How to remove mold from clothes and treat damp wall?« Back to Previous Page
|
My bedroom closet on the outside wall has started to feel damp, and I just pulled out a stack of winter clothes to find several jumpers covered in these black, speckled patches. This started after all that heavy dew we had last week, and the musty smell is really strong in that corner. What’s the most effective way to clean this off my clothes and treat the wall to stop it from coming back?
|
|
First, take the moldy clothes outside to prevent spores from spreading indoors. For washable fabrics like cotton jumpers, soak them in a solution of hot water and baking soda or white vinegar for at least an hour before a hot wash cycle. Sun-drying is highly effective in our climate, as UV light helps kill remaining spores. For dry-clean-only items, inform the cleaner about the mold specifically so they can pre-treat them.
The damp wall indicates a condensation issue, common in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant AC use creating temperature differentials. Wipe the wall surface with a diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution to kill surface mold. However, this is a temporary fix. The root cause is likely poor ventilation or thermal bridging in that external wall. To stop it from returning, you must address the moisture source. Improve air circulation in the closet; leave doors ajar and consider a small moisture absorber like silica gel. For the wall, a professional inspection is often needed to identify if there’s inadequate insulation or a need for a dehumidifier in that room. In many UAE villas, this requires correcting the internal environment to prevent condensation from forming on cooler exterior walls. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: