Mould can be a common annoyance in houses across the UK, with moisture festering in hidden places you might not expect. One such place is in wardrobes, which if left alone, can start growing spores on clothes and shoes, ultimately damaging them.
To help people get on top of mould growth, cleaning fan and TikToker Chantel Mila, known as Mama Mila, shared a surprising hack to prevent moisture build-up. If you don't have a dehumidifier, you can help prevent moisture from turning into mould by adding two items inside wardrobes. She described it as a hack everyone should use, but "no one ever teaches you".
How to prevent mould growth in wardrobes
Chantel encouraged her followers to "work smarter, not harder" when it comes to cleaning the home. Mould thrives in wardrobes due to a combination of moisture, poor ventilation, and organic material.
It can develop in places which have high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and damp clothes can create the perfect environment for mould spores to multiply, leading to mould growth on clothes, walls, and shelves.
While many people would opt for a dehumidifier, there is a home remedy Chantel recommended which should help absorb moisture before it develops into mould.
In her recent video, Chantel recommended using uncooked rice. She placed uncooked rice in a fabric drawstring bag, along with some lemon oil, to help absorb the moisture.
Rice is a natural desiccant, which means it absorbs moisture from the air or other substances, helping to maintain a dry environment. The addition of lemon oil helps to keep wardrobes smelling fresh.
Tim Warren, a DIY expert from Adkwik, told Ideal Home that you want to aim to keep the humidity levels in wardrobes between 40 and 60 per cent.
While he advised using a dehumidifier, as they are the most effective tool, you can also use desiccants which will suck in the moisture from the air.
This is why rice works well. Desiccants also include baking soda.
He said: "Placing these in your wardrobe can help to keep the air dry, reducing the risk of mould growth. You can also buy artificial moisture-absorbing desiccants, such as silica gel packets or charcoal bags."
