‘Works a treat and smells lovely!’ Homeowners share 10p hack to keep clothes smelling fresh ‘for months’

WHEN clothes come out of the washing machine, they smell amazing.

But after being put away in drawers and wardrobes they can start to smell musty. 

2

2

One homeowner was after some advice on how to stop this happening and took to the Facebook group Mrs Hinch’s Cleaning Tips. 

June Pollock asked: “So I have far too many clothes. 

“What are the top ways for keeping clothes smelling fresh in drawers?”

There were several suggestions, but the most common was to use Scentsy Scent Pak.

Kelly-Anne Girvan explained how well they had been working for her.

She wrote: “Scents scent paks … I have them in mine and in my locker at work which has been there over a year.” 

The Scent Paks are small fabric bags filled with fragrance that can be placed into “drawers, closets or suitcases”. 

They also have a small loop in one corner to hook onto a hanger to keep clothes in a wardrobe fresh. 

But they are quite pricey - £8.50 per Pak - so if you want a more affordable option, a couple of people suggested making your own. 

Traditional lavender bags are one option, or if you’re after a more modern smell, fill a small fabric back with Lenor Scent Boosters. 

Sarah Reid recommended the latter and explained how it works for her. 

She commented: “[For] wardrobe, fill a wee cloth bag with lenor scents balls and hang on a hanger - clothes smell lovely and last for months.” 

For a more effortless solution, someone else suggested using tumble dryer sheets. 

Tianna Daly commented: “Tumble dryer sheet in the bottom of a drawer.” 

And Sophie Hays agreed: “Tumble dryer sheets in your drawers will work a treat.” 

Why do clothes smell musty? 

According to leading laundry brand Persil, “clothing [sometimes] smells as soon as it comes out of the washing machine”. 

“Other times your clean laundry may smell fine at first, but then environmental factors can result in lingering smells,” the experts added. 

But, “musty smells can occur if your clothing is stored in enclosed wardrobes that aren’t cleaned regularly or are prone to damp”. 

How to remove musty smells: 

“Soak your clothing in a bowl of cold water mixed with one cup of baking soda,” Persil. 

“The baking soda will help release any odours that are trapped in the fabric.

“Remember to test a small amount of your baking soda solution on a hidden area of the garment first to check there are no adverse effects. 

“After soaking, wash as normal in the washing machine.” 

How to keep clothes fresh in a wardrobe:

• Don’t cram all your clothes together.
• Always make sure your clothes are completely dry before you put them in the wardrobe.
• Don’t put shoes in the wardrobe straight after wearing. If your shoes smell, putting them in a confined space will leave the whole space smelling of your shoes.
• Use a long-lasting scented fabric conditioner to leave clothes smelling fresher for longer.