Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Stinky drawers

17 replies

TallulahHula · 01/02/2022 18:57

I've noticed that when I leave clothing in my chest of drawers for any length of time it gets a really musty, unpleasant smell when I go to put them on. It's very pungent and noticeable, like a damp smell but nothing is damp. It's ok if I wear them within a few days of washing but if they are left in the drawers for much longer they stink.

Does anyone know of any products that can keep the drawers and the things in them smelling fresh?

OP posts:
userxx · 01/02/2022 19:01

I'd use lenor tumble dryer sheets or unstoppables in a little net bag, you can buy them off eBay. I'd be cleaning the drawers out first to make sure it's not those smelling.

LaurieSchafferIsAllBitterNow · 01/02/2022 19:05

do you know the history of the drawers? Second hand stuff often has a weird smell

Sunshine fresh air and vinegar spray worked for a odd smell in a little cupboard I picked up

Original poster
TallulahHula · 01/02/2022 19:08

They aren't old drawers and I've noticed it in a few separate units so I'm worried it's something I've been doing! I always make sure clothes are properly dry before putting them away too. It's really odd.

OP posts:
userxx · 01/02/2022 19:14

Are the clothes line dried ?

Original poster
TallulahHula · 01/02/2022 19:38

During winter I have to dry on radiators but they honestly don't have that musty damp smell when they go in the drawers or for a few days after. It's just if they are in there long.

OP posts:
Zandra123 · 01/02/2022 19:43

I have that with a big pine drawer at the bottom of my wardrobe. I used to keep my duvet covers in there but they'd come out smelling as you describe, despite tumble drying and ironing. I tried spraying the drawer and leaving it empty a while and lining with a roll of wrapping paper, but nothing works.

I hope someone replies who knows how to tackle this problem too.

blitzen · 01/02/2022 19:47

I've lived in two bungalows and this had happened to me in both and with a divan bed. Are you in a bungalow or are your drawers on the ground floor? Drawers on legs are a bit better as air can circulate. A bit extreme/expensive but I had envirovent installed and that helped enormously as the air circulated better. Good luck x

Fifilafrog · 01/02/2022 19:57

Have you checked the wall behind the drawers of damp or mould?

Roadtripconcept · 01/02/2022 20:07

I have a wardrobe that has drawers below . I had the same problem with clothes in one drawer . I had put a flat pack box behind the wardrobe which was blocking the air circulation. I can't remember what I cleaned the drawer with but I know that it was left to really thoroughly dry before it was used again .
I also put those little plastic humidifiers in my drawers ( the kind that you can stand in the window and that people use in caravans etc) . It's amazing how much water they collect . I also use hanging humidifiers in my wardrobe .

Notcontent · 01/02/2022 21:29

Are you sure your clothes are completely dry when you put them away?

deeplyrooted · 03/02/2022 18:05

Another vote for humidifier sachets. That will let you know quite quickly if it’s a damp issue (you might be surprised). Also don’t over stuff drawers.

ClaudiusTheGod · 03/02/2022 20:54

You mean dehumidifiers??

HappyAsASandboy · 03/02/2022 21:03

As well as looking into whether the smell is coming from the drawers, I would also look at whether you're actually getting your clothes properly clean before you put them away. If you're not already, switch to a bio powder (not liquid/tabs, no fabric softener), wash at 40° on a 2hr ish cycle, and make sure the clothes are properly dry before you put them away.

Fabric softener might make your washing smell fragranced, but it also masks dirty smells, so leave it out until you know your clothes are properly clean.

Also, make sure you check the dosage of the powder on the box. Lots of people chuck in a small scoop on a short cycle at 30°, but those are often the same people who find washing goes musty if it's left for a while in the machine - clean clothes won't smell musty even if they're left in the machine for 24 hours or more!

Roadtripconcept · 03/02/2022 21:12

@ClaudiusTheGod

You mean dehumidifiers??
Yes ! Sorry , I just realised read my post and saw that I'd put humidifier as well www.poundstretcher.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=Dehumidifier+ These sort of things .
deeplyrooted · 04/02/2022 21:42

Definitely dehumidifier sachets Smile

Redsquirrel5 · 04/02/2022 22:43

I have old pine drawers. I put scented liners in. They are often in the sales so I buy them then. I have Laura Ashley ones just now they are nice and thick.

picklemewalnuts · 07/02/2022 20:05

Line with wallpaper- sometimes it's the wood that causes the smell. I've an old dresser that leaves clothes smelling of wee, if not lined.

You mustn't stuff them, either. There needs to be space. If it's jammed the jumble sale smell starts,

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread