Damp in Wardrobes

(WHO) World Health Organisation is concerned about this situation because excessive dampness and mould are a threat to health. Occupants of damp or mouldy rooms are at increased risk of experiencing health problems such as respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Mould is a naturally occurring substance as it is an integral part of the outdoor environment and it plays a large role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. When it grows indoors inside wardrobe and cupboards, it can have serious health consequences. Moulds are types of fungus, which need moisture to grow; as such they are found in damp, dark and poorly ventilated areas. Condensation can be a big problem in fitted wardrobes. Most moulds gather their food from dead moist organic matter such as wood, paper, fabric, dust, plant soil, and cooked or raw food; however, they can also grow on the surface of damp materials such as cloths wallpaper and the walls inside wardrobes. Moulds spread by releasing thousands of tiny spores into the air and these spores are a source of indoor air pollution, which lead to mould allergy. Some people are more sensitive to mould than others, and some groups are especially vulnerable. Additional effort should be made to keep away from damp and mould babies and children, elderly people, those with existing skin problems, such as eczema, or respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma.

What is condensation?

Three factors contribute to the condensation of water on building surfaces: high humidity of indoor air, low temperature of the walls/surfaces, and poor ventilation.

Low temperature: Condensation can be worse when it is cold. The humid bedroom air comes into contact with cold indoor surfaces of the wardrobe, transforms into surface mist and then into water that runs down the inside of the wardrobe causing mould to grow on wallpaper and walls. Wardrobe dampness is often found in wardrobe who’s wall are on North-facing walls, the cooler side of any home

Signs of damp in wardrobe :

How to stop the mould

To reduce the problem, first empty the wardrobe, and clean all surfaces with a mould killer/disinfectant, then dry thoroughly.

Ensure that all clothing/footwear placed in the wardrobe is absolutely dry and aired. See whether adding ventilation is possible If it is on a cold outside wall, think about insulating that wall with a suitable covering - blown vinyl wallpaper may help, or thin polystyrene sheeting,

Remember, all the clothing and footwear you wear absorb moisture from your body, so when you put the clothing away that moisture is released in storage.

Fitt a Tubular Wardrobe Heater to keep the Condensation Away

Wardrobe Heater are small compact heaters for drying out, wardrobes and wherever well-distributed heat is required. Because the heat is distributed evenly along the entire length of the tube, the Damp Chaser is both safe and effective. Effectively stopping mildew, mould, musty odours. As an added bonus, they are simple and cheep to operate compared with a dehumidifier — just set them up and forget them

They come with a 10-year guarantee. Click on the size you need and that will take to more info

 

Size Watts Area of Wardrobe Protection
48" 35 Watts Wardrobe Heater 5' D x 8' W 8' H Buy Wardrobe Heater
36" 25 Watts Wardrobe Heater 4' D x 6' W 8' H Buy Wardrobe Heater
24" 15 Watts Wardrobe Heater 4' D x 4' W 8' H Buy Wardrobe Heater
18" 12 Watts Wardrobe Heater 3' D x 4' W 8' H Buy Wardrobe Heater

Running cost compared with a dehumidifier

HERE'S HOW: As air in the storage area is warmed by the Dampp-Chaser, it expands. The expanded air causes pressure inside the storage space to be slightly higher than air pressure outside the enclosure. This pressure differential pushes stale air out of the storage area and fresh, clean air seeps in to replace the stale air.

FACT: Protect your Family from MOULD  ALLERGIES  conditions found in most storage areas (dark, damp, with stagnant air) promote the germination of mould sports which tiger asthma and allergy symptoms. Since allergy-prone persons spend one-third of each day in the bedroom, it's important to control mould out-breaks in that area by plating a Dampp-Chaser in your storage areas

Placement  Mount the damp chaser horizontally on the wall or simply set it free standing on the floor of the storage area. Keep the area around the rod free to allow free air circulation. The rod produces a radiant heat that will not scorch or burn cloths or carpets

Fitted Wardrobe Heaters