As winter arrives, quilts, blankets, and woollen clothes are brought out of storage, but prolonged packing often leaves them with unpleasant odours. Mustiness, dampness, and trapped smells can make bedding feel unclean and uncomfortable to use. While many people turn to professional dry cleaning, this can be costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are several simple, natural methods to refresh winter bedding effectively. Using sunlight, aromatic oils, baking soda, white vinegar, and camphor, you can remove odours safely and economically. These techniques not only restore freshness but also protect your fabrics and keep your home smelling clean and inviting.
Remove musty smells from blankets and quilts using simple remedies
Use sunlight to refresh quilts and blankets
Exposing quilts and blankets to direct sunlight is one of the easiest and most effective ways to remove odours. The sun’s warmth helps eliminate moisture and neutralises the musty smell that develops during storage. Lay your bedding flat in a sunny spot or hang it outdoors, and turn it every few hours to ensure all areas are exposed. Sunlight not only removes odours but also helps kill bacteria and mildew that may have accumulated, leaving your fabrics feeling fresh and clean.
Use camphor for stubborn smells
Camphor is a natural deodoriser that works particularly well when sunlight is unavailable or the odour is strong. Place a few camphor pieces inside a clean cotton cover and wrap your quilt or blanket over it. Camphor absorbs unpleasant smells from fabrics and releases a mild fragrance. Within a few hours, your bedding will smell fresh and be ready for use. This method is especially useful for woollen items, as it is gentle and does not damage the fibres.
Spray with white vinegar
White vinegar is another effective solution for neutralising odours. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and lightly mist your quilt or blanket, ensuring it is not soaked. Leave the fabric to dry in a well-ventilated area or in sunlight. The acidic nature of vinegar helps break down the molecules that cause odours. As it dries, the vinegar scent dissipates completely, taking the unpleasant smell with it and leaving your bedding refreshed and ready for use.
Sprinkle baking soda
Baking soda is well-known for its ability to absorb odours naturally. Sprinkle a generous layer evenly over the surface of your quilt or blanket and leave it in an open, ventilated space for a few hours. The powder draws out moisture and neutralises bad smells. Afterward, gently shake off or vacuum the baking soda. This method is non-toxic, safe for all types of fabrics, and particularly useful for thick quilts or heavily stored blankets.
Add aromatic oils for a pleasant fragrance
Essential oils can help enhance freshness while adding a gentle, natural scent. A few drops of lavender, clove, or peppermint oil can be lightly sprinkled over your quilts or blankets. Spread the oils evenly and allow the items to rest in a well-ventilated area. These oils not only mask unpleasant odours but also have antibacterial properties that further help maintain hygiene. Over time, this creates a subtle, inviting fragrance in your bedding.
Maintain regular airing to prevent smells
Preventing odours is easier than removing them. Airing quilts, blankets, and woollen clothes periodically, even before winter, helps prevent dampness and mildew formation. Simply hang items in a well-ventilated space or expose them to sunlight for a few hours. Regular airing reduces the likelihood of musty smells building up during storage, making your bedding ready for use without extensive cleaning.
Avoid damp storage conditions
Dampness is the main reason odours develop in stored fabrics. Always ensure that quilts, blankets, and woollen clothes are completely dry before packing them away. Use breathable storage bags or cotton covers rather than plastic containers, which trap humidity. Store bedding in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and bad smells. Keeping storage areas clean and moisture-free goes a long way in preserving the freshness of your fabrics.
Combine methods for best results
For stubborn odours or heavily stored items, combining these natural techniques can be highly effective. For example, expose the quilt to sunlight, then sprinkle baking soda or add a few drops of essential oil for an extra freshness boost. Using multiple methods ensures that odours are thoroughly neutralised, fabrics remain safe from damage, and your bedding is ready for comfortable use throughout the winter.By following these natural remedies, you can enjoy fresh, fragrant quilts, blankets, and woollen clothes without the need for costly dry cleaning. Sunlight, camphor, white vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and proper storage techniques work together to remove odours, prevent future smells, and maintain your winter bedding in excellent condition. These methods are safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective, allowing you to keep your home warm, clean, and inviting all season long.Also Read: 8 ways to keep slugs out of your home garden using natural solutions
About the Author
