There is always this kind of dread one feels when trying to open their wardrobe when the monsoons are upon us. They try to pick their favorite cotton shirt but then are faced with the familiar musty odor that accompanies everything that was left in the wardrobe. If you feel the same, you are not the only one feeling it.
The real cause behind all this is the moisture that is present in the air due to the humid monsoon weather conditions. Once it combines with the slow-drying fabric, the environment becomes a perfect place for mildew and bacteria to thrive. However, the good part about this whole thing is that there are ways one can get rid of these odors from clothes, especially a professional dry cleaning from a trusted dry cleaner near you.
Why Do Clothes Smell Musty After Monsoon?
It may be useful to comprehend the problem before providing any solutions. This smell appears because the garments are kept damp for a considerable period of time due to insufficient drying indoors, excessive drying in a washing machine, or simply hanging in a humid room with no air circulation. As a result, the bacteria and fungi reproduce in this damp atmosphere and emit the smell which is typical for monsoon laundry. The more time the garments remain damp, the deeper this smell will penetrate into the fabric.
That is why it is so hard to get rid of musty smell from the clothes by using only a detergent.
1. Start with a Vinegar Soak
White vinegar is the most appropriate substance to use in order to remove the smell from the clothes.
- The acid content of the white vinegar aids in breaking down bacteria and fungi which are responsible for the bad smell.
- In order to remove the musty smell from the clothes, they should be soaked in a solution of one cup of vinegar and water for thirty minutes.
- Laundering the clothes normally with the help of normal detergent is the next step.
- Fabric softener should not be used in this laundry process as it may cause the musty smell to increase.
- One need not worry about musty smell on the clothes as it will completely disappear after drying them.
2. Use Baking Soda for Extra Odour Absorption
If vinegar does not work in your particular situation, then you might use baking soda as an alternative. Not only does this substance have the ability to deodorize, but it also absorbs the odor without trying to cover it up.
- Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing routine together with your laundry detergent.
- If there is an especially difficult odor, make a paste out of baking soda and water, put it on the areas that cause the problem, like underarms and collars, and wash it afterwards.
- Leave the paste on for about 15-20 minutes before you start washing your clothes.
- This solution will be especially good for towels and sportswear since they have an excellent ability to retain odors compared to other materials.
3. Wash with Hot Water (When the Fabric Allows)
Heat is much more efficient in destroying bacteria than cold water. In case the care label allows for it, then it will be useful for getting rid of musty smell from your clothes by using warm water.
However, if warm water cannot be used because it is not appropriate for certain types of fabric, then you may use lukewarm water along with the suggested ways above.
4. Sun-Dry Whenever Possible
Natural sun rays act as a natural disinfectant. These UV rays destroy mold spores and bacteria, thus making it possible for your clothes to avoid that typical rainy season odor. Just a few minutes of exposure to sunlight in between rainy days would do wonders.
In case the climate is not being friendly enough, try hanging your clothes in front of windows where there is sunlight.
5. Improve Air Circulation While Drying Indoors
Where outdoor drying is not possible, it becomes equally important how clothes should be dried indoors.
- Using a fan or a dehumidifier in the drying area would help.
- Ensure that there is enough space left between the clothes that are being hung up to dry.
- Do not dry clothes in humid rooms like bathrooms.
- For the dryer, it is recommended that you go for one extra spin cycle before starting the heat cycle.
- As the name suggests, the objective here is to make the clothes dry quickly to minimize bacterial growth.
6. Re-Wash Clothes That Already Smell Musty
Here’s one common error people commit when they try to dry clothes that have already developed a musty odor, expecting the odor to naturally disappear. But once you get that moldy smell on your clothes, then drying them out will only ensure that the odor stays. In case your clothes have already developed that musty smell, it is advisable that you wash them again first.
7. Store Clothes with Odour Absorbers
Prevention is as important as the cure. Now, when your clothes have been restored to freshness and dryness, maintain their condition by storing them along with substances that absorb natural odor:
- Silica gel packets
- Charcoal bags
- Neem leaves/cloves (an age-old Indian remedy that repels moths as well)
- Cedar blocks
- Additionally, do not stuff your wardrobe; clothes require air circulation, even when stored, particularly during the rainy season.
When Nothing Works: Time to Call the Professionals
Some people find that despite their best efforts and all the tricks, they fail to get rid of the smell of mold. Such situations arise when the mold has penetrated deep into the fabric through repeated washing and drying cycles, or with heavy articles such as curtains, quilts, sofas, and leather jackets.
These are precisely the kinds of scenarios where professional laundry and dry cleaning service centers come into play. The professional-level equipment can remove all the moisture from the article and treat them with anti-mold products, drying the fabrics in controlled temperature conditions.
If your at-home efforts haven’t worked, don’t keep experimenting endlessly with fabrics you love. Getting expert help isn’t a last resort out of failure — it’s simply the smarter, quicker fix.
Monsoon-Proofing Your Laundry Routine
Alongside the above personal measures, here are a few changes in your lifestyle that will prevent you from falling into this vicious cycle each monsoon:
- Do not wait until all the laundry is piled up; instead, launder the clothes frequently in smaller quantities.
- Do not keep your clothes wet once you finish the process of washing; shift the clothes to dry within half an hour of finishing the washing.
- Buy yourself a good dryer where there would be proper air circulation.
- Let air circulate through your closet on sunny days.
The Bottom Line
Frustrating as the musty smell is when one experiences this odor on his clothing during monsoons, it is hardly ever something that persists forever. The use of solutions made of vinegar and/or baking soda, along with suitable drying and storage processes should be able to do the trick for all such problems. However, if nothing seems to work, then it is time to call upon professionals, particularly if the problem is with heavy fabric items such as draperies or upholstery.