Cleaning expert Chantel Mila, known online as Mama Mila, has shared a simple two-item solution to prevent mould and dampness in wardrobes. In a recent video, she recommended placing uncooked rice inside a fabric drawstring bag along with a small amount of lemon oil to absorb surplus moisture before it turns into mould.
How the hack works
Rice acts as a natural desiccant, extracting moisture from the air or nearby materials and helping to maintain a dry environment. Adding lemon oil can also keep wardrobes smelling fresh. Chantel described the tip as a hack everyone should know about, but “no one ever teaches you,” and encouraged her followers to “work smarter, not harder” when tackling household cleaning.
Mould thrives in wardrobes due to a combination of dampness, poor ventilation, and organic material. It typically emerges in areas with elevated humidity, where condensation collects on chilled surfaces and wet clothing provides the perfect environment for spores to multiply, causing mould to spread across garments, walls, and shelving.
Expert advice on humidity levels
Tim Warren, a DIY expert from Adkwik, told Ideal Home that humidity levels within wardrobes should ideally remain between 40 and 60%. While he suggested using a dehumidifier as the most effective approach, desiccants are a practical alternative, as they extract moisture directly from the air.
Warren said: “Placing these in your wardrobe can help to keep the air dry, reducing the risk of mould growth. You can also buy artificial moisture-absorbing desiccants, such as silica gel packets or charcoal bags.” Other common desiccants include baking soda.
