Funny you mention the IR thermometer—I’ve used one and found a cold patch right behind a client’s closet, turned out there was basically zero insulation in that spot. Ever tried running a small fan in the closet just to keep air moving? I know it sounds weird, but sometimes it’s the simple stuff that helps. Curious, have you noticed if the mold shows up more in certain seasons, or is it just a year-round headache?
Title: My Battle With Moldy Closets And Frizzy Hair
Ever tried running a small fan in the closet just to keep air moving? I know it sounds weird, but sometimes it’s the simple stuff that helps.
I’ve actually tried the fan trick, but in my case, it didn’t do much except stir up dust bunnies and make the closet colder. My house is from the 1920s, so I’m dealing with plaster walls and all sorts of weird drafts. What finally made a difference was pulling off a bit of the baseboard and discovering a gap straight to the crawlspace—no insulation, just open air. Sealing that up with some rigid foam board and spray foam helped more than any fan ever did.
As for seasons, it’s definitely worse in late spring and early fall for me—those damp, not-quite-hot days. Winter’s actually not so bad, maybe because the forced air heat dries things out. I’m starting to think airflow is only half the battle; if there’s a cold spot, moisture’s just going to condense there no matter what. Sometimes I wonder if these old houses are just determined to keep us humble...
Yeah, those old houses really know how to keep things interesting. I had a similar situation—pulled up some floorboards and found a drafty void that felt like it went straight to Narnia. Once I sealed it up, the musty smell dropped off fast. I agree, airflow only does so much if you’ve got cold spots or hidden leaks. Sometimes I think these places are just a patchwork of “surprises” waiting to be found... Keeps us on our toes, at least.
You nailed it—old houses are like living in a never-ending episode of “What’s That Smell?” I swear, every time I think I’ve found the last draft, another one pops up behind a wall or under a window. I once found a whole squirrel skeleton in a crawlspace... talk about surprises. And yeah, you can run dehumidifiers and fans all day, but if there’s a secret tunnel to the outside world under your floorboards, you’re basically just air-conditioning the neighborhood.
I do think some of the charm is in the chaos, though. There’s something weirdly satisfying about tracking down the source of that musty closet funk and finally winning the battle. But man, the frizzy hair is real—humidity in these places is like a personal vendetta. I’ve started keeping a weather station in my bedroom just to see if it’s more humid inside than out. Sometimes it is. Old houses: never boring, always a little bit damp.
Totally get what you mean about the “never-ending episode”—I once pulled up some old floorboards and found a stash of ancient marbles and a petrified mouse. The drafts are relentless, but honestly, I think half the battle is just accepting that you’ll never find them all. I’m convinced these old houses are basically designed to keep us guessing. I do think, though, that a little spray foam and some patience can go a long way. But yeah, the humidity? No amount of gadgets seems to tame it for good. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just part of the DNA of these places.