Use rice to prevent a mould outbreak in wardrobes this winter

Brits are being advised to use baking soda and rice in order to prevent a mould outbreak in their wardrobes this winter.

Experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk are offering tips on how to prevent a mould problem in wardrobes.

Many households experience mould problems in the winter months due to the contrast of cold temperatures outdoors clashing with indoor warmth.

This creates condensation on windows and walls which results in rooms having high humidity levels.

The excess moisture in the air can get trapped in wardrobe spaces which can cause mould to form on the walls and eventually spread onto clothes.

Regulating the room temperature, spraying white vinegar on the walls and fitting vents into doors can help avoid an outbreak.

Cat Wiltshire, from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Having a mould outbreak can be devastating to deal with, especially if all of the clothes are ruined beyond repair.

“It’s a common problem to deal with in the winter months as the colder temperatures mixed with the warmth indoors can result in excess moisture in the air.

“We recommend fitting vents into wardrobes to help distribute the airflow and to use items like rice and baking soda to absorb moisture in the air.”

Here’s how to prevent a mould outbreak in wardrobes:

1 Fit vents into the wardrobe 

Having vents built into the wardrobe can help distribute the airflow and reduce humidity. Building vents will help improve air circulation and remove any excess moisture which can help fitted wardrobes directly on the back wall.

2 Tidy up the space

Having too many clothes in an enclosed space can limit air circulation and trap moisture. Try to space out your clothes where possible and put the rest in drawers.

3 Regulate room temperature

To prevent a mould outbreak, keep the bedroom temperature between 17 to 19ºC. Mould can easily grow in colder rooms that suffer from high humidity. This can then easily spread throughout the home.

4 Monitor humidity levels

Rooms with high humidity levels are likely to experience mould growth due to the excess moisture in the air. Aim to keep humidity levels between 40 to 60% range to lower the chances of an outbreak.

5 Spray white vinegar 

 A mixture of white vinegar and distilled white water can help to get rid of mould which has already started to form. Take all of the clothes in the wardrobe, dab some of the solution onto a cloth and then lightly wipe the area in a circular motion for the best results.

6 Ensure all clothes are dry before putting them away

Putting clothes away too quickly after washing can be one of the causes of a mould outbreak. The damp clothes can create excess moisture in the air. Check all sleeves and collars of clothes to ensure there are no wet patches.

7 Use a bowl of baking soda

Baking soda naturally absorbs the excess moisture surrounding it. Place a bowl of it into your wardrobe to prevent a mould outbreak. For best results, remove the clothes and leave the baking soda for around three to four hours.

 8 Uncooked rice 

A bag of rice can also help reduce humidity in wardrobes with alarming moisture levels in the air. 

9 Check for leaks

If the wardrobe is positioned against a wall with the bathroom behind it, there is a chance that a water leak from the shower is the cause of the dampness. In this case, consider calling a professional to help with the problem.