🏠 Life
Getting Rid of a Damp Smell in the Closet
First, find the source of the moisture
- Whether you put away clothes that were not fully dry
- Whether the closet is pushed tightly against the wall and blocking ventilation at the back
- Whether clothes are hung so tightly that each section is packed full
- Whether it has been more than two months since you placed a dehumidifier inside
A one-day order for removing the smell
- Take out all the clothes, empty the closet completely, and leave the doors wide open for 2 hours to ventilate it.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar into 500ml of water, dampen a dry towel with the solution, and wipe the inside walls and shelves of the closet.
- Dry the wiped surfaces for 1 hour with a fan on low until they are completely dry. If you close the closet while it is still damp, mold can grow instead.
- Lay two layers of newspaper on the floor and put the clothes back on top. Newspaper absorbs both moisture and odor.
- Place dehumidifiers and charcoal pouches in 3 spots: both ends and the center.
- Hang clothes with enough space between them for two fingers to fit, so air can circulate.
Comparing odor-absorbing materials
| Material | Effect | Replacement cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium chloride dehumidifier | Strong moisture removal | 1–2 months |
| Bamboo charcoal | Absorbs moisture and odor | Dry in sunlight once a month |
| Newspaper | Absorbs moisture from the floor | 2–3 weeks |
| Coffee grounds (dried) | Absorbs unpleasant odors | 1–2 weeks |
Habits that keep the smell from coming back
Put laundry away only after it is completely dry, and do not immediately store outdoor clothes after wearing them once. Hang them on a hanger and let them air out for half a day before putting them away. Simply opening the closet doors for 5 minutes once a week to refresh the air can greatly reduce moisture.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| First, find the source of the moisture | Short key point |
| A one-day order for removing the smell | Dry the wiped surfaces for 1 hour with a fan on low until they are completely dry |
| Comparing odor-absorbing materials | Short key point |
| Habits that keep the smell from coming back | Hang them on a hanger and let them air out for half a day before putting them away |
💡
Note: If the moldy smell inside the closet is strong, wrap paper around a dry hanger, lightly apply baking soda to it, and hang it overnight to absorb remaining odors.
Even if mold is visible, never use chlorine bleach such as household bleach together with acidic cleaners such as vinegar or citric acid. Toxic chlorine gas can be produced. If you need to use both, wipe with one, rinse thoroughly with water, dry completely, and then use the other.
📚 Sources