Say Goodbye to the Musty Smell From Clothes With These 9 Proven Tips

Have you ever opened your closet and realised your favourite shirt has a musty smell? If yes, then you are not alone. That annoying issue has plagued many individuals across the globe, particularly those residing in humid climates. Even clean laundry can have that awful stale smell that leaves you embarrassed. So, how can you say goodbye to this embarrassing smell? In this guide on how to get rid of the musty odours, we will present tested tips that are effective and provide you with lasting freshness.

A] What Are the Common Habits That Cause Musty-Smelling Clothes?

The habits that you do daily that create the ideal conditions for musty odour to form. Some of them are:

• Leaving moist clothes in the washing machine: When clothes are left for several hours, bacteria begin to grow rapidly. This becomes one of the reasons behind the  musty smell from clothes, which is difficult to eliminate afterwards.
• Overloading the washing machines: When the machines are filled too full, clothes are not rinsed adequately. Consequently, soap residues are left on the clothes, giving bacteria a breeding place.
• Poor storage habits: When you store the clothes before they are completely dry, it traps moisture in the closets.
• Inadequate fresh air in the store: Even fresh clothes become smelly when kept in damp, poorly ventilated rooms.

B] Proven Strategies That Work to Remove Musty Odours From Clothes

Here are some easy, tested methods to remove musty smells rooted in your clothes:

1. Proper Washing of Clothes

First and foremost, use the correct washing method. Clean the clothes with the correct amount of detergent according to your load capacity. Don’t use too much, as excess soap leaves residue, and too little won’t wash the clothes properly. Use hot water for whites and dirty clothes, but read the label first. Cold water is best for most coloured clothes.

2. Dry Clothes Well

Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer; transfer them to the dryer or hanging space as soon as washing is complete. If you use a dryer, ensure clothes are completely dry before you take them out. Lightly moist clothes can develop a musty smell from the laundry and transfer it to other garments.

3. Keep Clothes Intelligently

Ensure that you only store dry clothes in your closet or dresser because even minor dampness can develop a smell. Store clothes in those containers that have breathable materials, like a cotton garment bag rather than plastic, since plastic retains dampness and provides ideal conditions for mould and mildew smell due to bacterial growth.

4. Clean the Washing Machine Regularly

Your washing machine must be cleaned regularly to avoid odour transfer. You can do this by running an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar each month. This eliminates soap scum and kills bacteria, one of the causes of musty odours. Clean the rubber door seal and lint trap thoroughly.

5. Use Natural Deodorisers Between Washes

Baking soda is an old magic cure-all for odour soak-up. Sprinkle a pinch between the closets or drawers and repeat it every three to four months to get magical results in removing the musty smell from clothes.

6. Monitor Humidity Levels Inside

High humidity is the musty smell’s perfect environment. Preventing this involves putting dehumidifiers in the room or laundry closet whenever feasible. Try to keep the humidity at 30% to 50% to prevent mould and mildew from developing and create an odour-free and moisture-free storage place for clothes.

7. Prevent Synthetic Fragrance Overload

Heavy-duty fabric softeners and perfumed detergents will mask the problems instead of solving them. Sometimes these products interact with the bacteria and create the worst musty smell possible. If available, use unscented or lightly scented types for successful musty smell prevention.

8. Wash Gym and Workout Equipment Separately

Sweaty gym wear needs special care. Clean them right after the gym, or at least air them before storing them in the hamper. Isolate the gym wear from other clothes to avoid transferring mud and stench.

9. Rotate and Declutter Wardrobes Regularly

Clothes that sit unworn for months can develop musty smells. To prevent this, seasonals are occasionally rotated, and off-season clothing is placed in clean, dry areas. Get rid of old clothes to have improved air circulation in the closet and prevent the stinky odour.

C] Why Do Clothes Smell Musty When They Are Washed?

The main reason why clothes smell musty after washing is due to wetness and bacterial infestation. Moist clothes become the breeding ground for mildew when they are left for extended periods of time. This is most likely to occur when individuals have the habit of leaving wet clothes in the washer for several hours a day before they dry.

Filthy laundry baskets, poorly ventilated storage spaces, and clothes that weren’t thoroughly dry when stored all provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth. The bacteria release the chemicals that cause the musty smell.

At other times, the problem is with your washing machine. Soap residue and bacterial impurities in the washer impart odour to clean cloths. Professional laundry facilities like Fabricare Laundry utilise the latest washing technology to remove deeply embedded odours and ensure high-quality cleanliness.

D] Free From Musty Smell without Feeling Exhausted by Repetitive Steps: Take Professional Cleaning Service

It is exhausting to do laundry with stinky clothes, especially when home treatments do not work at all. Expert services such as Fabricare take away the drudgery of getting totally clean clothes. Their high-technology washing machines attack odour at its source instead of covering it up with scents.

Fabricare utilises advanced, fabric-predisposed cleaning techniques to remove musty odours. They also use environmentally friendly detergents that attack the odour while ensuring they stay gentle on your clothes and the planet. 

Conclusion

Musty clothes do not have to be an ongoing issue in your life. By using the right washing method, drying method, and storage technique for removing the musty smell from clothes, you can keep your closet smelling fresh and clean. 

But when home remedies do not work, professional services are all that count. Professionals such as Fabricare use experience along with the most advanced technology to eliminate even the worst odours. Don’t keep your favourite piece behind due to odours. Contact Fabricare to give your clothes a new life!