Condensation in wardrobe s

Hiive put wardrobes on outside wall fitted, put air vents on wall because of condensation in salt bag, also put draft excluders on the doors but still happening,.
But i, am retireing because of ill health, & relocating at the coast, so i dont want any come backs are for my partner when i pass away.
Any guaranteed ideas.
Craig

Asked by Craig on 9th Dec 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"Condensation on wardrobes placed against outside walls is a common issue, especially in homes with limited airflow or higher humidity. Here are some guaranteed steps you can take to reduce or eliminate the problem:
Increase Airflow:
Keep wardrobe doors slightly open when possible to allow air to circulate.
Ensure any vents installed are not blocked and are large enough for the space.
Consider fitting additional or larger air vents at both the top and bottom of the wardrobe for better cross-ventilation.
Use a Dehumidifier:
Place a small dehumidifier in the room to help extract excess moisture from the air. This can make a significant difference, especially in winter.
Thermal Insulation:
If possible, line the back of the wardrobe (the side against the outside wall) with thin insulation board (like polystyrene or specialist thermal liner). This helps keep the back surface warmer and reduces condensation.
Gap from Wall:
Move the wardrobe a few centimetres away from the wall, if space allows. Even a small gap helps air move behind the unit and prevents moisture build-up.
Absorbent Materials:
Continue using salt bags or silica gel packs inside the wardrobe, but replace them regularly as they become saturated.
Check for External Damp:
Make sure there are no leaks or external sources of dampness affecting the wall.
While no solution can offer an absolute guarantee due to changing home conditions, these steps are proven to minimise condensation and protect your furniture.
Martin"
Answered on 9th Dec 2025 - Member since Oct 2021 - report
"Condensation forming inside wardrobes fitted to an external wall is a common issue, particularly in older or solid-wall properties. This happens when warm, moist air inside the room comes into contact with a cold external wall surface, causing moisture to condense inside the wardrobe space.
The steps you have already taken — fitting wall vents and installing draft excluders — are sensible, but unfortunately they do not always fully resolve the problem, especially where the wall itself remains cold.
To significantly reduce or eliminate the risk of condensation and avoid future issues, the most reliable solutions are:
• Create a ventilation gap behind the wardrobes (minimum 25–50 mm) to allow air circulation
• Use breathable insulation or an insulated plasterboard system on the external wall behind the wardrobe
• Maintain gentle background heating and consistent ventilation in the property
• Avoid sealing wardrobes airtight against external walls
Products such as moisture absorbers (salt bags) only manage symptoms and are not a permanent solution.
From a professional standpoint, the only long-term, guaranteed approach is to address the cold surface itself — either by insulating the external wall internally or ensuring continuous airflow behind the fitted furniture. Once this is done correctly, the risk of condensation and mould recurrence is greatly reduced.
If the above measures are implemented, this would be considered best practice and should not result in future comebacks for your partner."
Answered on 20th Jan 2026 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"It’s more than likely an issue with damp trapped in the room itself and collecting in the wardrobe due to poor airflow. I’d be looking for a damp roof expert to identify the root cause and suggest a permanent fix"
Answered on 9th Dec 2025 - Member since Dec 2025 - report
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