How to keep clothes smelling fresh in storage
Have you taken some clean clothes out of your wardrobe, only to find they have a stale, musty odour? This can be a common problem for clothing kept in storage, especially if you haven’t worn them for a while.
After the effort of washing and drying your clothes, you’ll want to hold onto that freshly washed smell. Seasonal items can be put away for months at a time, so how do you keep clothes fresh in storage? We’ve put together some top tips to keep clothes smelling fresh in drawers, wardrobes, storage boxes, and more.
Here's how to keep clothes smelling fresh in storage, until it's time for their next outing from the wardrobe!
Why do clothes smell in wardrobe?
Why does my closet smell musty?
If your wardrobe has an unpleasant smell, or your clothes come out smelling less than fresh, there are a few possible reasons why.
Top reasons why clothes smell in storage include:
• Moisture
• Mould and mildew
• Lack of ventilation
• Exposure to odorous substances
• Dirty clothes
Moisture, mould, and mildew
Why do clothes smell in wardrobe? A major culprit is moisture. A damp environment is a breeding ground for mildew and mould, which thrive on organic matter like fabrics. Even slightly damp clothes stored in a closed space can trap moisture, leading to that musty smell. This is especially true if your home is humid, or you tend to dry clothes indoors.
Poor ventilation
Another key reason why clothes smell in wardrobe is poor ventilation. Wardrobes and drawers are often enclosed spaces with limited air circulation. This stagnant air allows odours to linger and intensify. Cramming clothes in tightly restricts airflow even further, which can worsen the problem even more.
Exposure to odorous substances and dirty clothes
Exposure to odorous substances can also taint your clothes. Strong odours from shoes, smoke, cooking, pet urine, and more can permeate fabrics and linger in the wardrobe.
Also, storing clothes that haven't been washed properly can cause an unpleasant smell. Sweat and body odours, food stains, and other dirt can linger on the fabric, causing a bad smell and even attracting pests. These odours become more concentrated in a closed space, leaving your clothes smelling stale.
Tips for keeping clothes fresh in storage – tips to store clothes properly
Once you’ve pinpointed the cause of bad-smelling clothes in your closet, you can take steps to get rid of it. The best tips for you will depend on the cause of the odour in your wardrobe or chest of drawers.
Here’s how to keep clothes in storage smelling fresh.
1. Proper cleaning techniques
Before putting them in storage, it’s essential to wash clothes properly. Wash clothes with detergent and fabric conditioner(and stain remover if necessary) to remove any dirt, sweat, or residual food that could or cause musty odours. Follow care labels for washing temperature to avoid shrinkage or damage.
When your clothes are washed, you need to dry them completely before putting them away. Putting clean clothes away damp is a common way for unwanted moisture to get into your storage space.
2. Effective storage solutions
Storing your clothes well reduces the risk of a bad smell developing. Firstly, hang dry clothes in your wardrobe with space between them to allow airflow to circulate, preventing a stale smell from spoiling your clothes. This also keeps them wrinkle-free, so there’s no need to get out the iron.
You can also hang dryer sheets in your wardrobe or line drawers with them for an extra fragrance boost.
If your clothes are going away for a long time, you might want to give them extra TLC. To keep clothes smelling fresh in storage, put them in a container or garment bag made from breathable materials, like cotton or canvas. Avoid sealed plastic bags that can trap moisture.
3. Using fragrance boosters
In-Wash Scent Boosters help to keep your clothes smelling fresh for longer, even in storage.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do you keep clothes fresh in long term storage?
To keep clothes smelling fresh in your wardrobe, drawers, or other storage, wash them with scent boosters for lasting freshness. Keep the storage space clean, dry, and well-ventilated, and make sure clothes are completely dry before putting them away.
2. Why do clothes start to smell after being stored?
Clothes can start to smell in storage if they’re put away dirty, or due to moisture, mould, mildew, stale air, dirty storage spaces, or even pests. To identify the cause, empty out your wardrobe or drawers and thoroughly clean it.
3. How to prevent musty smells in drawers
To prevent musty smells in drawers, keep them clean, dry, and well-ventilated. You can use scent-boosters like drying sheets to line drawers to help keep odours out of clothes.