September 23 2024
At Ready Steady Store, all our stores are meticulously cleaned and maintained to a high standard, ensuring your belongings are stored in the best possible conditions. However, even with the cleanest storage units, some-things like fabrics and upholstery may still develop a musty odour over time. If you’re noticing a stale scent on your clothes or furniture, don’t worry! Here are 7 effective tips to get rid of musty smell and refresh your items.
1. Air It Out in Fresh Air and Sunlight
- Why It Works: Fresh air and sunlight are nature’s best deodorisers. Sunlight, has UV rays that help kill mould and bacteria, the common culprits behind musty odours.
- How to Do It: On a sunny day, place your clothes or furniture outdoors in a shaded but well-ventilated area. Ensure they don’t sit in direct sunlight for too long, as this can fade colours on fabrics and delicate woods. Just a few hours should be enough to notice a difference.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t have outdoor space, consider placing them near an open window or using a fan indoors to increase air circulation.
2. Use White Vinegar to Neutralise Odours
- Why It Works: White vinegar is acidic and helps break down odour-causing bacteria. It also neutralises strong smells effectively without leaving a vinegar smell once dried.
- How to Do It: For washable clothes, add a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine along with your usual detergent. For furniture or non-washable belongings, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, lightly spritz the area, and let it air dry.
- Pro Tip: Test on a small, hidden area first to make sure the vinegar solution doesn’t discolour fabrics or finishes.
3. Baking Soda for Absorbing Odours
- Why It Works: Baking soda is a natural odour absorber. It works by neutralising acidic and basic odour molecules, making it ideal for stubborn musty smells.
- How to Do It: Sprinkle baking soda liberally over fabric surfaces, cushions, or upholstered furniture, and leave it for several hours, ideally overnight. Then, vacuum the baking soda thoroughly to remove it and any absorbed odours.
- Pro Tip: For clothes, you can add a half-cup of baking soda directly to the wash cycle or place a small bowl of baking soda in a storage box to absorb moisture and odours over time.
4. Try Charcoal or Activated Charcoal Bags
- Why It Works: Activated charcoal is highly porous, which allows it to absorb moisture and odour molecules effectively. It’s a natural and eco-friendly option for keeping belongings fresh.
- How to Do It: Place small bags of activated charcoal around your stored clothes or inside storage bins with furniture. These bags are reusable—just place them in sunlight every month or so to “reactivate” their absorption abilities.
- Pro Tip: Activated charcoal bags are great for long-term storage, as they continue to absorb odours and moisture over time without any maintenance.
5. Use Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent Boost
- Why It Works: Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree not only add a pleasant scent but also have antibacterial properties, helping to reduce mould and bacteria.
- How to Do It: For furniture, mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your belongings. For clothes, place a few drops on cotton wool balls and tuck them into drawers or storage containers.
- Pro Tip: Avoid direct application of essential oils on fabrics or untreated wood, as they may stain. Instead, try hanging a sachet with essential oils near your stored belongings for a subtle scent boost.
6. Steam Clean for Deep Odour Removal
- Why It Works: Steam cleaning uses high heat to kill bacteria and germs, removing deeply embedded odours. It’s particularly effective for upholstered furniture or heavy fabrics.
- How to Do It: If you have access to a steam cleaner, use it on fabrics and upholstery according to the machine’s instructions. Make sure the item is fully dry afterwards to prevent any new odours from forming.
- Pro Tip: For a more thorough clean, consider adding a few drops of essential oil to the water in your steam cleaner, or use a cleaning solution safe for fabrics and upholstery.
7. Consider Using Odour Absorbing Gel or Pouches
- Why It Works: Odour-absorbing gels and pouches are formulated specifically to trap and neutralise smells in closed spaces, making them ideal for storage areas.
- How to Do It: Place odour-absorbing gel jars or pouches in areas where you store clothes and furniture, like cupboards, storage bins, or under cushions. These can last for weeks or even months, depending on the brand and size.
- Pro Tip: Replace gels or pouches as directed to ensure continuous odour control, especially in humid environments.
Musty odours can make clothes and furniture feel uninviting, but with these simple techniques, you can have them smelling fresh again. Whether it’s airing out, using household items like vinegar and baking soda, or choosing natural solutions like charcoal and essential oils, there’s an option here for every item and every situation. Try these tips out and enjoy the confidence of fresh, clean-smelling clothes and furniture—no matter how long they’ve been in storage!
Bonus Tip: Properly Wrap and Prepare your Belongings Before Storing
One of the most effective ways to keep your clothes and furniture fresh and free from musty odours is to prepare and wrap them correctly before placing them in storage. Proper wrapping prevents dust, moisture, and odours from settling in, making it easier to retrieve your belongings in the same condition you stored them.
For step-by-step guidance on how to wrap furniture and prepare your belongings for storage, check out our comprehensive guide. This article covers everything from choosing the right materials to packing techniques, ensuring your belongings stay well-protected and fresh during storage.
With Ready Steady Store locations across the UK, including Lincoln, Leeds, Manchester and Great Yarmouth, it’s easy to find a convenient self storage facility near you to keep your items safe and secure.
