air circulate. It’s not always possible depending on the layout, but it’s helped in a few stubborn cases.
The dryer sheet trick is classic. I’ve also seen people use little mesh bags with cedar chips or even coffee grounds (though that can get messy if they break open). At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to accept that closets in humid climates are going to have their quirks. It’s not about perfection—just keeping things manageable.
Funny enough, I’ve noticed that when people try to seal up their closets to keep dust out, it actually makes things worse for moisture. A little airflow goes a long way, even if it means dealing with a bit more dusting now and then. Hang in there—sounds like you’re doing all the right things, and sometimes that’s all you can do.
Totally agree about airflow—funny how trying to keep dust out just traps all the humidity instead. I’ve had a few clients swap out solid closet doors for slatted ones, and it made a bigger difference than any gadget. If you’re up for a small project, even drilling a few discreet holes at the top and bottom of the door can help. And for the frizzy hair...honestly, a small dehumidifier in the bedroom sometimes helps more than any hair product. Humidity just gets everywhere.
Funny, I used to think sealing everything up tight was the answer—turns out, closets need to breathe too. Swapping to slatted doors made my socks less musty, but I still get nervous about dust. Anyone else find those little mesh vent covers actually help, or are they just a placebo? As for the hair, I swear humidity is out to get me... dehumidifier or not, my curls have a mind of their own.
