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Hi,

In my house, I've 2 wall closets; a shelf like structure with walls on 3 sides and a wooden door on the front. I see the following problems with it and need ways to fix it
1. If any clothes are stored for a long time, without being used, then they develop a suffocating smell (Somewhat similar to one experienced when we leave damp clothes for long in washing machine)
2. In monsoon season, the walls remain damper and the above problem is more pronounced. Moreover, the walls develop black/white powdery patches and this may stick to clothes, thereby spoiling them
3. Though painted, I find very fine concrete powder gathering in the corners and along the edges, despite regular cleaning.

At present, to take of points 1,2 I'm keeping the closet door open so as to have more air circulation. However, keeping doors would cause the dust outside, to settle on the clothes.

Can I please have advice on this?

hi vinay

There seems to be a leakage in the wall. Is there a toilet WC adjacent or above the wardrobe.
Or
If its a exterior wall, you may have to check the plaster and get it redone.

it's nothing but, leakage there is a problem with plumbing line, try to turn off valve, for half day or one day so that u can have check, or call plumber, re check the line's,

Hi, vinayakbhat82]
To your description there is already a lot damage in your wall.Keep the toilet lines completely shut for at least a week or more.It will take time to dry the wetness in the walls .If you see any gradual decrease in moisture get your plumbing lines checked .Mostly you need to redo your tiles and change the internal plumbing lines.

regards
Ar.Praveen.n
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies. However, it appears that my description of the problem has not been quite clear. There is NO toilet/bathroom close to the wall closet. The closet is housed in the corner of the outer walls of my apartment. Also there is absolutely no tiling involved. I can post a few pictures if needed. I was initially thinking of following kind of solutions, but did not know if there were right.
1. Do some kind of tiling on the inner walls of the closet.
2. Use some kind of water proof wall-paper/thermocol on the insides.
3. Cover the insides with some kind of plywood.

As I could not decide on it, at present I've temporarily fixed a glossy paper (we normally get in calendars) with cellophane tape. But that doesn't take care of point no 3 mentioned in earlier post.
As the insides are not visible, I do not wish to spend exorbitantly on appearance on this. All I need is a relatively cheaper but durable alternative, which can also be a do-it-yourself .

Vinayk,
You are trying to defend the moisture ,this will not be a solution.Unless you find the source and get it rectified it will not help you.Surely there is a leak from back wall or from celling.Check for the source of moisture.
Tiling,thermocol,plywood will stop the moisture from getting in to wardrobe but the wall will be still wet.Consult some good civil contractor/plumber/architect.


regards
Ar.Praveen.n
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com

Vinayakbhat,

You need to describe the issue more clearly. In your first post you said it is a house, now you are saying it is an apartment. If it is an apartment, what floor are you in? How many floors do you have above you and below you? do you have any leakage in any floors above? Check to see if you can see stagnant water in any of the chejjas or other areas above. The water may be draining slowly and reaching your apartment wall. Check with the apartment below you to see if they see moisture as well.

If it is an apartment, it is likely to affect more than one unit and needs action jointly.

Regards,
tvsh