How To Get Musty Smells Out Of Clothes
There's nothing quite as unpleasant as retrieving your favorite outfit from storage, only to be met with a musty odor. Whether it's a seasonal wardrobe or clothes tucked away for safekeeping, the smell can be overpowering. The good news? You don't have to live with it! By understanding why clothes develop musty odors and following proven techniques to get musty smells out of clothes, you can restore your garments to their fresh and clean state. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started.
Why Do Clothes Smell After Being Stored?
Have you ever noticed the stink out of clothes? If yes, you must be wondering why this happens even if you have taken care of all the measures. There could be several reasons for the same. Sometimes you forget wet clothes in the washing machine, or your washing machine is dirty or there are leftover body soils on clothes. Now note here: one of the leading causes of laundry odor is invisible body soils.
The other reasons for the musty smell of clothes are - high humidity levels or improperly dried clothes, poor ventilation allowing the odor to linger on the clothes for a longer time, lack of cleanliness, storing them in old storage containers, pests, and the list goes on. Sometimes, pests or the lack of proper storage techniques also play a role. Wondering how to ensure clothes stay fresh and odor-free in storage? Start by understanding how to pack clothes for moving to prevent issues like mustiness from the beginning.
How to Get Rid of Musty Smell Clothes?
Eliminating musty odors from clothes requires a combination of effective cleaning techniques and preventive measures. Here's how you can restore freshness to your wardrobe.
Wash Clothing With Laundry Detergent
The first way to get a musty smell out of clothes is by washing your clothing items using a detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle for an extra odor-fighting boost. This technique works well for large amounts of clothing. But it takes more effort and time. The thing to remember here is don't overload your washing machine, as clothes need room to circulate for thorough cleaning. If you're tackling seasonal items, consider tips for how to store winter clothes to keep garments odor-free when not in use.
Sunlight and Air Drying Work Well
Sometimes drying out clothes outdoors in the sun isn't possible. If this is the issue you are facing, you can dry them out with the help of a dryer in an appropriate setting. Drying them in the sun is preferable due to the disinfecting properties of the sun and the sun is also regarded as a natural bleaching agent. Some added perks come with it if you dry your clothes in the sun like - saving your energy as you are not drying them in the dryer, and hence saving your electricity bills. But keep in mind to not keep them in the sun for prolonged hours as it can make the clothes look bleached or worn out.
Fabric Sprays
The next on the list of how to get the musty smell out of clothes is fabric spray. They are infused with essential oils or natural deodorizers and are an excellent solution when it comes to getting rid of musty-smelling clothes. Simply spray it to the affected areas and the bad odor will go away quickly. Want to have a long-lasting fresh scent on your clothes? Try the fabric sprays with lavender or eucalyptus oils. These sprays can also work wonders for organizing smaller wardrobes.
Insect-Repellent Sachets
You are thinking about protecting the stink out of clothes. But what about the potential insect damage? Add insect-repellent sachets to your list to protect your clothing from not only bad odor but also unwanted pests like silverfish or moths. Replace sachets every 3-6 months for optimal effectiveness. The scent acts as a protective barrier to keep unwelcoming pests at bay and safeguard your clothing. This simple and cost-effective method will not only enhance your storage efforts but also extend the life of your cherished wardrobe.
Additionally What Else You Can Do?
What else can you do to get rid of musty smell clothes?
Well, you can follow steam cleaning in which the heat kills bacteria and lifts a musty smell. Or place charcoal bags in storage areas so that the moisture and the odors can be absorbed naturally. And if you own delicate or vintage fabrics, consider professional cleaning services for thorough odor removal. Or hire smart storage services to keep them in the best condition.
What Is The Difference Between Mildew And Mold?
Mold and mildew are often used interchangeably but have subtle differences in them.
Mildew has a light powdery texture and looks grey or yellow. You can see it in the form of flat, spotty patterns. Most of the time the mildew spots are not even visible to you but your clothes will smell stinky.
On the other hand, mold is a more invasive fungus, often black or green, that grows into the fabric and surfaces. It's harder to remove and can cause more significant damage if left untreated. If you notice mold on clothes, act quickly to prevent it from spreading and causing permanent damage.
Conclusion
Musty odors don't have to ruin your wardrobe. By understanding the steps outlined above for how to get musty smells out of clothes, you can easily get rid of the smell and keep your clothes fresh for future use. From washing with natural deodorizers to sunlight drying and fabric sprays, there's a solution for every situation.
For those looking for a hassle-free storage solution that keeps your clothes fresh and protected, consider urBin Storage. With climate-controlled storage facilities and expert storage practices, urBin ensures your garments remain in pristine condition, free from musty odors and damage.
Ready to refresh your wardrobe? Visit urBin Storage today and discover storage solutions tailored to your needs!