Published by Fluff & Fold January 2, 2020 Category: Uncategorized
Temperatures are cooling and leaves are beginning to change color, which means that autumn is nearly here! Now is the time to pull out your long sleeve shirts, light jackets and boots from storage. But wait – what’s that smell? Your clothes gained a musty odor from being stored all year. Have no fear: below are six tips for getting rid of those pesky clothing storage odors.
Laundry Detergent and Fabric Conditioner. Oftentimes all it takes is a good wash! Bring your clothes to the laundromat and give them a thorough cleaning with detergent and fabric conditioner. If the smell isn’t too strong, this combo can easily remove that musty storage odor. Scented detergent in particular will help combat the undesirable scents.
Baking Soda. This multi-use ingredient is an excellent odor absorbent that can soak up musty smells. It’s also a great disinfectant if there are any mold spores on your clothing. When only a few items need attention, you might consider pre-soaking garments in water mixed with a cup of baking
soda for 30 minutes before washing normally; or, for a full load you can simply sprinkle a 1/2 – 1 cup directly into the washer without the pre-soak. Either way works wonders on your clothes!
White Vinegar. For stronger musky scents, white vinegar will be your best friend. Perfect for odor removal of your fall clothes, white vinegar can also help remove stains and hard water buildup. Like with baking soda, when only a few items need treatment, you can pre-soak garments in a gallon of water mixed with a cup of white vinegar for 4 to 5 hours, then launder as usual. Or, you can fill the fabric softener spot of the washer with 1/4 – 1/2 cup white vinegar per load (no detergent!) and run the rinse cycle.
Lemon Juice (for mold spots). Lemon – a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent – can be combined with salt – a natural dehydrating antiseptic – to be used as a spot treatment for mold patches. Mix 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into a paste, then apply accordingly. Let the paste dry, scrub it with an old toothbrush, then launder the garment normally.
Sunlight. Weather permitting, sunlight is highly effective in freshening clothes and a gentle breeze helps improve air flow. After washing your stored garments (using any of the methods above), line dry them to kill odor-causing microbes and mold spores. Keep in mind, however, that the downside of sunlight is the bleaching effect, so use this tip sparingly.
Dryer Sheets. Another way to freshen your stored fall clothing is to hang them with dryer sheets attached to the hangers. A fan or outdoor breeze can help quicken the process by increasing air flow. When folding garments afterwards, you can also tuck dryer sheets in between to keep them fresh longer.
With these tips and tricks in your arsenal, you will be ready to enter the fall season in your favorite styles!
As a seasoned textile care expert with a wealth of experience in fabric maintenance and odor removal, I can confidently assert that tackling musty odors from stored clothing is a nuanced process that demands a comprehensive approach. Having immersed myself in the intricacies of fabric care, I can offer insights backed by practical expertise.
The article published by Fluff & Fold on January 2, 2020, offers valuable advice on banishing pesky clothing storage odors that often accompany the arrival of autumn. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Laundry Detergent and Fabric Conditioner:
- Expert Insight: A thorough wash with quality detergent and fabric conditioner is a fundamental step in refreshing stored garments. The article rightly emphasizes the effectiveness of scented detergents in combating undesirable odors.
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Baking Soda:
- Expert Insight: Baking soda, a versatile ingredient, is highlighted as an excellent odor absorbent and a potent disinfectant for mold spores. The article suggests both pre-soaking garments and adding baking soda directly to the washer for optimal results.
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White Vinegar:
- Expert Insight: White vinegar emerges as a powerful ally for stronger musky scents. It not only aids in odor removal but also tackles stains and hard water buildup. The article provides detailed instructions for pre-soaking garments or using white vinegar in the rinse cycle.
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Lemon Juice (for Mold Spots):
- Expert Insight: Leveraging the natural antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemon, combined with the dehydrating antiseptic quality of salt, the article introduces a spot treatment for mold patches. The step-by-step process is clearly outlined, from creating a paste to laundering the garment.
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Sunlight:
- Expert Insight: Sunlight, weather permitting, is highlighted as a highly effective and natural method for freshening clothes. The article cautions about the bleaching effect of sunlight and recommends its use sparingly. The emphasis on line drying to eliminate odor-causing microbes and mold spores is a valuable tip.
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Dryer Sheets:
- Expert Insight: The article suggests using dryer sheets to freshen stored fall clothing, offering a practical solution for maintaining freshness. Hanging garments with dryer sheets attached and tucking them between folded clothes are advocated as effective techniques.
In conclusion, armed with these comprehensive tips and tricks, individuals can confidently navigate the fall season with freshly rejuvenated wardrobes. The combination of various methods ensures a holistic approach to odor removal and fabric care, showcasing the depth of knowledge required to address the nuances of textile maintenance.
