Musty Comforters and Closets: How to Restore Freshness to Bedding
November 8, 2026 · La Vita Home Collection
You take the comforter out of the closet for the first cold of the fall and catch a smell your memory ties to basements and stale air. This odor usually comes from trapped moisture, and fortunately it can be removed in most cases.
First Step: Air
Before anything else, hang the comforter for a few hours in open air and shade. Moving air removes much of the smell. Light fabrics and cotton can also spend a short time in gentle sun, but shade is safer for dark colors and velvet.
Baking Soda
On a comforter you can't wash, sprinkle a little baking soda and leave it for a few hours. Then remove it with a vacuum and soft brush. Baking soda absorbs odors. On dark velvet, proceed with care and test a hidden corner first.
White Vinegar in the Rinse
For washable pieces, a little white vinegar in the rinse can reduce odor. Don't pour vinegar directly onto colored fabric, and never mix it with bleach; that combination is dangerous.
Drying Completely
Most musty smells come from a comforter that appears dry outside but is still damp inside. Leave thick comforters in the air a few hours longer than you think necessary and change their direction several times.
Why Does It Smell in the Closet?
- Plastic bags keep fabric from breathing.
- Fabric goes into the closet with slight moisture.
- The closet backs onto a cold, damp outer wall.
- Perfumes and mothballs combine into a harsh smell.
Storing Without Odor
Prefer cotton cloth bags to plastic. A small bag of coffee, fennel or cedar gives a gentle scent. Open the closet door for a few hours every few months. Never leave a comforter on the floor or on a damp closet base.
When Is It Too Late?
If mold has left black or green spots, or the inner layer has gotten wet, it's best to take it to a dry-cleaning specialist. Mold is more than a smell, and keeping an affected piece beside others isn't wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an air-freshening spray get rid of the smell?
Usually it just covers it. Remove the moisture first and then think about a nice scent.
Can a comforter be stored in a suitcase?
A closed suitcase can trap air. If there's no choice, use a cloth bag and air it a few times a year.
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