Melton Keeping linen closets moisture free can be a real challenge – but the solution is easier than you may think.
Sometimes there’s nothing better than hopping into bed with clean, crisp sheets that have the subtle scent of washing detergent.
No matter how fastidious you are when it comes to organisation and cleaning around the home, however, keeping that fresh-from-the-line scent and feel to sheets and towels stored in the linen closet can be a challenge.
Keeping the linen closet odour-free can be a challenge.
Musty odours are usually due to moisture, humidity and mould.
Professionals Ryder Real Estate spoke to two designers – Kate Connors from Kate Connors Interiors and Justine Wilson from Vault Interiors – to get their tips on how to store linen without it going musty.
- Think about location
Kate says where you place a linen closet is crucial. “I advise against putting these in dark or damp corners,” she explains.
“And most definitely not in wet rooms, where humidity can be high. Under stairs, in hallways and in bedrooms is best. If I’m designing or redesigning a space, it will go outside the bathroom so the bathroom wall can step in to allow for a linen press in the hallway.”
“This is a linen press I recently worked on for a client; we created a floor-to-ceiling closet off the bathroom with push-to-open doors in indigo blue,” says Kate Connors.
- Time to reset
Every now and then linen closets need a good once over. To start, remove all linen from the cupboard.
“Next”, Justine says, “mix equal parts vinegar, which is antibacterial, and water. Add five to six drops of dish soap. Wash the shelves down and remove any dirt or dust, dry with paper towel or a rag. Leave the doors open for at least a few hours to ensure they’re completely dry.”
- Clean & dry
Once linens are washed and dried, it’s time to put everything away. Before placing linens back in the cupboard, take extra care to make sure everything is completely dry. Just a small amount of moisture can cause that musty smell.
Be sure to not overload shelves, either. Justine advises, “For linen to stay fresh it needs air to circulate around it. If your closet is jam packed, items will quickly smell stale.”
- Just add scent
To maintain a fresh smell in a linen closet Justine advises, “Leave a box of soap, scented candle or handkerchief sprayed with essential oil on each shelf. If you prefer unscented, a slightly open box of bi-carb of soda will also do the trick.”
- Ventilation is key
As well as being sure to keep the door of your linen closet open from time to time to allow ventilation and reduce any humidity, Kate says the type of doors are also important.
“When it comes to linen closets, airflow is very important so I suggest looking at louvered doors to allow for ventilation.”
