Condensation and Mold inside alcove Wardrobes

[Crazyone84]

Here we go, this is my set up:
Old 1902 solid brick wall, semi detached house.
External wall north facing and doesn't really get much natural sunlight into that room.
The external wall has a blocked up chimney breast and 2 alcoves either side.
In each alcove are fitted wardrobes with full high doors.
This is my daughters room.
Since moving in 3 years ago we have always had problems with condensation inside these wardrobes as they are against a cold solid brick wall with clothes and boxes in.
The steps we have taken to try and stop the condensation which turns into mold are:
Ventilation holes in the doors at top, middle and bottom points.
Open the doors when possible (can't when she is playing in there playing or sleeping)
Open the window when possible (again only when she isn't in there as a cold room naturally)
Place small damp collectors/dehumidifier crystals both on the floor and hanging ones.
Most recently (spent alot) of money on Wallrock Thermal Liner, complete waste of money and I had to rip it off the wall last night as was basically acting like a sponge for all the moisture in the cupboards!
Installed a wardrobe heater in one side, this seemed to have helped a little.
As of last night, i have put a plug in dehum inside the wardrobe

What I need help with:
Is there a way I can eliminate this moisture that keeps being trapped inside the wardrobes? I cant have my daughter sleeping in a moldy room and I can't have a wardrobe heater and plug in dehum running constantly in there, just not economical or practical
In our downstairs we had a false cavity wall made in the alcoves with insulation board (PIR) and re plastered. The walls feel warmer and we haven't suffered with condensation, could I do the same in her wardrobes?
or should I just rip the bloody things out.......if I did I would worry about what we would use for storage for her against that wall and would it effect freestanding wardrobes, drawers etc?

Help please!!!!!!!

It’s quite common to have slight dampness inside cupboards and wardrobes in an old house, especially on external, north-facing walls. We solved ours by installing air grids and running a dehumidifier until we were getting very little water. Then using it once each week for a few hours.

Also, try not to cram too much inside the wardrobe so there is good circulation.

Following OP, we have a similar problem in a bedroom here, 1930’s build, I am pleased I saw your post, as I was about to order Wallrock Thermal linings, hoping that was the answer, sounds not to be the case. Currently I am cleaning the mould off with mould remover and ventilating the room, the heating is on too. But it is a very cold wall.

I had the same, sorry it involved removing the wardrobes and the plaster. Once down to brick the damp specialists had to put a damp course in. Then re plaster and new wardrobes

@Crazyone84 did you use Wallrock Dampstop Thermic or Wallrock Thermal Linings? They are different products, I was going intending on ordering the Dampstop version.

I wouldn't have fitted wardrobes in that sort of house, we considered it for alcoves in our 1930s house and decided not to because of possIble mould, if you take them out, I would replace with freestanding wardrobes

@Roselilly36 it was the thermal liner not dampstop. We looked at using damp stop but as it was only from condensation not water ingress it seemed the right option for our situation. When we put it up I didn't even consider the absorbance of the liner, I can only compare it to one of those thin foam washing up cloths, I could practically squeeze out the water when I ripped it off the wall. Good luck with your situation

@Crazyone84 thank you for the update, I keep wondering whether it’s worth trying. I might try it one wall, so see how it goes, will report back.

Does the 'blocked up chimney' have a ventilation grille in it? If not damp may be permeating from there.

We have blocked up fireplace and it has a 'rain cowl' on top of the chimney to keep rain out but which allows an airflow and a plastic grill (about 9 x 3 inches) where the fireplace was so that air can get in.

Have you checked your gutters on the outside. Drops amor run off from badly fitted gutters can affect a wall.

Otherwise I'd say get the wardrobes out and treat the wall professionally. Then get free standing furniture. I had this inmy old house 1929 semi and my dh clothes went mouldy eventually as well. Awful. I always had a window open in the bedroom too. We sold it and now have a Victorian house. We are renovating and have put tanking in some rooms downstairs. Upstairs seems ok. Touch wood

I would rip the wardrobes out and re do the walls with silver foil backed think plaster board and insulation. Then but in free standing wardrobes or get new built ins.