Why does my clean linen very suddenly smell musty?!

[GrumpiestOldWoman]

My airing cupboard has always smelt 'neutral' I.e no discernible smell, and linen smells fairly neutral too (I don't use fabric conditioner).

Occasionally, in another part of the house, I've had things stored in chests of drawers develop a musty smell that only goes with washing. It's happened to things in modern (less than 10yo) IKEA drawers, and I'm certain they smelt normal when they went in. Only some items have been affected and a quick wash and they've been fine.

Last week I took a set of linen out of the previously normal airing cupboard and it smelled really musty. Now the whole cupboard contents smell musty.

I don't think it's a damp mouldy smell, more a strong must smell that catches the back of the throat.

What is happening? What is this smell?! Where has it come from seemingly overnight? How can I stop it coming back?

generally its either where you've left things in the washing machine for too long before taking them out and drying them, or where youve put something away slightly damp.

Don't know. But mine also have massive yellow stains..just dyed some sheets as a result

I really don't think it's a damp smell, DH used to inadequately dry bed linen when I first met him and this isn't that mouldy smell. This is more musky...

Did you try bleaching them cottonsock ?

I soak pillow protectors overnight in v mild bleach which helps with stains.

@grumpies i did try the bleach in the machine and no joy, so now sheets are bright yellow dylon.