Winter has started knocking and blankets have started coming out in many homes. But when you take out the quilt from the cupboard, a heavy, musty smell comes from it. Actually, this is actually the effect of moisture. The good thing is that if there are no mold stains on the quilt or blanket, in most cases the smell can be removed without washing with sunlight, air and some simple measures.
Why do blankets smell?
The main reason for blanket odor is moisture. Clothes kept in a closed cupboard or box for months keep absorbing moisture from the air, especially dampness due to rain. It is in this moisture that fungus and bacteria begin to grow, and the substances produced from them create that smell of a closed cupboard. Since thick cotton quilts and woolen blankets hold more moisture, this problem is most common in them.
Please check this before use
If you want to use a blanket or want to remove odor, check this first. First of all, open the quilt and look at it in good light. If black, green or white spots are visible and the cloth feels slightly wet when touched, then it would be best to wash it or get it dry cleaned.
sunlight is most effective
Quilt-blanket is considered to be the most effective method of exposing the sun. Sunlight dries the moisture and its ultraviolet rays reduce many germs present on the surface of the clothes. While drying the blanket in the sun, turn it after two-three hours, so that both sides get equal sunlight. Note that exposing a colored wool or silk blanket to bright sunlight for a long time may cause the color to fade. Expose them to sunlight by turning them upside down or by placing a thin cotton sheet over them.
What to do if there is no sunlight?
For people living in flats, exposing the blanket to sunlight can be a problem. Therefore, follow this method-
Spread the quilt over two chairs or a sofa, so that both sides are exposed to air.
Open the windows and turn on the fan. Leave it like this for the whole day and keep turning it occasionally.
Take help of baking soda
Baking soda is known to absorb odors. With its help the smell of blanket can also be removed. Sprinkle a thin layer of it on a light blanket or fleece blanket and leave it for three-four hours. Then take it outside and dust it thoroughly or clean it with a vacuum cleaner. Test a dark colored blanket in a corner first, so that there are no white marks left.
wash the cover, not the quilt
Some people put a lot of effort into washing quilts. Often the bulk of the odor is in the quilt’s pillowcase or cover. Remove the cover, wash it and expose the quilt to sunlight separately. Put the cover back on only after it dries completely.
avoid these mistakes
There are some small mistakes to avoid when removing blanket odors. For example-
Do not spray perfume or room freshener to suppress odor. This hides the smell, but does not go away.
Do not fold the hot quilt immediately after bringing it from the sun and stuff it in the cupboard. Let it cool in the room for some time.
Also clean the cupboard in which these were kept. Wipe with a dry cloth, keep the doors open for a few hours, otherwise the same smell will reappear.
FAQ
Does baking soda really remove odor from quilt?
Yes, baking soda naturally absorbs moisture and musty odors. Sprinkle it on the blanket and clean it with a vacuum cleaner after 3-4 hours.
What is the treatment for moldy blanket?
If black or green spots of fungus appear on a blanket or quilt, the safest option is to wash or dry clean it instead of airing it at home.
Why does the quilt smell as soon as it comes out of the cupboard?
Due to being kept closed in a box or cupboard, cotton or wool absorbs moisture, due to which microscopic fungi and bacteria grow and a damp smell starts appearing.
Is it safe to spray perfume on a quilt?
No, spraying perfume or freshener on the quilt suppresses the smell, but the moisture remains, which later creates more odor.