If your clothes have not been smelling so nice lately, that can be quite irritating. Luckily it is easy to remove musty smell from your clothes and get them smelling as they should again. You will read how you can get your clothes smelling nice again with natural products such as white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.
What causes musty smell in clothes?
Musty smell in clothes often comes from the growth of moulds and bacteria. This happens if clothes are stored wet or damp, for example because they sit too long in the washing machine or are hung in a damp room. Insufficient air circulation while drying can also contribute to the problem, as can storing clothes in tightly packed wardrobes. That way clothes can not only start to smell musty, but the lifespan of the material can also be shortened.
Natural methods to remove musty odours
Do you have a musty smell in your clothes, but you cannot use wasparfum because of sensitive skin? There are 4 natural ways to remove these odours effectively and safely, without using aggressive chemicals.
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White vinegar
Add half a cup of white vinegar to your wash during the rinse cycle. Vinegar neutralizes odours and is gentle on your clothes.
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Baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine before you add your clothes, or make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Let the mixture sit for an hour before washing.
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Essential oils
Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to the detergent. This gives your clothes a fresh scent and has antibacterial properties.
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Sunlight and fresh air
Hang your clothes outside to dry in the sun. Sunlight and fresh air not only help eliminate the musty smell, they also disinfect your clothes naturally.
Extra tip: Use scent pearls
If besides removing musty smells from clothes you also want to add a nice scent, then scent pearls are a nice solution! Environmentally friendly Cosmeau scent pearls are made from plant-based starch and available in natural scents. Perfect for anyone who prefers not to use synthetic perfume.
How do you use scent pearls? You put 5 to 10 grams of scent pearls in your washing machine before you put the laundry in. Once your clothes are washed, the scent stays for up to 12 weeks. And scent pearls are available in the scents Lentefris, lavender, Zeebries, Wild Woods, cherry blossom, cloud cover, summer breeze and autumn.
How do you avoid musty smell in your clothes?
Usually it is a matter of avoiding musty smell, which already makes a big difference! Do these things and you will soon notice that your clothes smell a lot more neutral.
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Dry clothes straight away: Do not leave clothes in the washing machine after washing. Hang them up immediately or let them tumble in the dryer to prevent musty odours.
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Let them air: Store your clothes in a well-ventilated space. This helps reduce humidity, so moulds and musty odours have less chance.
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Clean the washing machine: Clean your washing machine monthly to remove build-up of soap residue and mould. This makes for cleaner clothes. You can easily clean your washing machine by using washing machine cleaning tablets.
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Use natural odour fighters: Place sachets with lavender, cedarwood or other natural scents between your clothes to keep musty odours away and keep your clothes fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove musty smell from clothes without running a wash?
Yes, you can hang your clothes in the sun or do a hand wash with natural products such as vinegar or baking soda.
Is vinegar safe for all fabrics?
Vinegar is safe for most fabrics. For delicate materials such as silk or wool it is good to first test a small, inconspicuous area.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
You should clean your washing machine once a month, unless you have a washing machine that indicates this itself. This helps prevent build-up of soap residue and moulds that can cause smells. You can easily clean your washing machine by using washing machine cleaning tablets.
Does hanging clothes in the sun really work for odour removal?
Yes, sunlight has a natural bleaching and disinfecting effect that helps remove odours and kill bacteria.
May I use essential oils in the washing machine?
Yes, essential oils can be used in the washing machine. You can add a few drops to your detergent. Do make sure you choose oils that are safe for textiles and do not leave stains.
With these handy tips and natural methods you can now easily remove the musty smell from your clothes without aggressive chemicals. Do not forget to air your clothes well and clean your washing machine regularly. That way your wardrobe always stays fresh and ready to use. Do you still have questions or want more tips? Let us know in the comments!
