When even clean sheets are left in a closed closet for a long period
of time, they eventually develop a characteristic unpleasant odor.
What is the cause/source of that odor? Thanks.

---

Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 12 Aug 2006 12:17 PDT

It would be helpful if you could describe the odor for us. Are you
speaking of an earthy or musty odor?

---

Clarification of Question by philroy-ga on 12 Aug 2006 14:28 PDT

It's kind of stale and dusty smelling. I think it's what most people
would call "musty", though I'm not 100% certain of exactly what odor
"musty" is.

Washing the sheets with cold water didn't get much of this smell out.
I just washed them again using hot water, and that got most but not
all of the smell out. I've gotten (a lesser degree of) the same smell
from clothes that have been hanging in a closet for too long. (The
closet isn't damp and doesn't have anything particularly weird or
malodorous in it!)

---

Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 12 Aug 2006 14:31 PDT

Does your closet have a ventilation source so that fresh air
circulates through it when the door is closed? Most closets don't.

---

Clarification of Question by philroy-ga on 12 Aug 2006 15:52 PDT

No ventilation.

---

Clarification of Question by philroy-ga on 17 Aug 2006 10:56 PDT

pinkfreud-ga,

Thanks for your comments in the Comments section. Maybe a slight
mold/fungal issue can occur even with a closet with normal humidity
(or sheets that weren't quite 100% dry when put away). So you've
provided a explanation that's plausible and is satisfactory to me.
Feel free to make your answer "official" to receive the $$!

crabcakes-ga,

I do have a more sensitive nose than most people, and like you, I've
also sometimes noticed that "dusty" odor (when more mild) when others
haven't!

Thank you for accepting my suggestions as your official answer. I've
reposted the material below, with some extras.

Musty odors in closets are almost always caused by mold or other
fungal growth. Even if the closet does not seem damp, if it has no
ventilation source and is kept closed off so that the air does not
move, there can be a mold problem.

I used to have a musty closet. The problem was solved with the use of
a closet dehumidifier that contained silica gel. In about two weeks'
time, the clothes and sheets in the closet no longer had that faint
musty, earthy odor.

Here's an article on dehumidifying closets:

i-dehumidifiers.com: Closet Dehumidifiers
http://www.i-dehumidifiers.com/Closet_Dehumidifiers.html

Some closet dehumidifying products that are for sale online:

Froogie: closet dehumidifier
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl=en&q=closet%20dehumidifier

A friend of mine had musty-smelling sheets and towels, and she solved
the problem by using the Gonzo Odor Eliminator in her closet:

"The Gonzo Odor Eliminators are volcanic crystals that will rid your
home, car or basement of unpleasant odors... The Gonzo Odor
Eliminators are all natural, odorless, non-toxic volcanic crystals
with millions of surfaces and channels containing a negative charge.
The Odor Eliminators act like a magnet does with metal; they attract
and hold all odors to keep the air clean and smelling fresh. This is a
great item to keep in your kitchen, basement, closet, car, or any
other area where odors may linger."

The Gonzo Corp: Odor Eliminators 
http://www.gonzocorp.com/odor.htm

This is the product that worked for me:

"DampRidŽ Odor & Moisture Absorber eliminates musty odors caused by
stagnant air and creates fresher, healthier air. Designed to absorb
excess moisture in areas where electrical dehumidifiers are
inconvenient, this freshener non-toxic, septic safe, non-electric,
scented and environment friendly. Each 14 ounce box consists of 1
large hanging packet of white pellets designed to maintain the
humidity to a safe level. Each box will last approximately 60 days.
The freshener beads turn yellow when it is time to replace the packet.
Convenient hanger type hook on the pack ensures that it does not
occupy extra space and almost blends with your clothes line. Protect
your favorite plants, clothes from damage due to moisture. Use it in
closets, cabinets, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements etc."

Amazon: Damp-Rid Closet Freshener
http://www.amazon.com/Damp-Rid-Closet-Freshener/dp/B00012FFAW

I have had no experience with electric devices for deodorizing
purposes, but there are several ionic air purifiers on the market
which are designed for use in closets. Here are two such products:

"NexxTech Ionic Closet Freshener...
Freshens your closet: Ionic technology pulls pollen, bacteria and
odor-causing materials from the air, leaving your wardrobe smelling
fresh and clean. Two power settings give you the freshening power you
need. Add aromatic oils (sold separately) to circulate an even more
inviting scent.

Easy to place: Mount the freshener on the wall or simply hang it
alongside clothing.

Smart design: This smart device runs only intermittently to save
power, using six C batteries or a 9volt DC adapter (both sold
separately)."

Circuit City: NexxTech Ionic Closet Freshener
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/NexxTech-Ionic-Closet-Freshener-631-4001-/sem/rpsm/oid/100488/catOid/-13212/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

"Banish musty closet odors and keep your clothing fresh and
clean-smelling with the WindChaser IMC-1 ionic closet air purifier.
This compact unit easily stands on closet floors or shelves without
cluttering your space, but it can also be mounted on walls in your
closet or laundry room. Its advanced ionization technology eliminates
airborne particles, mold, and musty or smoky odors, keeping your
fabrics laundry-fresh! With no messy filters to clean or replace, the
IMC-1 requires almost no maintenance. Simply clean off the metal
collection plate, and reuse it."

Air & Water, Inc.: WindChaser Ionic Closet Air Purifier IMC-1
http://www.air-n-water.com/product/W-IMC1.html

My Google search strategy:

Google Web Search: closet odors
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=closet+odors

Google Web Search: closet desiccant
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=closet+desiccant

I hope this is helpful! If anything is unclear or incomplete, or if a
link doesn't function, please request clarification; I'll be glad to
offer further assistance before you rate my answer.

Best regards,
pinkfreud

Musty odors in closets are almost always caused by mold or other
fungal growth. Even if the closet does not seem damp, if it has no
ventilation source and is kept closed off so that the air does not
move, there can be a mold problem.

I used to have a musty closet. The problem was solved with the use of
a closet dehumidifier that contained silica gel. In about two weeks'
time, the clothes and sheets in the closet no longer had that faint
musty, earthy odor.

Here's an article on dehumidifying closets:

http://www.i-dehumidifiers.com/Closet_Dehumidifiers.html

Some closet dehumidifying products that are for sale online:

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl=en&q=closet%20dehumidifier

I'm not posting this as an official answer, since there is no way to
be certain that this will resolve your specific problem.

I know exactly the odor you are asking about. It happens no matter
where I live, or what type of closet in which the linens are stored.
Sometimes I think only people with very sensitive noses can detect it.
No one in my family can detect it, except for me! It really is not a
musty or moldy odor... sort of a dusty odor. Its very dry where I
live, and we have no mold or mildew, ever!

I have always just accepted it as a "stored linen odor" and rewash them.