Great points here, especially about ventilation.
Good call on sealing the wood surfaces. Another option I've used is swapping out solid shelving for wire racks—better airflow and fewer moisture issues. Doesn't look as sleek, but function-wise, it's pretty effective.
Good call on sealing the wood surfaces. Another option I've used is swapping out solid shelving for wire racks—better airflow and fewer moisture issues.
Wire racks can help, but honestly, they're not always worth the trade-off. I tried them in a bedroom closet once and found smaller items constantly slipping through or tipping over—pretty annoying after a while. Instead, I've had better luck with those moisture-absorbing packs combined with leaving the closet door slightly ajar. Might not be a perfect solution aesthetically, but it's practical, low-maintenance, and saves the hassle of reorganizing your stuff every few days.
Interesting points about wire racks and moisture packs, but have you considered adding a small, low-energy fan to boost airflow instead? I had a similar mold issue in an older property—those moisture packs filled up way too fast and felt wasteful. A tiny fan running intermittently made a noticeable difference without the hassle of constantly replacing stuff. Might be worth a try if you're open to experimenting a bit...
A fan could help, but from experience, relying solely on airflow may not completely solve mold issues—especially if humidity's consistently high. Mold often indicates deeper moisture problems like leaks or poor insulation. Before investing in fans or moisture absorbers, it's advisable to identify the source first. In my case, addressing a hidden plumbing leak made a bigger impact than any airflow adjustments or moisture packs ever did. Better to tackle the root cause directly rather than just managing symptoms...
"Better to tackle the root cause directly rather than just managing symptoms..."
You're right that mold usually points to bigger moisture issues, but sometimes the problem isn't always as deep or hidden as leaks or insulation. I've worked with clients whose moldy closets were primarily due to wardrobe placement—especially in older homes. Closets on external walls or corners with poor airflow can create microclimates perfect for mold, even without leaks. Simply rearranging furniture, adding vented closet doors, or using open shelving instead of closed cabinets can significantly reduce mold buildup.
Also, don't underestimate the impact of consistent airflow combined with managing indoor humidity through plants or subtle temperature adjustments. Sometimes small tweaks are enough to shift conditions just below that mold-friendly threshold... not always a full renovation job needed.
