"Also, don't underestimate the power of air circulation; just cracking open the closet door more often can help keep things fresh."
Couldn't agree more on this one—sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. My closets used to smell like a forgotten gym bag until I started leaving the doors slightly ajar. As for frizzy hair, if only vinegar rinses could fix humidity-induced bad hair days too...guess grandma's wisdom has its limits!
Totally with you on airing out closets—it's amazing how much difference a little airflow makes. But honestly, if you're still battling moldy smells, you might wanna check if there's moisture sneaking in from somewhere else. I had a client whose closet backed onto a bathroom wall, and turns out there was a tiny leak behind the drywall. No amount of cracked doors or vinegar rinses could've fixed that one...humidity's sneaky like that.
Had a similar issue in our old Victorian—turned out the attic insulation was shot, and moisture was creeping down behind the walls. Might wanna peek up there just in case...old houses love to keep us busy, right?
Yeah, attic insulation can definitely be a sneaky culprit. We had moldy closets too, but ours turned out to be a crawlspace issue. The previous owner had laid down plastic sheeting incorrectly, trapping moisture underneath and creating a perfect mold habitat. Pulled it all out, redid the vapor barrier properly (overlapping seams and taped edges), and installed some basic ventilation fans—worked wonders. Old houses sure do have their quirks...and they always seem to pop up at the worst possible times, don't they?
"Old houses sure do have their quirks...and they always seem to pop up at the worst possible times, don't they?"
Couldn't agree more with this. I've worked on a lot of older homes, and moisture issues are almost always lurking somewhere unexpected. Crawlspaces and attics are common culprits, but sometimes it's even simpler things like improperly vented bathrooms or laundry rooms that cause havoc.
One thing I've noticed is that closets, especially those built against exterior walls, can become mold magnets if there's inadequate insulation or airflow. Often, homeowners overlook the importance of allowing air circulation in these small spaces. If your closets are packed tight with clothes and boxes, it creates a perfect environment for mold growth—dark, stagnant, and humid. A simple fix I've recommended to clients is installing louvered doors or adding small ventilation grilles to the closet walls or doors. It doesn't have to be complicated; even just leaving closet doors slightly ajar can help immensely.
Also, don't underestimate the value of a good dehumidifier. A client of mine had persistent mold issues in their basement closets, and after addressing insulation and vapor barriers, we still found humidity levels were higher than ideal. Adding a quality dehumidifier made a noticeable difference—not just in mold prevention but also in overall indoor comfort. And yes, even their hair frizz improved noticeably (though I can't promise miracles there!).
Another tip: keep an eye on your gutters and downspouts. It might seem unrelated, but water pooling near your home's foundation can seep into crawlspaces or basements, indirectly contributing to indoor humidity problems. Redirecting downspouts away from the house and ensuring gutters are clear can be surprisingly effective.
Old houses definitely keep us on our toes...but there's something rewarding about solving their mysteries and making them comfortable again.
