To stop your drawers from getting damp, you need to control the moisture levels around and within them. This can be done by addressing potential sources of dampness and by using products designed to absorb moisture.
Damp drawers can be a frustrating issue, often leading to musty smells, damage to contents, and even mold growth. Understanding why they get damp is the first step to preventing it.
Understanding Why Drawers Get Damp
Drawers typically get damp due to excess humidity in the surrounding environment. Common causes include:
- High Room Humidity: Particularly in damp climates or rooms with poor ventilation (like basements or laundry rooms).
- Proximity to Moisture Sources: Being near leaky pipes, damp walls, or even just a room where laundry is frequently dried indoors.
- Poor Air Circulation: Lack of airflow around and inside the furniture can trap moisture.
- Damp Contents: Storing slightly damp clothes or other items.
Effective Ways to Prevent Dampness
Preventing dampness involves a combination of environmental control and targeted solutions within the drawers themselves.
Using Desiccants to Absorb Moisture
One of the most direct ways to combat dampness inside the drawer is by using moisture absorbers. As mentioned in the reference: Desiccants like silica gel packets or camphor balls will also help to absorb moisture.
- Silica Gel Packets: These small packets contain beads that are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air. They are often found with new products (like shoes or electronics).
- Camphor Balls: While traditionally used to repel moths, camphor balls also have some moisture-absorbing properties.
- Other Options: Charcoal sachets, baking soda, or commercially available moisture absorbers (often calcium chloride based) are also effective.
Important Tip: Keep them in your drawers and replace them regularly or they will lose their efficacy. Once a desiccant has absorbed its maximum amount of moisture, it can no longer work. Some types, like silica gel, can be reactivated by heating (check product instructions), while others need to be replaced entirely.
Controlling Room Humidity
Addressing the overall humidity in the room where the furniture is located is crucial for long-term prevention. The reference notes: Installing a nifty humidifier will regulate moisture in the air, thereby arresting the growth of any mould spores.
- Dehumidifiers: While the reference uses "humidifier," in the context of preventing dampness and mold (which thrives in high humidity), a dehumidifier is the correct tool to reduce moisture in the air. Installing one can significantly lower the overall humidity level in the room.
- Ventilation: Increase airflow by opening windows regularly, especially after activities that generate moisture like showering or cooking. Use exhaust fans.
- Fans: Circulating air with a fan can help prevent moisture from settling.
- Avoid Drying Laundry Indoors: If possible, dry clothes outside or use a vented tumble dryer.
Addressing Other Potential Issues
- Check for Leaks: Inspect walls, ceilings, and pipes near the furniture for any signs of water leaks or damp patches.
- Ensure Air Circulation Around Furniture: Avoid pushing furniture flush against exterior walls, especially in older homes or basements, as this can trap moisture. Leave a small gap for air to flow.
- Store Dry Items Only: Ensure anything you put into the drawers is completely dry.
By implementing these strategies, combining internal moisture absorbers with external humidity control, you can effectively stop your drawers from getting damp and protect their contents.
