Remodeling discussions and local services.
my battle with moldy closets and frizzy hair
I've tried charcoal bags in a couple of flips, and honestly, they're hit or miss. In one older house (1940s bungalow), they seemed to help noticeably - closets felt fresher, less musty. But in another place, didn't notice much difference at all. Silica gel packs are decent for smaller spaces like drawers, but you'd need a ton for a whole closet. I'd stick with your humidity sensor fan setup - sounds like you've nailed it already.
Yeah, charcoal bags can be pretty inconsistent. Had similar experiences myself - worked wonders in a damp basement closet once, but barely made a dent in another place. Honestly, your humidity sensor fan setup sounds like the best bet. I've installed something similar in a couple of flips and it always did the trick. Moldy closets are stubborn as hell, so if you've found something that works consistently, stick with it. As for frizzy hair... can't help you there, but at least your closets are sorted!
Yeah, charcoal bags are hit or miss for sure. I had a similar issue in our laundry room - tried everything from silica packets to those moisture absorber tubs. Eventually, installing a small vent fan with a humidity sensor was the only thing that made a real difference. Sounds like you're already on the right track with your setup. As for frizzy hair... man, humidity is relentless. Closets you can fix, but hair just has a mind of its own sometimes...
Honestly, I've found charcoal bags pretty effective, but only if you get the right brand and replace them regularly - like way more often than the package suggests. Maybe that's why they're hit or miss for some people? Also, silica packets never did much for me either, felt like tossing pennies into a wishing well.
For frizzy hair though... humidity doesn't have to win every battle. I started using a microfiber towel instead of regular cotton ones - game changer for me. Doesn't solve everything, but it definitely cuts down on the frizz. Closets might be easier to fix long-term, but hair's not totally impossible to tame... just takes a bit more creativity.
You're spot on about charcoal bags needing frequent replacement - I've noticed the same thing. Brands definitely matter, but placement can make a big difference too. I found that hanging them higher up in the closet (instead of just tossing them on a shelf) helps circulate air better and keeps mold at bay longer. Might be worth experimenting with placement if you haven't already.
And microfiber towels are great for frizz, totally agree there. Another thing that's helped me is applying leave-in conditioner while my hair's still pretty damp, then letting it air dry without touching it too much. Seems counterintuitive, but the less I mess with it, the less frizzy it gets. Humidity's stubborn, but you're right - it's not unbeatable.