Top tips for cleaning your fitted wardrobe

Cleaning your wardrobe isn't a household chore on many people's list. Once you shut or slide the door, it's one of those places that's largely out of sight and out of mind. But should it be? We'd argue not.

If you want to keep your clothes clean and well organised, they need a space with the same qualities. Giving your wardrobe some TLC now and again shouldn't only prolong the lifespan of your furniture, but of your clothes, too. Here are our top tips on how to clean a wardrobe.

Preparation

To start, clear out your wardrobe. Remove all clothes, shoes, accessories and anything else you've been keeping in there. This should give you access to every nook and cranny, as well as a better look at which areas need more attention.

While you're doing this, take the opportunity to have a sort and declutter. Assess each item and ask yourself if you need it. If you can't remember the last time you wore a particular item, it's probably not essential to your wardrobe!

Consider if there's anything that can be stored elsewhere, too. This could help to free up some much-needed space and give your clothes more room to breathe. Sell or donate items you don't want to keep but that someone else could use.

Finish your prep by gathering the necessary cleaning supplies you might need. Use whatever you have at home or pop to the shops to stock up. As a minimum, you'll need a soft, dry cloth or duster and a damp cloth and surface cleanser spray or multi-surface wipes.

Cleaning the interior

The first cleaning step is to dust and vacuum thoroughly to get rid of any dust and debris in your wardrobe. Wipe a dry microfibre cloth or duster along shelves, rails and in corners to pick up any dust – there could be a lot if this is your first time doing this! Pull out any drawers, racks and dividers so you can clean thoroughly. Use a vacuum for any hard-to-reach spots or larger surfaces like the floor of your wardrobe.

Once surfaces are clear, wipe them down with a damp cloth and surface cleanser or a multi-purpose wipe. Anti-bacterial products can help you achieve a more hygienic finish. If your wardrobe is made of real, solid woods like oak or pine, carefully use wood-friendly cleaning products as instructed and avoid getting the wood excessively wet. Laminates are usually more durable and easier to clean with general supplies.

For any lingering odours, leave a bowl of baking soda in the wardrobe overnight – this helps to absorb smells and should keep your wardrobe and clothes smelling fresher. You could always leave some scented products in the wardrobe to maintain a pleasant aroma afterwards.

If you've been having issues with damp, hanging dehumidifier bags works wonders in collecting excess moisture from the air.

Deep cleaning doors and handles

Many wardrobes have glass or mirrored fronts and elegant handles. These are easy to get dirty. Fingerprints, splashes and smudges can detract from their beautiful design.

If you're wondering about the best way to clean mirrored wardrobes, the answer might be simpler than you think. All you need is a dry, soft microfibre or lint-free cloth to gently remove dust and fingerprints on the glass or mirror. For more stubborn marks and stains, a dedicated glass and mirror cleaning solution should tackle these without leaving streaks.

Door handles can have all sorts of germs on them. But this is easy enough to remedy with some warm water and washing-up liquid or anti-bacterial cleaning spray. After that, wipe away moisture with a clean, dry cloth to leave a fresh-looking finish. Some materials, such as uncoated metals like brass, may need dedicated cleaning products to avoid damage.

Caring for sliding and fitted wardrobe features

Knowing how to clean sliding wardrobe doors is essential to maintaining their functionality and aesthetic. The good news is that it doesn't take a lot of work!

Care for the top and bottom tracks by vacuuming with the crevice nozzle to keep dirt and dust from interfering with the wheels and runners. Any metal framework can be gently wiped down with a clean, damp cloth – although make sure to avoid leaving any residual water because this could lead to rust.

Any mechanical elements included with built-in drawers or compartments should also be dusted and vacuumed if necessary. A clean, dry toothbrush might come in handy for tight spaces like these. And don't forget to dust and clean light fixtures if your wardrobe has any.

Organise your living spaces with Hammonds

Once you've cleaned your wardrobe, it's time to restore your clothes and accessories to their usual positions. But what if you had a more stylish fitted wardrobe? Or a custom-built walk-in closet? Come to Hammonds for design inspiration and custom furniture to fit your spaces. Book a free design visit today for a personal consultation with one of our experts.