Why Is There Mould On Clothes In My Wardrobe?

• What causes mould?
• Why does mould grow on clothes in wardrobes?
• How to get rid of mould on clothes
• How to prevent mould in wardrobes
• Book your mould remediation today

Mould does not just cause unsightly stains to form on clothes - it can release unpleasant odours that may make the wearer smell damp and musty. Swift removal is critical to protect your clothes and health against the harmful fungus. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, our specialist technicians can remove mould from any surface in your home as well as the air. They can even pinpoint the specific cause of the fungus and advise on how to prevent it returning in the future as a part of our mould removal services. 

Read on to learn more about what causes mould to grow on clothes stored in wardrobes.

What causes mould?

Mould is a variety of fungus that grows in damp environments that contain oxygen, warmth, and organic material. It grows and spreads by dispersing minuscule spores that are carried invisibly through the air. When these settle on surfaces that contain mould's ideal conditions, the spores start to grow. 

The main cause of mould is usually high humidity levels. Other contributing factors include inadequate ventilation which fails to expel humid air, damp, and condensation.

As a result, mould can often be found growing in the bathroom and kitchen due to the steam produced during washing and cooking, and the basement which contains lots of cold surfaces for condensation to form on. 

Why does mould grow on clothes in wardrobes?

Wardrobes usually provide mould with its ideal growing conditions. The enclosed spaces contain high humidity caused by clothes that are not fully dried after washing being stored in there, as well as poor airflow and ventilation. The dark conditions also help the fungus thrive unnoticed. 

Wardrobes located against external walls or in damp areas of the home are particularly vulnerable to mould growth. This is because during the colder times of the year, turning up the heat indoors can intensify the temperature disparity between interior and exterior walls which may culminate in moisture build-up.

Poorly maintained wardrobes can contribute to this issue. Dust and dead bugs that are not removed regularly can provide mould with the organic material it requires to feed off. 

Wardrobes made of wood are particularly susceptible to mould growth for the same reason, and can slowly deteriorate over time if mould starts growing on them.

Mould can form on clothes regardless of the conditions inside the wardrobe they are kept in. Clothes that are still damp after washing can give mould the moisture it needs to grow. Garments made from natural fibres provide mould with plenty of organic material, too. Some types of clothes are more affected by mould than others:

• Cotton and wool items are susceptible because they absorb more water than synthetic fabrics and stay damp longer
• Silk and leather may also suffer since their delicate nature makes cleaning more challenging

How to get rid of mould on clothes

Mould is dangerous to touch, inhale, and ingest. It is linked to a range of health problems, from allergic reactions to asthma attacks and respiratory infections. Prompt removal will protect your clothes as well as your health against it. However, it is crucial that you do not attempt to tackle mould removal yourself due to the potential risks involved with mould remediation.

The process of removing mould involves more than just scrubbing stains. Mould spores are tiny and can easily become airborne during cleaning, putting you at risk of inhaling them or encouraging them to spread throughout your home. You will also be very likely to touch the mould during remediation. 

Mould removal specialists will have the personal protective equipment (PPE) and expertise to safely remove mould without risking further contamination or exposure.

Attempting the DIY remedies shared online, such as spraying the affected area with vinegar or applying bleach, might seem like a cost-effective solution initially but could lead to more significant issues down the line. Ineffective cleaning, for example, can leave some mould behind, allowing it to continue to grow. If you do not deal with the cause of the mould, either, the mould will just grow back after treatment.

Mould remediation professionals will have the specialist equipment and products required for a thorough treatment. You can be sure they will deal with the root cause of the fungus and eliminate all of the spores. 

How to prevent mould in wardrobes

To combat the conditions mould loves, start by ensuring good air circulation within and around your wardrobe. Keep it slightly away from walls, especially external ones that may be colder and prone to condensation. Regularly opening wardrobe doors can also help air circulate more freely.

Consider putting dehumidifiers or silica gel packets inside the wardrobe to keep humidity levels low, too. These products are effective at drawing out moisture from the air, making it less hospitable for mould spores.

You should avoid storing damp clothing or textiles in your wardrobe, as well, as they significantly increase moisture levels in there. Do not forget to make sure everything is completely dry before putting it away.

Cleaning both your wardrobe interior and its contents regularly will not only keep them smelling fresh but hinder any potential fungal outbreaks before they begin. For delicate fabrics like leather, ensure garments are wiped down with appropriate cleaners designed for the material. 

You can learn more about how to prevent mould in wardrobes and closets in this blog. 

Book your mould remediation today

Did you know we offer a lifetime guarantee* with every mould removal? In the unlikely event the mould comes back after treatment, our technicians will return to site and remove it again for free. 

Get in touch with our team on 0208 066 0360 or send an email to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to learn more about our mould cleaning services. 

*subject to advisories