Incorrect storage or dirt residues cause a musty smell in the clothes.
But the right home remedies will soon make your laundry smell fresh again.
It is an unpleasant surprise when you take clothes out of the closet and a musty smell hits your nose.
But what can you do to get rid of the smell?
Often you don't have to resort to chemicals straight away, but can remedy the situation with simple home remedies that are also suitable for cleaning.
Causes of musty clothing
Before treating the clothes, one should find out the cause of the musty smell.
Possible reasons can be:
Laundry was still slightly damp in the closet
Closet is poorly ventilated
Keeping clothes in a bag or box for too long
Sweat and dirt residue on clothing that has not been thoroughly removed
residue in the washing machine
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If freshly washed laundry smells musty, the washing machine should be cleaned urgently.
© Oleksandr Latkun/Imago
Clothes smell after washing - is the washing machine to blame?
The washing machine can also be a cause of musty smells in clothes.
When dirt and bacteria build up in the washing machine, they can transfer to clothes and cause an unpleasant smell.
To avoid this, you should clean your washing machine regularly.
To do this, use a special washing machine detergent solution or a mixture of vinegar and water.
Also clean the lint filter regularly and leave the washing machine open after each use to allow it to dry.
It's also important not to overload the washing machine and use the right detergent for the fabric at hand.
If clothes still smell musty after washing, it could also be because the washing machine is too old and needs to be replaced.
Home remedies for musty clothes
Vinegar:
Vinegar has a disinfecting effect and neutralizes odors.
Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine, or add 1 cup of vinegar directly to the rinse water if hand washing.
The smell of vinegar disappears after washing and clothes smell fresh.
Baking soda:
Baking soda has an effect similar to vinegar.
Put 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in the detergent compartment or directly in the drum of the washing machine.
Alternatively, you can make a solution of water and baking soda and soak the clothes in it.
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil has an antibacterial effect and has a pleasant scent.
Put a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton cloth and place the cloth folded up in the closet or in your pocket.
Wasps can also be repelled with tea tree oil.
If possible, hang clothes to dry in a sunny spot.
The sunlight has a disinfecting effect and removes odors.
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Washing instructions for foul smelling clothes
Sometimes it is not enough to just treat the clothes with home remedies.
In this case, you should wash the clothes thoroughly and as hot as possible.
Please note the following tips:
Sort the clothes by color and material.
Check the care label to ensure the clothing is machine washable.
Use the correct detergent for the fabric.
Wash clothing at the highest possible temperature that the material can withstand.
Add vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle.
Allow clothes to dry completely before putting them back in the closet.
These washing tips from grandma are a thing of the past
These washing tips from grandma are a thing of the past
Which helps against other smells
A musty smell in clothing can therefore have various causes.
Sometimes laundry smells sour after washing - we explain here what helps against this.
This article was created with the help of machines and carefully reviewed by editor Andrea Stettner before publication.
List of rubrics: © Oleksandr Latkun/Imago