Proven ways to remove musty smell from clothes

Violation of the rules of washing, drying or storing in a closet leads to the fact that washed clean clothes acquire a very unpleasant musty smell.
It will not be possible to mask the “aroma” with perfume (perfume only enhances the “aroma” of mustiness). Fixing the problem and returning freshness to your favorite things can only be done with proven, properly selected methods and means.

We will tell you in this article how to remove musty smell from clothes after lying for a long time using improvised means and household chemicals.

Sun and air are your best friends

Do you need to keep your clothes fresh without washing them? Then you should trust nature. Bad odor is the result of microbial activity. During the day, sweat and dead skin cells fall on the fabric of clothing, which become an ideal habitat for various bacteria. It is the activity of pathogenic microorganisms that causes the smell.

Sometimes it’s enough just to hang the outfit for a few hours in the yard or on the balcony. The ultraviolet rays of the sun have disinfecting properties and have a detrimental effect on bacterial cells. At the same time, the wind helps remove “odor” molecules from the fabric. This method is especially effective if you need to cope with the smells of the kitchen (your clothes are literally saturated with them after cooking, gatherings in the kitchen or even in a cafe) and cigarettes.

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Human scent can be preserved in a glass jar

Expert Andrei Symanovich and his colleagues, thanks to their skillful work with dogs, help identify about a hundred criminals a year.

Photo: Svyatoslav ZORKY

Sometimes the criminal leaves no traces at the crime scene: no prints, no belongings. But there is something that cannot be hidden - your own smell. This ephemeral substance that cannot be touched, it turns out, can be collected and preserved. And then find the suspect by smell. For the uninitiated person, all this looks more like a fictional story from a detective series, but for specialists in the department for the study of human scent traces of the State Committee for Forensic Expertise, this is daily work.

The smell is collected in a jar using flannel fabric

Similar examinations have been carried out in Belarus for a little over 20 years. Both in 1997 and now, only specially trained dogs can effectively examine the smell and determine who it belongs to. They are also called living detectors. Every person has their own scent, as unique as their fingerprints. A dog can distinguish up to 2.5 thousand different odors: no device has yet managed to achieve such indicators.

The department for the study of human scent traces of the genotyposcopic registration department of the State Committee for Forensic Expertise is located in Kolodishchi, in the Minsk region. This is the only laboratory in the country, so samples are sent here from different parts of Belarus.

“Nowadays, expertise is most often used in the investigation of thefts and thefts,” explains Vitaly Meleshchik, chief expert of the department for the study of human odor traces of the Central Office of the State Committee for Sensitive Investigations.

Experts collect odors in glass jars.

Photo: Svyatoslav ZORKY

Til, Wolf, Gerda, Dunya and four other dogs help experts identify crime suspects. You don’t need any expensive equipment for this, the most important thing is a dog’s sense of smell.

“However, daily care of the animals is required. The result of the work depends on their well-being, quality of nutrition, content and other factors, adds Vitaly Meleshchik.

For example, a criminal stole a car, abandoned it somewhere, and disappeared. Investigators collect the odor from things the car thief touched, such as a car seat, and pass it on to experts in the laboratory. If there is a suspect, the dog compares his smell with the smell that remains on the chair.

So how do experts collect scent? Let's say the suspect drops his hat at the crime scene. It is wrapped in clean flannel cloth and sealed in a glass jar with a metal lid for about a day. During this time, the fabric becomes saturated with smell. Only glass is suitable for storage - polyethylene, for example, has large pores that allow odor molecules to pass through.

If it is a large object that cannot be packed in a jar, for example a sofa, the odor sample is collected a little differently: a cloth is placed on the sofa, foil is placed on top and pressed down with something heavy. While the crime scene is being examined, the smell of the item transfers to the fabric.

“The scent of perfume does not bother dogs”

The sample is then sent to the laboratory. The same temperature of 20 degrees is always maintained here. If the laboratory is hot, odors will dissipate faster.

In a tall cabinet are hundreds of glass jars labeled with black marker. Each of them stores the smell of a person.

The longer a person touches an object, the better the smell is “imprinted” on the thing: for example, if a suspect carried a knife in his pocket for several hours or sat in a car seat, the smell on the object will remain for several days.

“Investigators sometimes take odor from under the armpits and feet of suspects, assuming that since these are the most sweat-producing areas of the body, then the samples from them are of better quality and more durable,” explains Andrei Symanovich, chief expert of the department for the study of human odor traces of the Central Office of the State Committee for Social Examination. “But these odors decompose due to microorganisms that destroy odor traces. Sometimes socks are sent as samples. It is considered more correct to collect the smell from the cuffs of sleeves and collars. Foreign odors, such as perfume, do not bother dogs.

Porous things retain smell best: for example, wood, fabric. Blood is the purest carrier of smell; it can retain it for years.

10 chips with different smells are placed in a circle in front of the dogs.

Photo: Svyatoslav ZORKY

After the laboratory receives a new sample, the dogs come into action. 10 chips with different smells are placed in a circle in front of them. At the start, the shepherd dog is given a sample to sniff, then it looks for exactly the same smell among 10 options. The examination is carried out by two specialists: one places the samples randomly in a row, and the second works with the dog.

— Anyone who works with a dog cannot know which jar contains the desired scent. Because the dog feels it, determines it by heartbeat, breathing, and some subtle matters incomprehensible to us,” says Andrei Symanovich. “That’s why we have everything encrypted.” Suppose a person is suspected of stealing a car. At the start, we let the dog sniff a sample from the suspect’s blood sample, and in the row there is a sample from the same stolen car.

At the start, the shepherd dog is given a sample to sniff...

Photo: Svyatoslav ZORKY

...Then she searches for the exact same smell among 10 options.

Photo: Svyatoslav ZORKY

We were shown how this happens. Today, a shepherd dog named Til is participating in the examination. Til sniffs each jar for about a minute, greedily inhales the air and moves away - no, that’s not it. The expert encourages the dog: “Okay, Tilechka, well done!” Meanwhile, the dog walks in a circle and stops exactly at the jar where the smell is identical to what the dog was given to smell at the start. To avoid mistakes, the dog must go through this row again - only the required can will be placed in a different place. A total of three dogs take part in the examination in turn. If everyone stops at the same samples, experts draw a categorical conclusion: this evidence clearly bears the scent of a suspect. But if dogs point to different patterns, the conclusion may be with a certain percentage of probability. The accuracy of the examination is equal to the accuracy of DNA.

Choleric dogs are not suitable for working with odors.

Only shepherd dogs are accepted for service because they are easier to train. In addition, experts pay attention to the psychological qualities of the dog.

— The puppy must not be cowardly; choleric people are not suitable for this service. We need phlegmatic and self-confident people. It happens that you raise your voice and the dog cowers and is afraid,” says Andrei Symanovich.

When we approach the wooden enclosures where the dogs live, they become animated; the most curious one jumps up along the same trajectory to see the guests.

“This is Vesta - she is not only a jumper, but also an excellent dancer,” the experts introduce the shepherd. “They are not at all vicious and don’t bite.” And this is Dunya. She caresses and licks all the time - we call her “catdog,” the expert smiles. “But it works very well: with age, dogs become as accurate as a clock.” Young people sometimes want to cheat, to take a walk.

Dogs enter the department as 2-3 month old puppies and remain for life.

Photo: Svyatoslav ZORKY

Most of the dogs that work here are female. They are more obedient and efficient. By the way, sterilized dogs are not suitable for work: such animals have no interest in work, “fire in their eyes,” as experts say.

The department employs five experts, each caring for two dogs. But work does not allow me to constantly be near dogs and play with them. Therefore, sometimes shepherd dogs develop behavioral disorders due to so-called sensory hunger.

— Sensory hunger occurs because the dog lacks emotions, plus monotonous work. How does the disorder manifest? Let's say you lock a dog in an enclosure - it starts spinning on one leg. “He smashes his tail against the wall until he bleeds,” the expert sighs.

Dogs come here as 2-3 month old puppies and stay for life.

- Usually dogs that are in service work for up to eight years - after that they need to be written off. But since our work is not associated with any obstacles or great physical activity, they live with us until the end of their days,” Andrei Symanovich strokes Vesta.

Choleric dogs are not suitable for working with odors.

Photo: Svyatoslav ZORKY

Sometimes a smell test may be the only evidence in court.

There was a case when, thanks to a scent test, the killer was found four years later using a hat that he left at the crime scene. All this time, valuable evidence, rolled up in a jar, was waiting in the wings.

Dogs help identify about a hundred criminals a year.

How to eliminate unpleasant odors using natural products?

The sun and wind can't always cope. In such cases, heavy artillery enters the battle.

• Mix a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with a glass of water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and spray onto the fabric of your clothing. Lemon effectively absorbs unpleasant odors.
• The same effect is provided by table vinegar, which also has antibacterial properties. Dissolve half a tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water and spray all over the material.
• You can also try a solution of water and vodka (again, alcohol has bactericidal properties).

If you're afraid that you'll smell like lemons, vinegar, or worse, vodka, then calm down. Hang clothes in the yard or near an open window for 20-30 minutes. This time will be enough for all odors to disappear.

Be careful: citric acid, vinegar and ethanol can have a negative effect on fabric, so test the product on a small, out-of-sight area of ​​clothing first.

Re-washing items

Repeated washing using scent-absorbing products will help remove musty smells from clothes.

Secrets to proper re-washing:

1. 
   Before washing again, items are soaked for three to four hours in a borax solution (40 grams of powder is enough for 1.5 liters of water).

2. Machine washing is carried out with the addition of baking soda (poured together with the main detergent into the powder receptacle of the washing machine), as well as fabric softener. A prerequisite for re-washing is the selection of the re-rinse mode.
3. Hand washing is done by adding vinegar (1 tbsp). Rinse things in water with added conditioner.

After washing, clothes are hung out to dry in a well-ventilated place.

Should you use store-bought air fresheners?

Of course, you can buy special air fresheners in the supermarket that are designed to absorb unpleasant odors. Sometimes such remedies are a real salvation. But remember that most often air fresheners have their own scent, and therefore can interrupt the aroma of your perfume. In addition, some substances present in the product cause allergic reactions upon contact with the skin.

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Ammonia

Before using this product to remove unpleasant odors, you should make sure that the room in which you will wash unpleasant-smelling items is well ventilated. The fact is that the toxic smell of ammonia is dangerous to the lungs. You will need to wash the items in the machine twice - the first time with ammonia, the second time with gel or powder.

Never use ammonia at the same time as bleaching agents. If you inhale this product and feel dizzy, be sure to call an ambulance!

Some useful tips

The occurrence of unpleasant odors can be prevented. Here are some effective tips.

• Those outfits that you have already worn cannot be put in one pile in the closet. It’s better to hang them up - this way there’s a better chance that the air will do its job and the aromas will disappear.
• Give preference to products made from natural fabrics, such as wool, cotton, silk. In such clothes, the body sweats less, and the material itself does not absorb sweat and odors.
• Always keep scented packets, dried lemon or a few sprigs of lavender in your cupboard.
• If you travel, always leave small scent sachets between your clothes.

All of the methods described above are effective, but this does not mean that your clothes will never need to be washed. These are only emergency measures.

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Prevention measures

To ensure that your clothes always smell nice, follow a number of rules:

• Buy things made from natural fabrics. Linen and cotton items absorb odors more slowly than clothes made from synthetic fabrics.
• Under a jumper, sweatshirt, jacket, wear a T-shirt or shirt made of thin natural material. This item is easier to wash.
• Use deodorants and antiperspirants before going outside.
• If you sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis), use special liners to protect the axillary area of ​​your clothing from drops of sweat.
• Iron washed items through gauze soaked in vinegar. This will help destroy all bacteria, and the products will become fresh.

Special anti-damp products

If you can’t remove the smell of dampness and mold yourself, buy ready-made antiseptics:

• Dali is a universal antiseptic used for any surface (wood, brick, concrete, painted or varnished surface, drywall, ceramics). Effective against various types of fungus, mold, moss.
• Alpa fungicide is used indoors and outdoors. It is recommended to remove the top layer of loose surfaces before use. The product does not affect glossy paint or varnish.
• Stop mold Olimp. An antiseptic without chlorine and toxins is made for use in bathrooms, basements, greenhouses, garages, and damp apartments.
• Biotol spray will help get rid of fungus and mold on the balcony, kitchen, and bathroom. Can be used for fencing in a private house, monuments.
• Mavix-BIO is a complex product that effectively uses a water repellent. Mold and odor should be removed in two stages: first, treat the wall with impregnation, then with an antiseptic.

Review of professional products

Chemicals can help eliminate the strong musty smell on clothes.

Methods for eliminating dampness with chemicals:

1. Use scented wipes to eliminate unpleasant odors. This method will remove the unpleasant odor for a while.
2. Clothes will stop smelling when you spray them with Listerine mouthwash. You can use “Tide”, “OxiClean”.
3. Perfume will help eliminate the stench. Take out clothes and spray. Repeat the procedure once a month.
4. Effective product Starbrite MDG Mildew Odor Control Bags. It should be placed in a mold removal cabinet. After use, ventilate the room.
5. Aromatic herbal water will help perfectly eliminate the smell of dampness. Add it to the conditioner compartment before washing.

Use compounds containing chlorine carefully. Follow the instructions for use carefully.

Causes

Before starting a heroic battle against this phenomenon, it is necessary to study the possible causes of dampness:

Flooding of the apartment by neighbors above or roof leakage if the property is on the top floor. Often water accumulates on a suspended ceiling and cannot be visually detected, so many people do not take this factor into account. If the problem is obvious, you will have to make repairs or dry out the flooded room for several days. Accommodation on the first floor. The situation is typical for owners of Khrushchev apartments: if a leak occurs in the basement, condensation accumulates there and settles on the walls, and subsequently a bad aroma penetrates into the apartment through cracks in the floor. Only major repairs and waterproofing of the floor will help. Insufficient insulation of the intra-apartment water supply system. Condensation forms on the pipes, which contributes to the formation of plaque. To avoid this, you need to carefully insulate everything, removing the dew point inside the insulation. Poor ventilation. During the process of life, steam accumulates in the kitchen, and if there is insufficient ventilation, mold forms, and along with it, it begins to smell musty. Passion for floriculture. If people water flowers, but forget to ventilate the room, after a while, due to the moist soil, the house or apartment will begin to smell extremely unpleasant. The smell of shoes will not add comfort to your home. Usually, the problem manifests itself in rainy times, when shoes or boots get wet, or if the owner’s feet sweat intensely

We recommend drying your shoes thoroughly and using special sprays. If the bathroom smells like unwashed laundry, pay attention to the towels and walls (especially in the corners), apparently a lot of moisture accumulates on them. Liquid, even in microscopic quantities, provokes the active development of microorganisms

This often ends with the appearance of dark moldy spots. Before removing mold, we recommend that you clean up the room and carefully study the article provided in the link.

What remedy will help?

If you encounter an unpleasant odor when purchasing Chinese items, you need to find out how to remove it. After all, placing a bag or shoes in the fresh air, even for a long period, cannot always solve the problem.

First, you need to determine what exactly emits the disgusting aroma. After all, it’s rare that the whole thing smells fragrant. The insole or rubber sole of your shoes may stink. Often bags stink either from the inside or everywhere. In children's toys, all parts made of this material can emit a plastic aroma. Also, rubber inserts almost always stink.

Based on what exactly emits an unpleasant aroma, you can select the most effective product. After all, a wide variety of means can eliminate a strong aroma. This can cause irreparable damage to the product itself. Some cleaning products, when used incorrectly, can not only remove stench, but also seriously damage fabric or leather. After improper processing, you will have to say goodbye to such things (even if the smell goes away), since holes and colored spots may appear on them.

Therefore, it is important to know how to remove the smell without damaging the item. Let's look at the most popular means for eliminating unpleasant aroma.

Peroxide or potassium permanganate

Quite often, potassium peroxide or peroxide is used to remove the Chinese smell from a purchased item. To remove amber, peroxide/potassium permanganate solution is applied to a cotton pad. After this, the surface of the product is wiped, which emits a stench. The surface must be wiped thoroughly. If necessary, the procedure is performed several times. But only if the aroma has become less noticeable. This fact proves the effectiveness of the product used.

It is allowed to alternately treat things with potassium permanganate and peroxide.

Alcohol

Many people fight unpleasant odors with alcohol. This method is only suitable for products made of rubber or plastic. Shoes, children's toys, etc. are wiped with alcohol. But a handbag treated with alcohol will already smell like it. Women are unlikely to like this development of events.

To eliminate the unpleasant odor, apply alcohol to a cotton pad. Then the problem areas of the purchased product are wiped with a damp disc. To completely eliminate the stench, you need to wipe things down for several weeks.

Deodorants

A special deodorant that can be purchased at the store removes odor perfectly. If finding such a product is problematic, then you can use long-lasting perfume instead of deodorant. Bags and clothes can be treated this way.

Activated carbon

Another product that can help get rid of unpleasant odors is activated carbon. The product can only be used if it can be placed in the product for some time (preferably a couple of days). Therefore, charcoal is useful in the presence of stench emanating from bags, shoes and certain types of children's toys.

Soda and flour

To eliminate an unpleasant odor, you can use seemingly unusual means. For example, you can get rid of stench using flour and soda. Such products are used to give shoes a normal smell. To do this, soda is mixed with flour and poured inside a small bag, which is placed in the shoes for a while. After eliminating the stench, the product must be cleaned of any remaining flour.

Fabric softener or soap

Fabric items (bags, clothes) are washed in conditioner or soap. After this they acquire a pleasant aroma. The same products can be used to wipe down toys and shoes. After using conditioner and soap, things should be rinsed well and dried in fresh air.

Vinegar

A universal remedy for eliminating unpleasant odors is vinegar. Here a solution is prepared or a cotton pad is simply soaked in vinegar, after which the smelly thing is treated. Vinegar should be used outdoors.