Tips to Stop Clothes from Getting That “Storage Smell”

Why do clean clothes smell musty after a few months in storage? Is it the fabric, the detergent, or the container?

Laundry experts report that musty odours come from trapped body oils, moisture, and bacteria, not from the storage space itself. That means the smell you’re dealing with starts long before your clothes even get packed away. 

Here’s how to break that cycle.

1. Improve Airflow & Reduce Moisture

Moisture is one of the biggest culprits behind “storage smell.” If your home feels humid or you live in a tropical climate, clothes can pick up musty odours even when they look clean.

A dehumidifier can make a massive difference. You definitely need moisture absorbers or dehumidifying sachets inside enclosed spaces like closets, cupboards, and drawers. They stop humidity from settling into fabric and prevent that stale, damp smell from forming.

Clothes that don’t dry properly in humid weather can start growing mould, even when they seem dry on the surface. Once mould forms on one garment, it can spread to anything the fabric touches, including drawers, shelves, and other clothes.

2. Make Sure Clothes Are Completely Dry Before Storing

Even slightly damp fabric is enough to trigger mildew or that classic “old house” smell.

After washing, make sure every piece is bone-dry before folding away. Pay extra attention to thicker fabrics like towels, jumpers, and bedding.

When you’re stripping or sanitising laundry, let items air-dry first so any trapped moisture escapes properly.

3. Clean Your Washing Machine (Especially Front Loaders)

Front-loaders are known for trapping smells. The rubber gasket around the door collects moisture, detergent residue, lint, sweat, and even tiny bits of fabric. Over time it becomes the perfect spot for mould.

• Wipe the gasket with warm soapy water. Always leave the washer door slightly open after each load so the inside can dry properly.
• Run a monthly cleaning cycle using a washing machine cleaner, or use a mix of vinegar and bicarb soda to break down built-up grime.
• Detergent trays also hide mould. Remove the drawer, rinse it under hot water, scrub off any residue, and let it dry completely before sliding it back in.

A quick wipe of the drum after big loads helps stop moisture from sitting too long. If your machine has a lint filter or pump filter, clean it regularly to avoid trapped gunk that can cause odours.

4. Remove “Invisible Human Buildup” From Fabrics

A lot of the musty smell comes from what experts call sebum, the mix of sweat, body oils, skin cells, and fatty acids that settles deep into fabrics. Even after washing, these residues cling to fibres, turn rancid over time, and create that stale “storage smell”.

Lipase enzymes break down body oils far more effectively than standard detergents. They’re the key ingredient missing from many modern liquid formulas, which is why odours return even when you wash your clothes regularly.

Powdered detergents tend to work better on oily buildup because many still include lipase and oxygen bleach. Laundry specialists often recommend options such as:

• Tide with Bleach (powder)
• Ariel powder
• Gain powder
• 365 powder
• BiZ (powder booster)

Manufacturers removed lipase from many liquid detergents to lower production costs, which means fabrics don’t get completely clean. The result is faster buildup and odours creeping back even after a “fresh” wash.

5. Give Your Laundry a “Spa Day” (Stripping + Deep Soak)

If clothes already smell musty, go beyond a regular wash.

6. Store Clothes in the Right Containers

Your storage choice can make or break how fresh your clothes stay. Here’s a simple comparison:

• Airtight plastic bins – Best for damp spaces like basements, garages, or older wardrobes.
• Vacuum-seal bags – Use for long-term storage in humid climates. They remove air and limit moisture exposure (avoid for delicate fabrics).
• Breathable fabric boxes – Ideal for dry, well-ventilated cupboards. Allow airflow so odours don’t get trapped.
• Plastic bags (avoid for long-term storage) – Plastic traps humidity and speeds up musty smells. Use only for short-term transport. If you must use plastic bins, wash items with vinegar, enzyme detergent, or oxygen bleach before packing to minimise odours.

A Better Home for the Clothes You Can’t Store Properly

When your wardrobe, drawers, or cupboards simply can’t keep up, self storage gives your clothes a safer and more controlled environment. 

Climate-controlled units similar to Jim’s Self Storage Melbourne keep humidity low, prevent mould, and protect fabrics from the musty smells that come from overcrowded or poorly ventilated spaces at home. 

You’re not the only one looking for extra space. Lots of homeowners use off-site storage when their cupboards can’t handle everything anymore. It’s reassuring to know others trust it for long-term freshness, and you can do the same.