A custom closet is more than just storage, it’s an investment in how your home feels and functions. At Better Built Homes, we design closets that fit your space, style, and life; knowing how to care for yours will help it stay beautiful and useful for years.
1. Understand Your Materials
Every custom closet built by Better Built Homes is made from materials chosen for durability: high‑grade laminates, composite woods, hardwoods, and quality hardware. Knowing what materials are in your closet helps you pick appropriate cleaning products and avoid damage.
For example, laminate panels are less forgiving under moisture or harsh cleaners; wood components may need gentler treatment to avoid swelling or warping. According to Utah State University Extension, using the wrong products on finished surfaces, especially wood, can degrade the material over time. Always check what your closet components are made of before applying any cleaner or polish. Better Built Homes can help identify the best care methods based on your closet’s design and materials.
2. Gentle Cleaning Routines
A few simple habits go a long way. Dust shelves, rods, and all flat surfaces with a soft, dry cloth regularly. For fingerprints or light soil, wipe with a damp (not wet) lint‑free cloth, then dry immediately. Better Built Homes recommends avoiding heavy scrubbing or aggressive solvents.
Stay away from cleaners with acetone, harsh alcohols, or acids. These can strip finishes or dull surfaces. If you need something stronger for a stain or scuff, test it first in an inconspicuous spot and follow up by drying well to prevent moisture damage.
3. Prevent Moisture & Odors
Moisture and poor airflow are among the biggest threats to a custom closet. Even if the design is excellent, trapped humidity can lead to mildew, mold, or warping. Better Built Homes includes ventilation considerations, and you should let air circulate by keeping the door slightly open when possible.
Use moisture absorbers or desiccant packs, ensure clothes are dry before hanging, and avoid storing damp shoes or wet garments inside. According to the University of Missouri Extension, moisture left on fabrics or surfaces creates ideal conditions for mildew and odor development. Cedar blocks or baking soda inside shelves or drawers help reduce odors naturally without masking smells.
4. Custom Closet Organization & Load Management
The way you arrange and load your closet affects longevity. Overcrowding shelves, stacking heavy items, or hanging too many garments on thin rods can lead to sagging shelves or hardware strain. Better Built Homes builds closets to strong standards, but even with strong build quality, load matters.
Distribute weight evenly, avoid pressing too much stuff into drawers, and use appropriate hangers. If seasonal changes or wardrobe shifts make your needs different, reconfigure shelves or rods, adjustability is part of what makes a custom closet worth it.
5. Periodic Deep Cleaning & Maintenance Checks
In addition to regular cleaning, schedule deeper maintenance at least twice a year. Remove everything, clean all surfaces thoroughly, check for loose screws or hardware, and inspect finish edges for signs of wear or peeling. Better Built Homes can provide guidance on what to watch for based on your closet’s specific materials.
During this deep clean, also assess your organization. If certain spaces are underused or chaotic, you may want to reorganize shelves or introduce bins, dividers, or drawer inserts. These updates help avoid long‑term wear and keep the custom closet functioning as you intended.
6. Preserve Finish & Aesthetic
Keeping your custom closet looking sharp means treating it with care aesthetically as well as functionally. Avoid leaning sharp objects against surfaces, dragging hangers, or bumping items hard against panel edges. Better Built Homes designs edges to be clean and safe, but misuse can still damage finishes.
Use felt or rubber pads under shoes or boxes, and clean spills immediately before they seep in. If minor scratches or dings occur, some finishes allow gentle touch‑ups, ask the team at Better Built Homes what solutions are appropriate for your specific closet finish.
Caring for your custom closet does not need to be complicated. With gentle cleaning, regular organization, moisture control, thoughtful load distribution, and periodic deep maintenance, your closet stays beautiful, functional, and tailored to your lifestyle. If you have additional questions you’d like to ask our team about custom closet care, or want advice specific to your closet, contact Better Built Homes today. Let us help you protect your investment and enjoy your space to its fullest.