Moldy clothes smell

We use these to store stuff down south for six months over the summer.

Clicky

Make sure everything is dry prior to storing.

We stored ALL our clothes upstairs in our closet. Perhaps you have too many clothes to do this? :) Time for a Goodwill run!

I see your profile has Gulf Shores, AL. If you're staying a lot in the southern states then that's your problem. Your basement will get humid. I'd really move them upstairs if I were you.

temperature changes and condensation will make clothes smell that way. We store all our clothes inside the RV. If it won't fit inside, we get rid of it. Vacuum bags or plastic bins that seal tightly are the best bet for storage in bays.

Washing with color safe bleach will get rid of the mildew odor.

I agree that the odor comes from dampness. Which might be from condensation inside the bags. You may have better results from bags that can 'breathe' meaning not plastic. If your basement is dry :).

And of course, do your packing on a dry day, in a dry climate, and when clothes are not the slightest bit warm from the dryer. Otherwise you are just packing moisture!

We've traveled for 9 years, fulltime, never, ever had a problem with things stored in the basement. Moldy = moisture in the bays = water leaks. First should be to figure out how you're getting moisture built up in the bays. Since we are into a bay every day or two, there is always fresh air moving around. I store out-of-season clothes in vacumn bags and then place into a long plastic tub on rollers so it is easy to move around. Might it be that you are smelling adhesives that off gas from the luggage? We also don't carry that much in the way of 'off season' clothes - - we follow the 75° mark and add/take off as appropriate so we really wear the same clothes year round. Especially this winter - maybe 3 weeks total without shorts on.

Barb

Here is another natural one that works good too.
Albiet marketed for dog odors it is amazing how well it works for the RV and people stuff!
And as a full timer, you can pick it up locally while traveling.


http://www.petco.com/product/110109/Earth-Care-Odor-Removing-Bag.aspx

Is there no way you can put that suitcase 'inside' your RV?
I would also worry about bugs as you travel.

That said. Putting dryer sheets directly on your clothes just masks the smell of the mold and it will irritate the skin of who wears the clothes whether they have allergies or not. You need something that 'eliminates' mold that is non-toxic to your clothes.

Here is what I use in and around my MH and in all my clothes drawers and closets. It works AND is all natural NON-Toxic

I'd buy the 200g size bags for the suitcase. The bigger the bag you can fit in your suitcase the better. Don' waste your money on the little bags.

""The Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag is the easiest way to maintain a fresh, dry and odor free environment. Without using batteries or wires, the Moso Bag will work continuously to remove odors, allergens and harmful pollutants from the air. In damp, musty environments the Moso Bag will absorb excess moisture to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from forming.

The Moso Bag is a safe alternative to air fresheners that are filled with formaldehyde, petroleum and fragrance, which can be carcinogenic and lead to numerous health problems. The Moso Bag is filled with non toxic, chemical free and fragrance free moso bamboo charcoal that allows your family and pets to breathe safely.""

http://www.mosonatural.com/

Moldy smell often is an indication of high humidity or water.

Could you not place a few desiccant containers such as Damp Rid in the basement area?

Link Here: Damp Rid

Thanks everyone for the tips. I too would like the brand of the bags people use.

I also heard using dryer softener scented sheets. I'd rather use non-scented but wonder if they work. I'm thinking of the absorbing they do vs the scent they give out. Has anyone tried it?

TiredMom57 wrote:
What are the best bags to use? It seems people who've used Ziploc brand aren't pleased in that they inflate after a few weeks.

I agree. I bought 2 boxes of Ziploc brand and half of the bags wouldn't even deflate. I'm interested in which brand, too.

OPer: I can't help you....I use minimum of clothes and have them all in our closet. You have a good idea though! I'll be watching this to see what answers.