During humid weather, the air inside the house becomes heavier and the musty smell tends to settle in the closets. To help solve the problem, IKEA released a series of practical recommendations that allow you to keep the environment clean and dry even on days of continuous rain.
When bad weather persists, it is common to close windows and reduce ventilation. However, according to the Swedish brand, this habit is precisely what most favors the appearance of unpleasant odors and the dreaded humidity in furniture.
IKEA emphasizes that air circulation is essential to prevent the accumulation of steam in confined spaces such as wardrobes or cupboards. Even during winter, it is recommended to open furniture doors for a few minutes a day so that humid air is not trapped inside.
The most common mistake at home
One of the things that most contributes to bad smells is storing clothes that are still damp. The company warns that this apparently harmless gesture is enough to cause a musty smell and encourage the appearance of mold, especially in houses with poor ventilation.
The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all pieces are completely dry before folding or hanging them. On rainy days, the brand recommends using a dehumidifier or an auxiliary drying system, avoiding drying clothes in the rooms.
Ventilating remains the simplest and most effective solution. Even in humid weather, opening the windows for a few minutes renews the air and helps balance the vapor level inside the home.
Cold wardrobes and walls: dangerous combination
In bedrooms, it is important not to place furniture directly against cold walls. IKEA recommends always leaving a small space for air to circulate freely and reduce the risk of condensation.
When wardrobes are attached to surfaces without direct ventilation, they are more likely to develop persistent smells and damp stains that are difficult to eliminate.
Small gestures can make a big difference in the final result. Among the simple solutions suggested by the brand are the use of sodium bicarbonate or activated charcoal, placed inside cloth bags.
These products absorb moisture and neutralize odors and should be replaced every two or three weeks. They are economical and safe options for keeping the inside of cabinets drier.
The brand reminds us that the musty smell doesn’t just affect clothes. Furniture, especially furniture made from natural wood, can also retain moisture and end up warping or staining over time.
Taking care of your furniture is also essential.
To prevent such damage, IKEA recommends regularly cleaning the inside of cabinets with a dry cloth and leaving the doors open for a few minutes after cleaning. This prevents steam from accumulating and the wood from absorbing ambient humidity.
Maintaining a minimum distance of five centimeters between the furniture and the wall is another simple but effective step to ensure air circulation. This small gap helps prevent condensation and extends the useful life of the furniture.
In smaller apartments, where space is limited, the problem tends to be more noticeable. The ideal is to organize cabinets in a way that allows air to move freely, avoiding accumulating too many pieces or boxes.
Less is more in small spaces
Excessive clothing or shoes prevent air from circulating and create an environment conducive to mold formation. In these cases, IKEA suggests doing seasonal cleaning and always leaving some space between stored items.
Experts at DECO PROTeste share the same recommendation: airing daily, not drying clothes indoors and using absorbent products in closed areas are simple steps that avoid major problems.
Although often undervalued, prevention is the most effective method. Avoiding the smell of mold is easy if there is regular ventilation, attention to humidity and small precautions in everyday life.
A practical solution for any home
The suggestions can be applied to any type of home, be it a small apartment or a townhouse. Small habits, such as opening windows and avoiding storing damp clothes, are enough to keep the environment clean and fresh throughout the year.
In short, all it takes is a few minutes a day to eliminate musty smells and ensure a healthier home. The key is to allow air to circulate, even when it rains non-stop outside.
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