Your winter clothes will be ‘instantly’ freshened up with 50p hack

As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, wardrobes across the UK are being emptied of their summer staples and filled with thick jumpers, wool coats, scarves, and cosy socks. But for many, the excitement of reuniting with favourite winter pieces is spoiled by a familiar culprit: that musty, stale smell that clings to garments after months in storage.

Whether tucked away in lofts, under beds, or at the back of wardrobes, winter clothes can absorb moisture and trapped odours over time, leaving fabrics far from fresh. While many rush to buy costly fabric sprays or detergents, a simple, inexpensive solution may already be sitting in your kitchen cupboard, according to fashion expert Roza Francken from brand Aurélien.

“When you pull out your jumpers and coats after months of storage, it’s completely normal to notice a stale or musty smell,” Francken said.

“Fabrics absorb moisture and odours over time, especially if they’ve been packed tightly. But you don’t need to panic or spend a fortune. A couple of simple ingredients can completely revive them.”

Francken recommends baking soda and white vinegar as natural, affordable, and highly effective remedies. Baking soda works by balancing pH levels and drawing out moisture, neutralising musty smells and even helping to eliminate mould spores.

For garments that have been particularly neglected, Francken suggests soaking them in a basin of water mixed with baking soda for 30 minutes before washing.

Alternatively, adding half to a full cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine with your usual detergent costs just around 50p per load and works even at low temperatures.

For heavier items like wool coats and scarves, white vinegar is the go-to solution. It breaks down bacteria and stubborn odours rather than masking them.

Francken advises presoaking garments in warm water with a cup of vinegar for several hours, or simply adding half a cup to the washing machine’s fabric softener drawer for a quicker fix.

She reassures that clothes won’t smell like vinegar once dry, they’ll come out crisp and fresh.

Air-drying outdoors is another key tip. Sunlight and fresh air are natural deodorisers, helping remove lingering odours after washing.

Francken also said that ensuring garments are completely clean and dry before storage, and placing a small jar of baking soda or sachet of lavender in storage boxes, can keep clothes fresh year-round.

“Many people overwash their garments trying to get rid of odours, which wears out fabrics,” Francken added. “These natural methods are gentler, eco-friendly, affordable, and keep your clothes looking newer for longer.”