Why Shoe Cabinets Keep Growing Mould in Singapore Homes

If your shoes smell musty even after cleaning, or you keep seeing white or grey patches inside your shoe cabinet, mould is likely the cause. In Singapore homes, shoe cabinets are one of the most common but overlooked mould hotspots.

Many homeowners think the problem is dirty shoes. In reality, it is usually trapped moisture and poor airflow.

Let us break down why shoe cabinets attract mould and what actually stops it.

Why Shoe Cabinets Are a Perfect Environment for Mould

Shoe cabinets are usually enclosed, dark, and placed near entrances where moisture is easily brought in from outside. When damp shoes are stored inside and the cabinet stays closed, humidity builds up quickly.

Common contributing factors include:

• Shoes worn in the rain or after sweaty days

• Cabinets placed directly against walls with no airflow

• Doors kept shut most of the time

• Poor ventilation near entrances

• High indoor humidity during rainy seasons

Once moisture is trapped, mould spores begin feeding on dust, fabric, and organic residue from shoes.

Where Mould Commonly Forms Inside Shoe Cabinets

During inspections, we usually find mould in these areas:

• Back panels of the shoe cabinet

• Lower shelves near the floor

• Inside corners with no airflow

• On fabric shoes, insoles, and shoe boxes

• On cabinet surfaces that feel slightly damp

The mould often starts quietly and spreads deeper before the smell becomes noticeable.

Why Shoe Cabinet Mould Is Hard to Get Rid Of

Many homeowners wipe down the cabinet or spray deodoriser. Some add charcoal bags or silica packs. While these help with odour, they do not remove active mould or moisture trapped inside the cabinet.

As long as humidity stays high, mould will keep returning. This is why shoes start smelling again even after cleaning.

What Actually Stops Mould in Shoe Cabinets

To stop mould from returning, the environment inside the cabinet has to change.

This includes:

• Letting shoes dry fully before storing

• Opening cabinet doors regularly to allow airflow

• Keeping cabinets slightly away from walls

• Reducing indoor humidity with fans or dehumidifiers

• Treating existing mould properly so spores are eliminated

Once moisture is controlled, mould can no longer survive inside the cabinet.

How Sterng Can Help

At Sterng, we do more than wipe mould away.

Our process usually involves:

• Inspecting the cabinet and surrounding wall for moisture

• Treating affected surfaces with a high alkaline mould solution

• Fogging the area to neutralise airborne spores

• Advising on cabinet placement and airflow improvements

This approach removes both the mould and the conditions that cause it.

Final Thoughts

Mould in shoe cabinets is not just about bad smells. It affects indoor air quality and can spread to nearby rooms if ignored. In Singapore’s humid climate, enclosed spaces need just as much attention as bedrooms and toilets.

If your shoe cabinet smells musty or keeps growing mould, Sterng offers free inspections across Singapore. Tap here to WhatsApp us and we will help you fix the issue at its source.