How to Prevent Musty Smell in Stored Bedding

If your bed linen develops a musty odour when stored, wash in-between, dry thoroughly and place them in a new cotton bag in a cool, dry, airy space. Because if you store anything that smells musty, it's not the smell it's the moisture. How to Make Your House Smell Good When You Move in. This is our advice for all of the bedsheets, comforters and curtains we sell at Weave & Decor.

Why Does Stored Bedding Develop a Musty Smell?

The most common reason why stored bedding smells musty is because it has become mildewed and infected with bacteria, caused by moisture being present in the fabric of bedding inside an airless cupboard, wardrobe, or storage box. Moist bedsheets, stale body oils, or damp monsoon air can be enough.

The most common causes are:

• Folding bedsheets or duvet covers before they are fully dry
• Storing used bedding without washing it first
• Plastic bags and airtight boxes that trap humidity
• Cupboards built against damp walls or near bathrooms
• Extra detergent left in the fabric after washing

How Should You Wash and Dry Bedsheets Before Storing Them?

Wash your bedsheets in mild detergent, rinse well and line dry or sun dry to very dry and fold. A sheet can be dry along the seams, hems and corners and not dry on the surface. Just one slightly damp item can make an entire stack smell.

A few habits make the difference:

• Add an even smaller amount of detergent than usual, because the residue will hold moisture and smell.
  
• Use half a cup of white vinegar on the rinse cycle to rinse away build-up.
  
• Sun-dry for a couple of hours, place printed sheets face to face to keep colour safe.
  
• For ironed or tumble-dried sheets, cool before folding, since warm fabric is damp with condensation.

For example, the elastic corners on Weave & Decor elastic fitted bedsheets dry last, so check them before the sheet goes into the cupboard.

Which Storage Method Works Best for Each Bedding Item?

Breathable storage such as cotton will be fine for most bedding while sealed plastic is by far the most prevalent cause of mustiness. The best method for storing any kind of bedding will depend on thickness and duration of storage.

Where Should You Store Comforters, Duvet Covers, and Curtains?

Duvet cover, curtain and comforters should be kept in a cool, airy place, such as the upper wardrobe drawer, in a storage box, or in a wardrobe. Do not place them on the walls of the bathroom, kitchen and garden, they will be very damp. Cotton sheets are better. Store thick items apart.

Like bedsheets, Weave & Decor comforters have a lot more moisture in their filling, so make sure they get a full day out in the sun before they're sealed. Similar to curtains, they collect a huge amount of dust and cooking fumes so you'll want to give them a wash before they head out. Duvet covers are a quick-dry, so they can fit into the same bag as their duvet.

How Do You Keep Bulk Bedding Fresh for Months?

Maintain the quality of bulk bedding Store on feet-racked (raised) open shelving, pack in moisture absorbing packs, and use first in first out. This is perfect for hotels, guest houses, retailers and large families. Store when products are tightly packed in large quantities. Give care to airflow and cleanliness not to any scent.

• Keep a gap of a few inches between the stacks and the wall and the floor.
• Each shelf with silica gel, activated carbon or camphor. Replace it in 2-3 months.
• Don't overstuff shelves, as a stack that's packed too tight can't breathe.
• Open the storeroom weekly and inspect the stock monthly, especially in the monsoon.

Conclusion: What Should You Do if Stored Bedding Already Smells Musty?

Musty smell from a stored bedsheet? Re-wash with either 1 cup of white vinegar or 1/2 cup of baking soda, and dry in the sun. One wash and a sunny day will clear most minor scents! Spray and mop the closet/wardrobe and allow it to dry before replacing.

👉 Read More Related Topics :- Bedding Drying & Storage Guide