Clothes that smell musty after storage
Short answer: The smell comes from moisture in a closed wardrobe. Air the clothes for a day, and wash them if the smell stays.
Air them first
Hang the clothes freely for a day. That removes the shut-in smell in most cases.
Wash if that does not help
If the smell stays, wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener. See the washing guide.
The cause
Clothes packed away slightly damp develop a smell over a season. See how to store seasonal clothes without smell and moths.
The wardrobe
A wardrobe that is never opened turns musty. Leave the door open now and then.
No airtight plastic
Plastic can hold on to moisture already in the clothes. A fabric bag is better.
See the range
See the basics in bamboo underwear for women.
See also
More on the subject in smell in clothes that will not go away.
Bedding from the cupboard
Bedding that has lain a long time has the clearest musty smell, because there is a lot of fabric. Shake it out and leave it out for an hour before making the bed. See bamboo bedding.
Frequently asked questions
Why do clothes from the wardrobe smell?
Because they have taken up moisture, or because the wardrobe is not aired.
Can the smell be aired away?
Often yes. Hang the clothes freely for a day.
Should clothes be stored in plastic?
No. Plastic can hold on to moisture. Use a fabric bag.
