Households urged to put rice socks in wardrobes in January

People are being encouraged to put rice in wardrobes this winter to stop the build up of one common issue. Rice can help reduce humidity and it is said by placing a jar – or sock – of the grains in your wardrobe, it can help keep it drier.

Experts say that by doing this, it can stop the buildup of mould, which is more common in the winter months because the chilly temperatures combined with the warmth indoors can lead to excess moisture in the air. It is said that doing this can also help prevent musty smells caused by trapped moisture, as well as the buildup of mildew. The advice is particularly useful as Britons across the country face a cold snap.

Man Made DIY, which shared the tip on its website, recommends replacing the jar of rice every few months or if the rice begins to clump.

While if you keep shoes in your wardrobe, it also has a top tip to stop them from getting damp and smelly.

The creative hack involves filling an old sock with rice and placing it inside the shoe overnight.

“This is a more targeted attack with the same water-wicking benefits,” the advice reads.

Using rice to tackle mould in wardrobes has also been recommended by Online-Bedrooms.co.uk. 

Other pieces of advice include fitting vents into wardrobes, regulating room temperature and ensuring clothes are dry before putting them away and spraying white vinegar.

It told WalesOnline that a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water can help to get rid of mould which has already started to form. 

To do this, take all of the clothes in the wardrobe, dab some of the solution onto a cloth and then lightly wipe the area in a circular motion for the best results.

Baking soda is also seen as a good option as it naturally absorbs the excess moisture surrounding it.

It is said that placing a bowl of baking soda in a wardrobe can help prevent a mould outbreak, and for best results, it is recommended to remove the clothes and leave the baking soda in there for around three to four hours.