Mildew growth
Closets and crawl spaces are particularly prone to excess moisture because they are generally small and poorly ventilated. Moreover, moisture is more likely to get into a closet that's next to a bathroom due to moisture-generating activities that typically take place in a bathroom. Excess moisture in closets can lead to insect infestation, mold and mildew growth, peeling paint, rotting wood and musty odors. There are steps you can take to reduce the amount of moisture in your closet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Hang cloth bags, or place open containers filled with silica gel, activated alumina, anhydrous calcium sulfate or molecular sieves in the closet. These chemicals absorb moisture from the air and are available at industrial chemical supply stores.
2. Run a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and are most effective in confined areas, such as closets and crawl spaces. When purchasing a dehumidifier, choose one specifically designed for bathroom use.
3. Open the closet door when you are not running water in the bathroom. Ventilation helps to remove moisture from the air. But keep the closet door closed when you are running water in the bathroom. This helps prevent humid air from entering the closet.
4. Keep items off the closet floor. Often, moisture from the bathroom escapes onto the floor of the closet and becomes trapped under items such as shoes, boxes and clothes.
5. Run an exhaust fan in the bathroom. An exhaust fan helps prevent humid air from moving into the closet by venting the humid air outside. Turn on the exhaust fan while you are showering, and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes after you shower.
6. Reduce moisture-generating activities. Showering generates a lot of moisture, which seeps into closets located next to the bathroom. Consider reducing your shower time and using colder water.
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