You pull your winter sweaters out of storage and the smell hits you right away. It is stale, a little damp, and it does not smell like anything you put in there. This is one of the most common clothing complaints this time of year, and the fix is not a splash of perfume. Here is why it happens and what actually works.
Why Clothes Get Musty
Mustiness comes from two things: moisture and time. Clothes stored with even a little dampness, or put away unwashed, give odor-causing bacteria and mold what they need. Body oils and sweat left on the fabric feed the problem, even if the clothes looked clean when you packed them. Closed plastic bins, basements, garages, and attics hold humidity and make it worse.
Musty vs. Mildew
A stale, closed-in smell is usually musty. Mildew is a step further. It can leave small gray, green, or black spots, and the smell is sharper. Musty clothes can often be refreshed. Mildew that has grown into the fabric is harder to remove, and on some fabrics it can leave permanent marks, so it is best to act early.
What Does Not Work
- Perfume, sprays, and dryer sheets: these cover the smell for a few hours. The odor comes back because the cause is still in the fabric.
- Cedar alone: cedar can help keep pests away, but it will not remove a smell that is already there.
- Airing out only: this helps with light staleness, but it will not fix a smell that has soaked into the fibers.
What Does Work
- Air it out first. Hang the pieces outside in dry, shaded air for several hours. Sun can fade some fabrics, so shade is safer.
- Clean it properly. A proper wash or dry clean removes the odor-causing soils. Follow the tag, and do not wash anything labeled dry clean only.
- Dry it completely. Damp clothes put back into a bin will smell worse in a week.
Smell can also come from outside the closet. If your clothes smell of smoke instead, read our guide to removing wildfire smoke smell from clothes.
Store It So It Does Not Come Back
- Clean everything before it goes into storage.
- Make sure it is fully dry.
- Use breathable containers, such as cotton storage bags, not sealed plastic, for long-term storage.
- Keep storage in a cool, dry, ventilated spot.
- Add moisture absorbers, and check on the contents once or twice during the season.
Our guide to storing sweaters has more detail on keeping knits fresh.
Linens and Heirloom Pieces Need Extra Care
Tablecloths, quilts, and other linens stored for a year often come out smelling stale, and older fabrics can be more fragile. Test before you wash, and if a piece is old or valuable, let a professional handle it.
When to Let Us Handle It
If you have a pile of stored clothes that smell stale, or one important piece you are worried about, bring it in. We will tell you honestly what the smell is and what the fabric can handle.
Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today and enjoy expertly cared-for clothes without the hassle.
