Funny you mention weatherstripping—I've seen that tiny fix make a world of difference, especially in older homes where doors never quite fit right. That said, I’d just add one thing: sometimes the real culprit is airflow, or lack thereof. I once had a client with stubborn closet mold, and after all the caulking and sealing, it turned out their HVAC vent was blocked. A quick vent cleaning and leaving the door cracked now and then did more than any sealant could.
Just double-check you’re not sealing in moisture that’s already there—sometimes you gotta air things out first.
Couldn’t agree more. Trapping damp air just gives mold a cozy home. Sometimes less is more when it comes to “fixing” those leaks.
I get where you’re coming from about airflow, but I’ve actually seen the opposite in a few of my properties. Sometimes, too much airflow—especially in older homes with drafty doors—can actually bring in more humidity from outside, making the closet situation worse. It’s a bit of a balancing act.
Just double-check you’re not sealing in moisture that’s already there—sometimes you gotta air things out first.
That’s key, but I’d add: before you start leaving doors cracked or vents wide open, check what the outside humidity is doing. In some climates, “airing out” just means more damp air sneaks in and feeds the mold. I’ve had better luck with small dehumidifiers in closets, especially in the summer. Not saying sealing is always the answer, but sometimes controlling the air you let in is just as important as letting it out.
Funny how something as simple as a closet door can turn into a science experiment...
Funny how we all end up playing scientist with our closets, right? I totally get the point about outside humidity sneaking in—seen that in a few bungalows where the “fresh air” just made things worse. But have you ever tried passive venting, like those little louvered vents up high on the closet door? Sometimes they let just enough air circulate without bringing in a flood of muggy air. I’m always torn between sealing things up tight and letting them breathe a bit... seems like every house has its own personality. Ever notice how some closets just stay dry no matter what, while others are like mini rainforests? Just makes me wonder if there’s something deeper in the construction or insulation that we’re missing.
Ever notice how some closets just stay dry no matter what, while others are like mini rainforests? Just makes me wonder if there’s something deeper in the construction or insulation that we’re missing.
Honestly, I think you’re onto something with that. In my place (built in the 1920s), the closets on the north side are always musty, no matter what tricks I try—while the ones facing south stay bone dry. I’ve tried those louvered vents and they help a bit, but it feels like the real culprit is how the walls are built and where the airflow gets trapped. Ever checked for cold spots behind your closet walls? Sometimes there’s just no insulation back there, and it turns into a condensation magnet. Makes me wonder if all the venting in the world can’t fix bad original construction...
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing in my house—closets on the outside wall get that damp funk, but the ones in the middle of the house are fine. I pulled off some drywall once and found zero insulation, just cold brick. No wonder it’s always musty. Tried a dehumidifier for a bit, but it barely made a dent. Sometimes I think you just can’t win with old construction... unless you’re ready to rip everything open.
