"Might give sealing gaps a try next... seems straightforward enough."
Definitely worth a shot—sealing gaps can make a surprising difference. DampRid helps, sure, but it's more of a band-aid than a real fix. I've seen clients struggle with similar issues, and usually, addressing airflow and humidity at the source is key. If sealing doesn't fully solve it, you might consider a small dehumidifier or even checking your HVAC system. Either way, sounds like you're on the right track... good luck!
Sealing gaps helped me a lot more than I expected, honestly. DampRid was okay-ish, but once I sealed around the doors and baseboards, things improved noticeably. Still get some frizz on humid days, but closets are mold-free now... worth the effort for sure.
"Still get some frizz on humid days, but closets are mold-free now... worth the effort for sure."
Glad sealing worked out for you—I had similar luck with weatherstripping around windows. DampRid was meh for me too, honestly. Curious though, did you notice any difference in your energy bills after sealing up those gaps? I've heard it can help with insulation, but haven't tracked mine closely enough to tell if it's made a real dent...
Honestly, sealing gaps made a noticeable difference for mold issues in my experience, but energy savings were minimal at best. A couple years back, I spent an entire weekend meticulously sealing every crack and crevice around my historic home (built in the 1920s, so you can imagine the drafts...). I was optimistic—figured I'd see a decent drop in heating bills—but after tracking for a few months, the savings were disappointingly small. I suspect older homes like mine just have too many other insulation issues (thin walls, original windows, etc.) that overshadow any benefit from sealing alone.
That said, the mold problem improved drastically, so it wasn't a wasted effort by any means. But if your place is anything like mine, don't expect miracles on the energy bill front unless you're willing to invest in bigger upgrades like insulation or window replacements.
"That said, the mold problem improved drastically, so it wasn't a wasted effort by any means."
Totally agree—sometimes the smaller wins like mold reduction make the effort worthwhile, even if the energy savings aren't huge. Older homes are tricky...but every little bit helps in the long run.
