How to Remove Odors from Stored Quilts/Blankets

How to Remove Odors from Stored Blankets

As the weather gets colder, you may need to take out those winter blankets that have been stored all summer. However, no matter what you do, the odors on these blankets seem to be stubborn and difficult to remove, which can be quite frustrating for cleanliness-conscious individuals. So, how can you effectively get rid of the odors from your blankets?

Of course, the cleaning method should be chosen based on the material of the blanket.

NO.1 Down Blankets

Down duvets are the lightest type of duvets. If you have plenty of sunlight, you can take your down duvet out for a while, but avoid leaving it in the sun for too long. Hang it outside (or on a balcony) in a cool and well-ventilated area for 2-3 days, then gently pat it to eliminate the unpleasant odors.

You can also spray lemon water on the blanket and let it air dry in a cool place overnight to remove the odors.

NO.2 Cotton Blankets

Cotton blankets are the most common type of blankets. After sun exposure, fold the blankets and place several small bags of desiccants (you can collect them from food packaging, where small desiccant bags are often included for freshness), and then add a few bars of soap (you can choose your preferred fragrance) into the stack. After a few days, the blankets should no longer have any odors.

NO.3 Wool duvets

Wool duvets are the most skin-friendly type of duvets. Wool that has undergone carbonization, washing, and combing typically won’t have any odors, including the typical wool odor. However, over time, some strange odors may develop. You can evenly spray alcohol on the wool and lightly sprinkle a small amount of cornmeal onto the wool, gently tap or brush it lightly with a soft-bristle brush for 1-2 times. Be sure to handle it gently.

Once the wool is dry, shake off the excess cornmeal, then tightly roll up the wool blanket and add some camphor balls for sealing it for a period (about two months). The odor on the wool should dissipate with the evaporation of alcohol and camphor.

NO.4 Fiber Blankets

Fiber blankets are the most economical type of blankets. They do not require special care, but it is recommended to expose them to the sun regularly to achieve the effects of antibacterial and dehumidification. You can wash them with water, either by hand or machine, using a neutral detergent or soap powder, and choose the gentle cycle and spin in the washing machine.

NO.5 Silk Quilts

Airing out silk Quilts in a well-ventilated area is a very effective method. Generally, opening the windows and letting the air circulate for one to two weeks should be sufficient. However, exposing them to direct sunlight will work even better, as the temperature rise will accelerate the exchange of air inside the silk. In summer, you can expose them for up to two hours, but not for too long, as silk becomes brittle when exposed to ultraviolet light. Some people tend to air out silk Quilts every day, but after a year, they find that the silk Quilts loses its warmth and becomes thinner. This is the reason why.