Why I don’t use Damprid to manage mould in my wardrobe
Have you ever opened your wardrobe and noticed a musty odour? Or worse, seen visible mould growing on your clothes or shoes?
It is more common than you think.
Wardrobes are prone to mould growth!
Why does mould grow in wardrobes?
Mould thrives in damp, humid environments. Indoor humidity can contribute to the moisture issues. When indoor relative humidity exceeds 65%, mould can begin to grow in as little as 24-48hrs. And Sydney has some very humid summers!
But here's the twist: even in winter, when we turn up the heat to stay warm, the insides of our wardrobes remain cold. As warm, humid air from our living spaces seeps into the cold wardrobe, it encounters the cold surface and reaches the dew point meaning the water vapour in the air, condenses into water droplets on a cool surface. This lingering moisture, present for over 48 hours, provides ample opportunity for mould to flourish.
So, where does Damprid come into play?
Damprid, a common wardrobe damp absorber, appears to offer a quick solution. It contains calcium chloride, which absorbs moisture from the air and stores it in a container. It is a low-cost product available from most supermarkets and hardware stores. In fact, during an intense rainy period in Sydney a few years back, most stores sold out of damp rid!
3 reasons I don’t use damp rid:
The moisture is still there, in your wardrobe! Yes, it may have ‘removed’ the moisture from the air and you can see water filling up in the container, but the moisture is still there in the wardrobe until you empty it likely weeks later.
Try rummaging through your wardrobe in a hurry and NOT tipping this full container of water over! I have done it before. Only, it isn’t water, it is this gross watery chemical product that is challenging to clean up.
The main ingredient of Wardrobe Damp Absorbers, calcium chloride, can cause adverse health effects including irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to the development of dermatitis or other skin conditions. Ingestion or inhalation of calcium chloride can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and other health problems.
So, how do I maintain a mould-free wardrobe?
First and foremost, focus on managing moisture levels. Declutter your wardrobe to promote better airflow, air it out on warm, dry days, and make sure to dust and vacuum regularly.
Check for leaks and invest in a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels.
Consider a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity, especially during winter.
And if you're feeling fancy, a wardrobe warmer bar can help keep surfaces above the dew point.
Finally, if you are reading this and are about to install a wardrobe a couple of tips on where not to position it: don’t install along a wall that is shared with any plumbing pipes such as kitchen, laundry, or bathroom pipes, and avoid installing on a wall that is an external wall.
It's all about prevention rather than quick fixes. Have you experimented with any of these methods? Share your experiences below or on socials—I'd love to hear from you.
Yours in Home Health,
Jodie Green
The Mould Lady