You remove a musty smell from clothing by washing the garment again with a splash of white vinegar in the fabric softener drawer, then letting it dry quickly and completely, preferably outside or in an airy spot. Then tackle the cause: a damp wardrobe, a dirty washing machine or clothing that has stayed wet for too long. For wool and other fine knitwear, airing often works wonders. After that, you prevent the smell by always storing clothing completely dry and regularly ventilating your wardrobe.
Where that musty smell comes from
A musty smell almost always comes from moisture. If clothing is not completely dry, or lies in a damp environment, mould and bacteria get the chance to grow. You smell that as that typical, slightly sour cellar air. The most common causes:
- Left too long in the washing machine: wet laundry that stays in the drum for hours quickly starts to smell.
- Not fully dried: clothing that is still a little clammy turns musty in a wardrobe or drawer.
- A dirty washing machine: residues of detergent and dirt in the rubber seal and the drawer can start to smell and pass that smell on to your laundry.
- A damp wardrobe: a wardrobe against a cold outside wall or in a poorly ventilated room.
- Too full: an overfull wardrobe does not let air circulate.
Cause and solution at a glance
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wet laundry left too long | Follow the care label and then dry completely |
| Clothing not completely dry | Dry for longer, hang loosely, only store once everything is dry |
| Washing machine smells | Clean the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions |
| Damp wardrobe | Ventilate, move the wardrobe slightly away from the wall, place a moisture absorber |
| Wardrobe too full | Thin it out so air can circulate |
Step by step: getting the smell out
- Check the label: see whether the garment may go in the machine and at what temperature.
- Use a suitable detergent. Only add vinegar, baking soda or other household products if the manufacturer of both the clothing and the machine considers it safe.
- For a stubborn smell: rather repeat a correct wash or have delicate clothing professionally cleaned than mix several products.
- Dry completely: dry according to the garment label and only store once the garment is completely dry.
- Smell before you store: if it still smells, repeat the wash. Only store once it is completely fresh and dry.
Wool and fine knitwear
With wool and fine knitwear, airing is often a good first step when the garment is not dirty. The Trenton, Augusta and Maximilian each have specific wool wash advice. Follow that label if washing is needed and dry them flat as indicated.
With the Theodore and Eleanor too, you can air first when washing is not yet needed. Both have a delicate wash and dry-flat recommendation; always follow the product label.
Keeping your washing machine fresh
Often the cause is not in your clothing, but in the machine. A few habits that help:
- Leave the door and the detergent drawer open after washing, so everything can dry.
- Wipe the rubber seal clean regularly; water, hair and dirt stay behind there.
- Use the cleaning programme and the care instructions of your washing machine brand.
- Do not use more detergent than needed; excess detergent stays behind and starts to smell.
A fresh wardrobe
A wardrobe that is well ventilated keeps clothing fresh. Move the wardrobe a few centimetres away from an outside wall, open the doors for a few hours now and then, and leave space between the hangers. A sachet of lavender or a block of cedar wood gives a subtle scent and helps keep moths away. Avoid scent sachets with a strong perfume: they mask a problem instead of solving it.
Travelling and in the gym bag
Musty smells also arise quickly on the move. A damp towel or a worn shirt in a closed suitcase or gym bag, and after a day everything smells. So bring a separate laundry bag for worn clothing, and let damp pieces dry first before you pack them. Once home, unpack your suitcase straight away and hang everything up to air for a while. That way you prevent one clammy garment from making the rest of your luggage smell.
Prevention is better
The best way to prevent musty clothing is simple: never store clothing damp, never leave wet laundry lying and do not overfill your wardrobe. In spring, when you put away your winter sweaters, that is extra important. Wash them first, let them dry completely and store them in a cotton bag or box, not in plastic.
On our page with care instructions you will find per material how best to treat it. You can read more about wool and cashmere on the pages about merino wool and cashmere, and about fine knitwear on the page about lyocell.
Shop the look
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Augusta: open-knit wool and cashmere polo, cream
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Theodore: open polo without buttons, dark charcoal melange
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Frequently asked questions
Why does my laundry smell musty, even after washing?
Usually the laundry was left wet for too long, was not stored completely dry, or the smell comes from the washing machine itself. Clean the machine and dry your laundry faster.
Does vinegar really help against a musty smell?
Yes, a splash of white vinegar in the fabric softener drawer neutralises smells. The smell of vinegar disappears during drying.
Should I wash wool if it smells musty?
Try airing it first. If that does not work, wash by hand or on a wool programme with a wool detergent and dry flat.
