The smell that greets you when you open a storage box at the end of a season is one of those universally recognised domestic experiences. It is not one smell but several: mould, mildew, stale air, residue from previous wash cycles, the faint trace of body odour or perfume absorbed into fabric months ago. Knowing that the smell has multiple potential sources is useful, because it explains why a single wash cycle often does not fully resolve it and why a multi-step approach produces significantly better results.

Why stored clothes develop the smell

Fabric that has been sealed in storage, whether in vacuum bags, plastic bins, cardboard boxes or fabric storage containers, is exposed to stale, often humid air for extended periods. In South Africa, where summer humidity can be significant in coastal regions and where basement or enclosed storage spaces trap heat, the conditions for mildew and bacterial growth are easily met. Even clothes that were washed before storage can develop the smell if they were not completely dry when packed, if any residue remained in the fibres, or if the storage environment itself was damp.

Air them out first

Before any washing, hang the stored items outside in a covered spot with good air circulation. Direct sunlight can fade some fabrics, so shade or indirect light is preferable. A few hours of fresh air removes the most superficial layer of the storage smell and allows the fabric to breathe before the next steps. For items that cannot be washed, airing out is also the primary treatment method.

A three-wash cycle for stubborn odours

For items that need a thorough treatment, a three-stage washing process tackles the smell at different levels. In the first cycle, use white spirit vinegar in place of laundry detergent. A cup of vinegar added to the drum or the detergent drawer, on a warm regular cycle, strips the built-up residue that contributes to the musty smell. Do not use detergent alongside the vinegar at this stage.

In the second cycle, replace the vinegar with half a cup of bicarbonate of soda. This further neutralises odours within the fibres without leaving residue of its own. The third cycle uses a standard biological or enzyme-based detergent, which breaks down organic material that is still present in the fabric at a molecular level. Enzyme detergents are not appropriate for silk, wool or protein-based fabrics, which require a specialist gentle wash.

Avoid fabric softener throughout this process. Softener coats fabric fibres with a waxy layer that can trap odours rather than releasing them, and it is a contributor to the residue build-up that creates the storage smell in the first place.

Storage that prevents the smell from returning

The most effective prevention is washing and, crucially, fully drying clothes before storing them. Even slightly damp fabric sealed in a storage environment will develop mildew within weeks. Ensure clothes are completely dry before packing, and avoid storing in damp or poorly ventilated spaces.

The choice of container matters. Breathable fabric storage bags allow air to circulate while still protecting clothing from dust and insects. Sealed plastic bins are more effective in genuinely damp environments, where breathable options would allow moisture in rather than keeping it out. In either case, adding silica gel packets to the storage container absorbs ambient moisture and significantly reduces the risk of mildew forming.

For longer-term storage, periodically removing items, airing them out and returning them to the container refreshes the fabric and prevents any residue from becoming permanently embedded. Rolling clothes rather than folding them reduces compression and allows air to remain between layers, which also helps.

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