Musty odors in your closet can transfer to your clothing.
While not surprising that a small, confined space could develop an unpleasant smell, it can be frustrating at the same time. Damp clothes can form mildew, especially in dark places without sunlight and proper ventilation. A closet with an unpleasant aroma can affect everything you store in it, creating an even bigger problem. Quick action will help save your clothing and tucked-away items from sharing the musty odor your closet has been harboring. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove everything from your closet and inspect it for mold and mildew. If you find mold or mildew, set the items outside to be cleaned.
2. Wash the clothing in your closet according to each garment's instructions with a bleach-free laundry detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help further eliminate trapped-in odors. If the weather permits, hang the clothes outside to dry in the sunshine. Sunlight is a natural odor killer.
3. Treat clothes with mold and mildew on them by brushing away the mildew with a clean cloth. Do this outside or over a trashcan to prevent mold spores from getting loose in your home. Mix 2 tbsps. of white vinegar into 1 cup of warm water and pour onto the stained area. Allow it to soak for 15 to 20 minutes before laundering the garments.
4. Inspect the inside of your closet for any moisture and address the source immediately. Moisture combined with darkness and poor air circulation lead to mold and mildew, which is where the musty odors originate.
5. Vacuum out the inside of your closet to pick up any debris on the floor that may be contributing to the smell.
6. Wipe down everything that came out of your closet that cannot be washed in the washing machine and set outside to air out. Even if it isn’t a sunny day, set them in a safe place to avoid rain. The fresh air will help to air things out.
7. Wipe down the walls with a weak solution of 2 parts warm water to 1 part of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a clean cloth or sponge to remove and prevent any traces of mold or mildew. Dry the walls with a second clean cloth.
8. Place a large bowl of baking soda in the closet and leave the door open overnight. The baking soda will help to absorb moisture in the closet and odors. A dehumidifier in the closet can also help dry out the air.
Tags: your closet, mold mildew, clean cloth, will help, baking soda
