Why Dehumidifier Bags Are The Perfect Solution To Reducing Mold In Your Closet

While your clothes should be safe in your closet, the reality is that many closets are not the ideal environment for your wardrobe, due to excess moisture levels. Humidity gets trapped in closets for a number of reasons, including lack of adequate ventilation that prevents fresh air from circulating through the compartments. Then there's the most egregious offender when it comes to closets: Their location. Those with closets inside of or branching off from their bathrooms are all too familiar with the challenge of keeping clothes dry and protected from humidity. But what's to be done if that's your only option?

If you have come across damp clothes, musty smells, or visible mold in your closet, you might feel like you need to do something extreme in response. It's true, mold is highly aggressive once it takes hold and can penetrate deep within clothing fibers and cause irreparable harm. In addition to the damage it can inflict on your clothing, it can also cause health concerns for individuals who are especially sensitive to mold spores; once detected, moldy clothing is likely destined for the trash can, making it a huge expense and inconvenience to deal with. If you have discovered mold spores on your clothes or have experienced any of its side effects, you might assume it's a surefire sign you should be running a dehumidifier. While this can certainly help, racing out and buying an expensive unit isn't your only option. Dehumidifier bags can work just as well. They offer a simple solution to damp cupboards and can keep your closet smelling fresh and prevent your clothes from harboring mold — and they won't hurt your bank account, either.

Dehumidifier bags work by absorbing excess moisture from the air with the help of calcium chloride, which traps water within the bag instead of in your clothing's fibers. Depending on the humidity levels in your closet, a dehumidifying bag may last a couple of weeks or a couple months. The number of bags that you use simultaneously will also differ based on the size of the space. Once the bag has filled with water, you simply throw it away and replace it with a new one.

One popular brand on Amazon, Vacplus, has a 74% 5-star rating average, offering 10 bags for $23.99. Customers of the brand praise the bags' ability to quickly soak up moisture from the air in closets. One writes, "Placed these items in closets all over the house and boy, did they work like a charm! It helped get rid of moisture in the air, leaving a nice scent ... It helped get rid of the musky smell one would smell in an overly damp room. I will be purchasing more of these." If you want to test out another product, DampRid is a reputable brand with 81% of buyers giving it a 5-star review. Their three-pack of 16-ounce bags costs $15.99. Customers commend the product for removing moisture from the air. "Good for musty closets and enclosed humid prone locations," one buyer writes. If your closet feels humid or smells musty, investing in dehumidifier bags can save you a world of trouble. They're also far more effective than questionable dehumidifying hacks like using charcoal (we tried dehumidifying a kitchen with charcoal and the hack was full of hot air).