What are the Most Common Walk-In Closet Cleanliness Issues?
Your walk-in closet should be a welcoming and organized place to store your clothing and accessories. If there are cleanliness issues, though, those can overwhelm the closet to the point that you don’t even want to keep your clothing in there. I’ve helped clients who have dealt with various maintenance issues, and I’m happy to share some tips for having better walk-in closet hygiene.
Some issues that commonly arise in a closet are:
- Dust accumulation
- Moisture leading to mold
- Unpleasant odors
- Pest infestation
Let’s discuss how to best avoid and treat these issues, so you can continue enjoying your walk-in closet and all of the benefits that go along with it.
Dust Accumulation
When you have a space that’s filled with clothing and accessories, dust is inevitably going to occur. While the clothes you wash and wear frequently probably won’t be affected, dust will accumulate on lesser-used clothing, shelves, and even on the top of the hanging rods.
Regular cleaning is the key to combating the problem of too much dust. Simply wipe down shelves and rods frequently. Special-occasion clothing that you aren’t wearing frequently should be kept covered in fabric bags; wipe down the fabric occasionally. You also might consider washing unused items once they’ve been sitting for six months or more; this will remove dust as well as any musty odors.
Vacuum the floor frequently, too. If you have carpet, vacuuming will be enough, but if you have hard floors like tile or wood, a quick mop, at least monthly, will help keep dust at bay. Clean the space more frequently if you have a pet that enters the space, as their hair will tend to accumulate.
Moisture Leading to Mold
Because many closets aren’t well ventilated, it’s possible to experience moisture. This excess humidity or condensation can lead to mildew or mold. You’ll know you have it when you can smell mustiness. You might also see water stains or even fuzzy or discolored areas where mold is growing. The New York State Department of Health has more information on detecting and treating mold in your home.
If your closet is damp or tends to feel humid, you should increase ventilation by keeping the door open, opening a window (if the weather isn’t too humid outdoors), adding a fan, or using an air conditioner to keep the space drier.
Once you’ve detected mold, you may need help from a professional. In some cases, the carpeting and even the drywall will need to be replaced. Also, some types of mold are toxic, so professional help would be needed in this case to prevent the spores from spreading throughout the house or making anyone sick.
Unpleasant Odors
I’ve been in closets where there’s an unpleasant odor, and it can stem from a variety of sources. Of course, a damp or musty odor might be the result of mold growth or poor ventilation, and I’ve already addressed that.
The other main reason you might experience some funky odors in the closet is often the result of having dirty clothing or shoes in the closet. Remember, although a walk-in closet is a large storage space, it’s still smaller than a typical room. It also doesn’t have windows or good airflow most of the time. This can lead to a concentration of odor building up.
The solution for this is to not store anything dirty in the closet. If your hamper is in the closet, don’t put anything wet or damp in it, and wash your dirty clothing regularly, at least weekly. Store wet shoes outside of the closet in a place where they’ll be exposed to moving air, so they can dry thoroughly.
You can also try adding air fresheners or natural pleasant fragrances, like essential oils you enjoy or even a bowl of fresh coffee grounds.
Pest Infestation
Your walk-in closet can provide a cozy spot for moths and other insects that like to reside in dark, warm areas. Keeping the closet clean, dust-free, and well-ventilated can go far in dissuading critters from taking up residence. Avoid allowing things to pile up; piles of clutter will not only attract insects but can also hide them – keeping you from finding out about an infestation before it becomes large.
Be careful not to put things, like candy wrappers in your pockets, before re-hanging jeans or a jacket; any food residue could attract bugs.
If you do notice the signs of any type of pest infestation, there are both DIY and professional options available. The Spruce has ideas on how to deal with pests organically, and you can also try various pesticides made for in-home use that you can find at your local grocery or home improvement store. In the case of a large infestation, don’t hesitate to contact a professional exterminator.
Conclusion
Maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness in your walk-in closet will go far in discouraging dust, unpleasant odors, mold, and even pests from taking up residence. Feel free to contact me or a member of my team to discuss upgrading your closet to improve its overall organization, which can help prevent these various issues.