What can I use to reduce the moisture in my closet or to keep it constantly deodorised?

Question

My new apt is not properly ventilated and the wall forms the back of the built-in closet. I can see that moisture may affect the wall of the closet especially as it is painted and may get my clothes all dirty. I need something cheap and home made maybe to help with the humidity and odor.

Answer 1

Put a box of baking soda in there.

Answer 2

I'm a little confused about what wall it is that forms the back of the built-in closet. Is it an exterior wall? Is that where your concern for moisture comes from? Have you seen actual moisture collecting on the wall? If so, this may not just be a concern for you, but for the property owner as well. This could be an indication of a water leak inside the walls that can or already has caused considerable damage. If you have what appears to be a leak, I would suggest you contact the landlord and advise them of this problem because, unless they're total slum lords, they should be as concerned about this as you are. If there is no apparent leak and it's just more of a mildew sort of smell from condensation that's accumulating inside the closet because it's closed-in, a very inexpensive solution may be to place a well-ventilated dehumidifier in the closet (that is, enough space on all sides so that it can properly draw the air) to draw the moisture out of the air. You will need to start out by removing everything from the closet, airing it out well, cleaning out the source of the odor on all hard surfaces with a good anti-bacterial cleaner and if there's carpet, making sure it's been aired out and cleaned to remove the mildew etc. You can add cedar balls, but I question whether their size would be effective enough, or perhaps buy some planks of cedar wood and build a large panel to prop up against the back wall. Once the moisture is eliminated, the odor will automatically be eliminated as well.

Answer 3

First of all, the mere fact that one of the closet walls is an exterior wall does not mean that you will have moisture problems. Exterior walls have moisture barriers installed on them before the final covering; such as brick, siding etc.
IF you DO get moisture it may be removed several ways:
(1) a small dehumidifier BUT that will add a lot of heat to the closet, (2) Silica gel will absorb loads of water and can be easily regenerated by heating in an oven (3) a bag filled with volcanic ash will absorb moisture AS WELL AS odor causing substances. Baking soda would help with the odors also.
Instead of leaving the door partially open, consider putting a small metal vent near the bottom of the door. These costs about a buck at your local hardware store. You would need only a jigsaw or even a key hole saw to cut the opening and then screw the vent onto the door.

Answer 4

There si actually a product for this although I don't know what its named!

It comes in a little white plastic container similar to a container that you'd find sour cream in or chip dip.

It is sold in the hardware store usually around the bathroom supplies. It has green & black label & writing.

Basically it works as a moisture sucker--you take the top off the container & set it in an area in your room that you want to de-moisterize.

It helps suck up the mold particulars & keeps the place from causing you trouble. They cost about $6 a year--we use them in our bathroom b/c its not venillated & use about 4 a year so in closet--maybe 2-3 a year is all you would need?

Another suggestion is to put in a bowl of baking soda or a box to see if that will help? OR to place a fan near the opening & run it on low.

I would suggest to also purchase some black garbage bags (or just garbage bags) & cut them open to one large piece & staple or nail or tape plastic to the back of your closet to ensure that your clothes are not damaged.

Answer 5

There is a product called Damp-Rid that is awesome. You just set the container up and it will pull all of the moisture from the area and collects it in the bottom, and you just empty it when it gets full. Here is the link. http://www.damprid.dsiwebbuilder.com/index.asp?cat=56350
You can purchase it at most grocery stores, WalMarts or even Home Depot and Lowes. Well worth the investment.

Answer 6

Product called Fridge It odor absorbers. Activated carbon filter inside a little purple cube. Not expensive and REALLY Works fantastic. Linens and Things

Answer 7

Go to wal-mart and get cedar balls/ chips or cedar hangers to put in your closet for the smell. As for the moisture i am not sure what you could do about that... maybe leave your door cracked open...

Answer 8

Baking soda

Answer 9

by a little fan... or a dehumidifier