If you’ve ever opened your wardrobe only to be greeted by a musty whiff or, worse, discovered a patch of mould on your favourite shirt, you’re not alone.
For many Australians—especially those living in humid or coastal areas—keeping clothes fresh and mould-free can feel like a never-ending battle.
But what if we told you that a simple, expert-approved trick could make all the difference—and it’s as easy as lifting a finger?
Let’s face it—cluttered wardrobes are a common culprit behind wasted time, forgotten purchases and that nagging sense of stress every time you open the doors.
But the problems don’t stop there.
When clothes are packed in tightly, air can’t circulate, and that’s when moisture gets trapped.
The result? The perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, particularly on natural fabrics like cotton, wool and linen.
Give your clothes room to breathe
Rebecca Samuels, lifestyle buyer at Suit Direct, has a refreshingly simple solution: give your clothes room to breathe.
‘If clothes are packed too tightly, they may not have the opportunity to breathe. This can cause moisture to get trapped, creating the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to grow,’ she explains.
Her golden rule? Make sure there’s at least a finger’s width of space between each hanger.

It’s a small change that can have a big impact. But don’t stop there.
Rebecca also recommends regularly airing out your clothes—yes, that means actually taking them out of the wardrobe and letting them bask in some fresh air and sunlight.
Not only does this help kill off any lurking mould spores, but it also gives your garments a chance to freshen up naturally.
Plus, with fewer clothes crammed in, you’ll find it easier to rotate your outfits, ensuring everything gets worn and aired out more often.
Decluttering is more than aesthetic
Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics or making your morning routine easier (though those are definite perks).
It’s a practical step towards protecting your wardrobe investment.
And if you do spot mould, don’t panic. The extent of the damage will determine your next move.
Heavily contaminated or stained items are usually best binned—especially if, after cleaning, the stains or smells persist.
For less severe cases, a hot wash with vinegar or oxygen bleach (never both together, as they can create toxic gases) is your best bet, since regular detergent often isn’t enough to kill mould spores.
For leather goods like boots or jackets, take them outside and gently brush off the mould with a soft-bristled brush or cloth (which you should dispose of afterwards).
Wearing a mask is a good idea to avoid inhaling any spores.
Mould isn’t the only wardrobe villain
Of course, mould isn’t the only wardrobe villain.
Moths love a cluttered, undisturbed space just as much as mould does.
If you’ve ever found mysterious holes in your clothes, you know the damage these tiny insects can cause.
The best defence? Prevention. After a thorough declutter and clean, invest in scented sachets for your wardrobe or drawers.
Scents like cedarwood, lavender and rosemary are natural moth repellents and will keep your clothes smelling lovely to boot.
Tips to keep your wardrobe—and clothes—in top shape
- Keep it clean: Regularly wipe down shelves and vacuum the floor of your wardrobe to remove dust and potential moth eggs.
- Use moisture absorbers: Silica gel packets or moisture-absorbing products can help keep humidity at bay, especially in damp climates.
- Rotate your clothes: Don’t let items sit untouched for months. The more you wear and wash your clothes, the less likely they are to become a mould or moth magnet.
- Store off-season items properly: Use airtight containers for clothes you won’t wear for a while, and make sure they’re clean and completely dry before packing them away.

Your turn: Have you faced mould or moths?
Taking a few simple steps to declutter and ventilate your wardrobe could make all the difference in protecting your clothes from mould, mildew, and unwanted pests.
With expert advice pointing to the benefits of spacing, airing, and scent-proofing your garments, it might be time to reassess how we store the items we wear and love.
Have you noticed signs of mould or moths in your own wardrobe? Do you follow any particular storage tips to keep your clothes fresh and damage-free? We’d love to hear what’s worked for you—or what hasn’t—so feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Is black mould really as bad for us as we think? A toxicologist explains