Are you finding that your clothes are starting to smell a little musty? This can be a common issue when storing items in bins, especially if they aren't sealed properly. Luckily, we have researched some things you can do to help keep your clothes smell fresh!
An unpleasant smell might build up with your fabric as you store clothes for a longer time. To prevent this, here are some tips to keep your clothes smelling fresh while in storage:
- Wash your clothes before storing them
- Store clothes in airtight storage bins
- Use cedar chips, peppermint, or lavender sachets
- Add baking soda to the container
- Place a fabric softener sheet in the container
- Rotate your clothes every few months
- Vacuum the inside of the storage bins every few months
To learn more about properly packing your clothes, follow along. Additionally, find out the simple and quick fix to prevent the unpleasant smells on your clothes. But for now, get started by learning the main reasons why fabric smells when you store it.
Why do clothes smell after storage?
Have you ever taken a shirt out of storage, only to be hit by a wave of the musty odor? Or maybe you stored some clothes away for the winter and came back to find them smelling a bit ripe. There are a few reasons why clothes might smell after being stored.
- One common culprit is mold spores, which can proliferate in dark, damp conditions.
- Clothes that are tightly packed together are also more likely to retain odors, so it's important to allow them to breathe.
- Finally, certain materials like wool or leather are more prone to mustiness.
To prevent your clothes from smelling while in storage, be sure to follow a few suggestions listed below.
How do I stop my clothes from smelling in storage?
1. Wash your clothes before storing them
If you're planning on storing your clothes for an extended period of time, it's always best to wash them first. This will remove any dirt or stains that could cause problems later on. In addition, washing your clothes will also help to prevent any musty smells from developing.
2. Store clothes in airtight storage bins
The key is to create an environment that is not conducive to the growth of mold and mildew.
One way to do this is to store clothes in airtight storage bins. By keeping air out, you also keep out moisture, which is essential for mold and mildew growth. Some good options for storage bins include canvas or cloth bags, baskets made of wicker or rattan, and wooden boxes with lids that fit snugly.
In addition, it is important to choose a storage location that is cool and dry. Avoid places where there is direct sunlight or excessive heat, as both can contribute to the development of mold and mildew.
Finally, be sure to inspect your storage bins regularly for any signs of mold or mildew growth. If you see anything suspicious, be sure to clean it immediately.
3. Use cedar chips, peppermint, or lavender sachets
Another way to keep clothes smelling fresh is to use cedar chips, peppermint, and lavender sachets. Any of these items can be found at most craft stores or online. Simply place a few cedar chips or lavender sachets in each storage bin to help absorb any odors.
Be sure to check the sachets regularly and replace them as needed. You may also want to add a few drops of essential oil to the sachets to help freshen up your clothes.
Add cedar chips to your clothing storage. - See them on Amazon.
4. Add baking soda to the container
Simply add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your storage container. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, so it will help to keep your clothes smelling fresh. Plus, it's also absorbent, so it will help to prevent moisture from building up.
As a result, your clothes will come out of storage smelling just as fresh as when they went in. So next time you're packing away your winter wardrobe, be sure to add some baking soda to the mix.
5. Place a fabric softener sheet in the container
One way to prevent smelly clothes is to place a fabric softener or dryer sheet in the storage container. The fragrant chemicals in the fabric softener will help to neutralize odors, keeping your clothes smelling fresh until you're ready to wear them again.
In addition, the fabric softener sheets can also help to prevent moth damage by deterring larvae from settling into your clothes. So if you're looking for a way to keep your stored clothes smelling fresh, try placing a fabric softener sheet in the storage container. You'll be glad you did!
Add dryer sheets to your storage. - Check them on Amazon.
Rotate your clothes every few months
No one likes digging through a storage bin full of musty, outdated clothes. But with a little effort, you can keep your clothes smelling fresh all year long.
The key is to rotate your clothing every few months. This will help to prevent any smells from building up and will also give you a chance to inspect your clothing for damage or wear.
Vacuum the inside of the storage bins every few months
Vacuum sealing can help prevent odor by keeping air and moisture out. But what if you don't have a vacuum sealer? No problem!
You can still keep your clothes smelling fresh by vacuuming the inside of the storage bin before you put anything in it. This will remove any dust or dirt that could cause problems down the road.
Even after a few months, regular vacuuming the inside of your storage bins can help to prevent this problem. The vacuum will remove dust and other particles that can cause odors, and it will also help to circulate air inside the bin.
Use vacuum storage bags. - View them on Amazon.
Should you wash clothes that have been in storage?
Many of us have clothes in storage that we haven't worn in months or even years. But when the time comes to break them out again, you might be wondering if you need to wash them first. Unfortunately, there's no easy answer to this question.
In general, it's always best to wash your clothes before wearing them. This is especially true if they've been stored in a damp environment, as this can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow.
But, if your clothes have been stored in a dry and climate-controlled space, they may not need to be washed before being worn again. Basically, it's up to you to decide what's best for your clothing. But if you're ever in doubt, it's always best to give them a quick wash before wearing.
Is it OK to store clothes in plastic bins?
Many people choose to store their out-of-season clothes in plastic bins. But when it comes to storing clothes, you might be wondering if plastic bins are really the best option. While this can also be a great way to save space, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you choose to go this route.
- First, make sure that your bins are made of high-quality plastic that won't easily crack or break.
- Second, be sure to line the bottom of the bin with fabric or another soft material to help protect your clothes from being damaged by the rough plastic surface.
- Finally, don't forget to leave some space in the bin so that air can circulate and your clothes don't become musty.
If you follow these simple tips, you can safely store your clothes in plastic bins without worrying about damage or mildew.
Collect bins for storing your clothes. - See them on Amazon.
How do you arrange your clothes in a storage bin?
Organize by season
One of the best ways to organize your clothes in a storage bin is by season. This way, you can easily grab the clothes you need without having to search through a bunch of stuff.
For example, in the winter, you'll want to put your heavy coats and sweaters at the top of the bin so that you can grab them easily. In the summer, you can put your lighter clothing near the bottom so that it's out of the way.
Arrange by type
Another way to organize your clothes is by type. For example, you could put all of your shirts in one section and all of your pants in another. This way, you can quickly find what you're looking for without having to rummage through everything.
Whatever system you choose, just make sure that it works for you and that you can easily find what you're looking for.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to keep your clothes smelling fresh in storage bins, it's time to put these tips into practice. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your clothes will stay fresh and free of any musty odors. So don't wait any longer, start using these tips today!
If you're looking for more storage and packing ideas, keep posted on our new articles coming!
