5 easy tips to keep moisture and dampness away from walls, cabinets and cupboards

Wardrobe essentials: When keeping clothes and towels inside cupboards, ensure they are completely dry (Image: Pexels)

• Fix leaks, cracks, and poor ventilation to prevent home dampness.
• Use sunlight, dehumidifiers, and baking soda to control moisture in cupboards
• Choose moisture-resistant materials and inspect regularly to avoid damage

Did our AI summary help?

In Indian homes, moisture and dampness can create havoc. They not only make your walls look ugly but also damage the stuff stored in almirahs and cupboards. Many of us have witnessed paint peeling off the walls and moisture leading to fungal growth and damaging clothes, books, and other precious items.

Fitted wardrobes and cupboards, in particular, trap moisture, as they are placed close to the walls. The good news is that there are ways to prevent the problem. Here are some measures you can take to keep your cupboards and walls safe.

Look for the root cause

The first thing to do is look for the main cause of dampness and moisture. Ensure there’s no water seepage or leaks from the walls or roof, which is one of the main reasons for paint peeling. Some other causes could be cracks in the walls, poor ventilation, and indoor humidity during the monsoons. It is necessary to fix these problems for a sustainable solution.

Also read | 6 winter wardrobe essentials you must have, from tailored coats to wrap jackets, belted silhouettes, more

Ensure proper ventilation

Ensuring proper ventilation is important to control moisture. It is ideal for rooms to have cross-ventilation. This should also be followed in bathrooms, as they get damp, especially after showers. Open windows, use fans and exhaust fans to get rid of humidity.

Keep the almirahs open for a few minutes everyday to let fresh air in. Do not clutter the cupboards with excess items. There should be enough space for clothes and other items to breathe.

Keep humidity in control

One of the main reasons for the growth of mould and mildew is high humidity. To reduce the moisture levels, ensure enough sunlight enters the rooms and allow for cross-ventilation. Sunlight effectively removes dampness and works as a disinfectant.

Buy dehumidifiers for bedrooms, as cupboards are usually kept there. A natural remedy would be to place baking soda inside the almirahs, as it absorbs excess moisture.

Also read | ‘Digitising’ your wardrobe can help you save money and make sustainable fashion choices

Avoid damp items in the house

Anything that’s kept damp in the house may cause an unpleasant odour and increase humidity. This includes floor rugs and mats. When keeping clothes and towels inside cupboards, ensure they are completely dry.

Dampness within a closed space transfers to other items. Shoes should be kept outside to dry before they are put inside cabinets. Even the kitchen should be kept as dry as possible and any spills should be cleaned immediately.

Use materials that resist moisture

When you choose materials that resist moisture, the chances of dampness reduce significantly. Materials like plywood, BWP grade, or marine-grade boards can be opted for. Plastic lining and camphor blocks also help protect the shelves.

Regular inspection of the walls and cupboards helps catch the problem early and prevents damage. Check for mould and mildew regularly, and if there’s an unpleasant smell, look for the cause. Follow the above measures to keep your home safe and trouble-free.