How to get the musty smell out of clothes in storage

The smell comes from moisture

That musty smell on winter coats pulled out of storage, clothes left in a basement or bins in the garage is a sign of mildew growing where there is moisture and little air: closets on cold exterior walls, sealed boxes, and clothes put away before they were fully dry.

Read also: How to make clothes last longer by washing them right and How to remove mold from walls and keep it from coming back.

What the EPA says

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the key to mold control is moisture control. Its guide recommends keeping indoor humidity ideally between 30% and 50%, and drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Source: EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.

Why mildew is worth taking seriously

In 2009, the World Health Organization published guidelines on dampness and mold indoors, based on a review of studies by experts from several countries. The main conclusion is that living in damp, moldy spaces is associated with more respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma.

For the WHO, the most important step is not the cleaning product but keeping moisture from lingering on walls, furniture and belongings. Getting the smell out of clothes fixes the symptom; drying out the space fixes the cause.

Source: WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: dampness and mould, 2009.

How to get the smell out of clothes

• Take everything out and let it air out somewhere well ventilated.
• Wash following the care label; for items that allow it, half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse helps neutralize the odor.
• Dry completely, ideally outside or on a line in the sun, before putting anything away.
• For delicate items with dark mildew spots, take them to a dry cleaner.

When the closet is the problem, not the clothes

If the smell comes back a few days after washing, the source is the storage space. Watch for:

• small dark or whitish spots on the back or sides of the closet;
• a wall behind the closet that feels cold or has stains;
• damp air in the basement or the garage where you keep bins.

In those cases, empty the closet, clean the inside, let it dry with the doors open and only then put the clothes back. Avoid sealed plastic bags for long-term storage, because they trap moisture; breathable cotton garment bags work better. Moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier help in small spaces and basements, but they do not fix a leak.

How to keep it from coming back

• Only store clothes that are completely dry.
• Leave a few inches between furniture and the wall.
• Open the closet and the room regularly to let air in.
• Fix leaks and wall moisture, which are the root cause. See how to remove mold from walls.