Ready for summer: how to remove that musty smell from summer clothes and curtains

Summer is on its way! It’s time to dig out your light clothes and airy curtains again

But after months spent in the wardrobe or loft, a musty smell can develop that seems hard to get rid of. Don’t worry: with a few simple steps, you can ensure your summer wardrobe and home are fresh again and ready for the warm days ahead.

1. Fresh air and sunlight

That musty smell often comes from a lack of ventilation. Hang your clothes or curtains outside for a few hours on a dry day. Sunlight not only helps to eliminate odours but also kills bacteria.

2. Freshness with a garment or curtain steamer

A steamer is ideal for quickly eliminating musty odours. The hot steam penetrates the fibres and neutralises odours, whilst the fabrics are instantly left smooth and well-groomed. So you kill two birds with one stone: freshness and crease-free fabrics.

• For clothes, a Jiffy J-2000 is perfect for home use.
• For curtains, the Jiffy J-4000DM offers a quick, professional solution.

3. Use natural air fresheners

Fancy a bit more freshness? Lightly spray your items with a mixture of water and a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or eucalyptus) before steaming them. This gives off a delicate scent and has a relaxing effect.

4. Smart storage for next time

Prevention is better than cure. Store your summer clothes in breathable covers and use cotton bags filled with, for example, cedar wood or lavender to combat musty odours. For curtains, it can be helpful to roll them up clean and dry rather than folding them.