How I finally solved closet dampness — steps that actually worked

I actually tried the two-inch gap trick with my reach-in closet last summer because my leather boots were starting to get that white fuzz on them. I was skeptical about the wire shelving because I hated the look, but swapping out the old particle board for some Rubbermaid wire racks made a huge difference in how the air circulated. I noticed the corners didn't feel cold and clammy anymore after about a week of keeping everythign spaced out. The hanging bags are a must. I usally pick up the DampRid 3-packs from the hardware store. It’s gross but satisfying to see how much water they pull out. One thing I did differently was installing a louvered door instead of just leaving my solid one cracked. It lets the air flow thru the slats 24/7 without me having to worry about the cat getting into my shoes or the room looking messy. If you're still getting that scent, check the floor too. I found that keeping my gym bag off the carpet and on a small riser helped stop the moisture from pooling at the bottom. It's a cheap fix that actually holds up during the humid months.

Back in the day, we’d just keep a low-wattage incandescent bulb burning near the floor. A 40-watt bulb throws just enugh heat to keep the dew point where it needs to be so moisture won't settle on your coats. The new LEDs won't do a lick of good for that, though, since they stay cool.

If you don't want to swap the whole door for a louvered one, you can always just undercut the one you've got. Take an inch or two off the bottom with a circular saw. It lets the heavy, cool air cycle out along the floor. It’s a trick I learned forty years ago that’s saved many a leather jacket from the scrap heap.

If you aren't ready to swap the whole slab, just install a Tamarack Technologies Return Air Path. I put one in my walk-in last summer and it’s been a lifesaver for airflow. It’s basically a specialized vent that snaps into the bottom of the door, and it handles the pressure balance way better than just leaving the door cracked. It has a built-in baffle so you don't get light leaking into the bedroom at night, but the air moves thru like the door isn't even there. It’s alot cleaner looking than a DIY undercut and actually keeps the humidity from settling.