In my line of work, I’ve seen a lot of closets, and each of them have their challenges, particularly before customization. Some closets have architectural features that cut into the space available, others are very small or narrow, and still others have poor ventilation. What can happen if a walk-in closet has poor airflow? Unfortunately, this can have some negative effects.
Here are some of the side effects of having a poorly ventilated, humid closet system:
- Mold Growth
- Musty Odors
- Deterioration of Clothing
- Pest Infestation
Let’s talk about each of these and also discuss some ways to address the issue.
Mold Growth
One of the most concerning issues that can come from poor ventilation in the custom closet system is the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spores exist everywhere, but they need a damp, dark environment to proliferate. A closet system with little airflow can cause mold to start growing. This is not only a surface-level problem; left unchecked, mold can cause structural damage to a home, as well as health issues in those spending time in the room, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Musty Odors
As stagnant air builds up and mildew begins to grow, the closet will take on a musty odor. As you can imagine, this is unpleasant. The odor won’t limit itself to the air in the closet, after all; it will also permeate the clothing hanging in the closet. Nobody wants to wear clothing that smells musty, so this can lead to a lot of stress and avoidance. Combating musty odors is a top priority when the closet has poor ventilation.
Deterioration of Clothing
As moisture accumulates in the closet, clothing and even shoes can become discolored or weakened. In severe cases, they can even begin developing mold stains. While any fabric or material can be affected, certain ones, such as leather and dry clean only fabrics, can become permanently damaged to the point where they are unusable.
Pest Infestation
Damp, stagnant air and darkness can also attract pests. Moths and silverfish are prime examples of insects that like this type of environment. Even worse, they can also begin eating holes in your clothes – ruining them and making them unwearable over time.
Effective Strategies to Improve Airflow in the Walk-in Closet
So, what can you do if you have poor ventilation in your closet? I have some suggestions that can help keep these issues at bay:
- Install a ventilation system. If you have central air conditioning in your home, you may be able to have your HVAC technician install an air vent in your closet system without a large expense. This is probably the simplest and most effective way to improve airflow.
- Add a fan. Putting in a ceiling fan or a standing fan is another way to keep air flowing in the closet. The drawback is that you’d need to run it quite often, but if adding an air vent isn’t an option, this is a good alternative.
- Use a dehumidifier. If your closet is quite humid, add a dehumidifier to the space to keep the extra moisture out of the air. Be sure to empty its receptacle frequently to avoid additional issues from condensation or standing water.
- Declutter the closet. Having fewer items in the closet can maximize air circulation between the articles of clothing. Avoid overcrowding the closet, and make sure nothing is blocking any vents that are in the space.
- Keep the closet door open. This is a simple way to allow for more air to circulate within the closet. It’s even better if the room the closet opens into is air-conditioned or has a window that can be left open on comfortable days.
- Maintain the closet regularly. Just keeping tabs on the humidity levels and being on the lookout for any signs of water condensation or mildew can nip any issues in the bud. Use your eyes and nose to search for signs of excessive moisture. The University of Minnesota Extension office describes some signs of too much moisture.
Conclusion
Poor ventilation in a walk-in closet can lead to a host of issues, including mold, musty odors, pest infestations, and the deterioration of clothing. If you’re dealing with these problems, follow the list of tips above to combat the problem. If too much clutter in the closet is an issue, my team would be happy to show you the difference a custom closet design would make. Call and schedule a free in-home consultation to get started!