Why Wardrobes Are a Mould Hotspot in Singapore Homes

If your wardrobe smells musty or you’ve spotted strange dark patches inside, you’re not alone. In Singapore, wardrobes are one of the most common places where mould quietly takes hold. You may not see it at first, but once it sets in, it can ruin clothes, damage furniture, and make your room feel constantly damp.

Let’s break down why wardrobes are such a problem and what you can do to stop the mould from coming back.

Why Mould Forms in Wardrobes So Easily

The average wardrobe is the perfect place for mould to grow. It’s dark, enclosed, and often pressed tightly against a wall. Air doesn’t flow well inside, and moisture gets trapped easily, especially when paired with Singapore’s high humidity.

Some of the most common triggers include:

• Putting clothes away before they’re completely dry

 • Keeping wardrobe doors closed for long periods

 • Furniture placed directly against exterior-facing walls

 • Lack of airflow in rooms without fans or open windows

 • Moisture rising from the floor or condensing behind panels

All of this creates a hidden pocket of humidity. Once mould spores find it, they start feeding on the surfaces inside the wardrobe.

Where Mould Usually Grows

We typically find mould in:

• The back panel of the wardrobe 

• Corners and joints where air is most stagnant 

• On wooden shelving and along drawer edges 

• On stored items like bags, shoes, and jackets 

• Between the wardrobe and the wall

It often starts small, then spreads out once conditions allow it to thrive.

Signs You Have a Mould Problem Inside the Wardrobe

You don’t always need to see mould to know it’s there. These warning signs usually mean something is growing inside:

 • A musty smell when you open the doors

 • White or greyish dust that reappears after wiping

 • Discolouration or dark spots on the inner panels

 • Clothes that smell damp or have mould specks

 • Wooden parts that feel damp or look swollen

If you’ve wiped it down a few times and the smell keeps returning, that’s a strong sign of active mould behind the scenes.

Why Wiping with Vinegar Doesn’t Work

Many people try to solve the problem with vinegar or over-the-counter mould sprays. Some repaint the interior or add dehumidifying bags. But none of these deal with the root of the issue, active spores inside the material or moisture trapped behind the wardrobe.

In nearly every case we’ve seen, the mould came back within weeks because the environment was never properly treated.

How We Solve Wardrobe Mould Properly

Sterng’s approach is to eliminate both the visible mould and the conditions that caused it. Here’s how we usually handle it:

 • We inspect both the inside of the wardrobe and the wall behind it

 • Surfaces are treated using a high-alkaline solution to kill mould at the root

 • Fogging is done to eliminate spores floating in the air or resting on nearby surfaces

 • Clients are advised on positioning, room airflow, and long-term care

 • In more severe cases, we may recommend replacing the wardrobe

It’s not just about cleaning. It’s about removing the environment that mould needs to survive.

How to Prevent Mould From Coming Back

After treatment, maintenance is key. Here’s what you can do to keep your wardrobe mould-free:

 • Leave a small gap between the wardrobe and the wall

 • Open wardrobe doors regularly to let air circulate

 • Avoid stuffing clothes too tightly together

 • Never store damp or recently worn clothes inside

 • Run a fan or dehumidifier in the room daily while keeping the wardrobe doors open

Even simple routines like airing out the room once a day can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Mould in wardrobes isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It ruins clothing, damages furniture, and creates unhealthy air in the spaces where you sleep and get dressed. If caught early, it can be treated quickly. If ignored, it tends to spread.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, Sterng offers free inspections across Singapore. Tap here to WhatsApp us and we’ll help you get to the root of the problem before it gets worse.