Damp in the wardrobe and odour in clothes

Short answer: A smell in a wardrobe comes from damp, poor air circulation, or clothes put away before they were completely dry. All three can be fixed with simple steps. Often it is a combination, and then it pays to deal with all of them.

Clothes must be completely dry

Even slightly damp clothes start to smell in a closed wardrobe. The moisture has nowhere to go, so it settles in the fabric and in the clothes around it. Let clothes dry fully before putting them away, even if they feel dry on the surface. This applies to bamboo sweatpants for women, where the waistband dries slowly.

Check the thick parts

Seams, waistbands, hoods and pockets always dry last. Feel those spots before folding. If in doubt, leave the clothes to hang a few hours longer. Clothes dried indoors in winter can take longer than expected, because the air is more humid. It is better to wait than to put damp into the wardrobe.

Air must be able to circulate

A packed wardrobe has no airflow, and moisture lingers between the items. Leave a little space between piles and hangers so air can move. The same goes for drawers, for example between piles of bamboo tank tops for men. A wardrobe with some air in it smells noticeably fresher over time.

Avoid outer walls and basements

Wardrobes against a cold outer wall collect condensation behind and underneath them. The same goes for wardrobes in basements and unheated rooms. If possible, move the wardrobe to an inner wall, or pull it a few centimetres away from the wall. Keep items such as bamboo sweats for men and women somewhere dry.

Air the wardrobe

Leave the doors open for a few hours when you are at home anyway. The wardrobe gets fresh air, and the stale smell gradually fades. It works best on a dry day, or when you are airing the rest of your home. Make it a habit a couple of times a month, especially in the damp part of the year.

Moisture absorbers

In rooms with high humidity, a moisture absorber in the wardrobe can help. It draws moisture from the air so the clothes do not take it up. Absorbers need replacing or emptying regularly, otherwise they stop working. They are a good supplement, but they do not replace dry clothes and airflow.

Remove the smell from clothes

If clothes have started to smell, take them out and air them on a hanger for a day, ideally by an open window. That is often enough. If the smell remains, wash them at 40 degrees and let them dry completely. Check the wardrobe at the same time, so clean clothes do not go back into the same problem.

Clean the wardrobe

A wardrobe that has been damp can smell by itself. Empty it, wipe shelves and walls with a damp cloth, and leave it open until it is completely dry. If you see dark spots, it may be mould, and the area should be cleaned thoroughly. Only put clothes back once both wardrobe and clothes are dry.

Frequently asked questions

Do moisture absorbers help in a wardrobe

Yes, in rooms with high humidity. They need replacing or emptying regularly, and they work best together with dry clothes and a little space in the wardrobe.

How do I get the smell out of clothes

Air them on a hanger for a day, ideally by an open window. If the smell remains, wash at 40 degrees and let the clothes dry fully before they go back in.

Can you air out the wardrobe

Yes. Leave the doors open for a few hours when you are at home anyway. Do it regularly, especially in the damp part of the year.