How to get rid of musty smells in the home: clothes and wardrobes

A musty smell in the home is one of the most persistent and common nuisances, especially during the winter months or prolonged rainy periods. This distinctive smell isn’t just unpleasant; it can also be a sign of ventilation problems or excess condensation which, if left unaddressed, can lead to mould appearing on walls and fabrics.

Although prevention through daily ventilation (opening windows to refresh the air and let in natural light) is the essential first step, sometimes it may be too late to solve the problem. The following are the most effective methods for restoring freshness to your home.

Tips for getting rid of musty smells from clothes

There is nothing more frustrating than opening the wardrobe and noticing that your favourite clothes have taken on a stuffy smell. Therefore, learning how to get rid of musty smells from clothes is essential for extending the life of your garments.

If the smell is mild and simply due to the clothes having been stored for too long, a normal wash cycle followed by drying outdoors in the sun is usually enough. However, if the smell persists, you can try these methods:

• Baking powder and vinegar. Adding half a cup of baking powder directly to the washing machine drum, along with your usual detergent, can help reduce certain smells. Alternatively, you can use white cleaning vinegar in the fabric softener compartment to help reduce some smells and built-up residue.
• Dry immediately. It’s vital not to leave damp clothes inside the washing machine once the cycle has finished. Moisture encourages the growth of mould and certain micro-organisms.
• Mould. If you notice dark stains, the problem is more serious. On hard-wearing fabrics, you can apply a diluted solution of bleach (strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions and only if the fabric will not be damaged), but never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, as the chemical reactions can be dangerous.

How to get rid of bad smells from the washing machine and tumble dryer

The problem often does not lie with the clothes, but with the appliance you use to wash them. Modern washing machines and tumble dryers, due to their rubber seals and filters, can build up detergent residue and moisture that cause bad smells.

To fix this, you can run a maintenance cycle periodically: set a short cycle with the appliance empty, using hot water and adding a generous splash of white vinegar to the detergent drawer. Don’t forget to manually clean the rubber door seal, where residual water and dirt tend to build up.

How to get rid of musty smells from wardrobes and drawers

When you notice the problem is only related to the wardrobe, you need to act straightaway. Dealing with a musty wardrobe does, however, require a two-pronged strategy: eliminating the source of the bad smell and improving the environmental conditions of the wardrobe. If you’re wondering how to get rid of musty smells in these spaces, the first step is to empty completely them to check for mould on the walls or in the corners.

To effectively remove damp smell from the wardrobe, remember that ventilation is your best ally. So, avoid overloading the rails; clothes need to “breathe”. If the wardrobe is too full, air cannot circulate and moisture gets trapped between the fibres. Also, try not to place furniture against walls with damp or leak problems if you can avoid it, as moisture can transfer into the cupboard over time.

Home remedies for cleaning damp drawers

Once the wardrobe is empty, a deep clean is required. There are home remedies that can help reduce bad smells:

• Cleaning with baking powder. Prepare a solution in a container with cold water and six tablespoons of baking powder. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the inner surfaces of the drawers. Baking powder can help reduce certain smells and is commonly used as a household deodoriser. After cleaning, be sure to wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth using water to remove any residue and, most importantly, dry the surface thoroughly before putting the clothes back.
• The absorbent power of coffee. Ground coffee is traditionally used as a household deodoriser and can help mask or reduce certain smells. Place small amounts of coffee in fabric sachets or open containers inside the drawers. Leave them to work for at least 24 hours.

By following these steps, you will help improve the smell and storage conditions. If the smell persists despite ventilation and cleaning measures, it is worth checking for possible leaks, condensation, or structural problems.