How to use bicarbonate of soda in the wardrobe before travelling

Before going away, it is worth preparing your wardrobe so you do not return to clothes smelling stale. Even if everything is clean, a closed space left shut for days can retain moisture, have limited airflow and develop that musty odour that seems to cling to fabrics. A straightforward way to prevent this is to place an uncovered container of bicarbonate of soda inside the wardrobe before closing the doors.

Why does bicarbonate of soda help remove stale clothing smells?

Bicarbonate of soda is an inexpensive, everyday ingredient widely used to neutralise odours in small enclosed areas. In a wardrobe, it can reduce the stale smell that develops when clothing is left without ventilation for an extended period.

Unlike an air freshener, it does not add fragrance, which is precisely why it is suitable for clothes. Rather than combining perfume with an unpleasant smell, bicarbonate of soda helps make the space smell more neutral. If preferred, it can then be paired with dried lavender, a scented cotton sachet or a few drops of essential oil applied to a separate piece of fabric.

How should you place bicarbonate of soda in the wardrobe before travelling?

Use a shallow, sturdy, uncovered pot or container. Add between 120 ml and 240 ml of bicarbonate of soda, according to the size of the wardrobe. Around 120 ml is generally enough for a small wardrobe. For a larger wardrobe or one containing plenty of clothes, use two containers positioned in different areas.

Place the container on a lower shelf, in a wardrobe corner, away from the edge and without allowing it to touch the clothes directly. If there is a chance it could spill, put the bicarbonate of soda in a breathable fabric sachet or cover the pot with a piece of tulle secured with an elastic band.

How long does bicarbonate of soda remain effective?

For a short trip lasting only a few days, bicarbonate of soda can help prevent the wardrobe from becoming too stuffy. For longer absences, it may continue to work for several weeks, provided the container stays dry and is not exposed to direct moisture.

If the bicarbonate of soda starts to clump, darken or no longer looks loose, it has absorbed moisture and should be replaced. In wardrobes opened every day, it can be changed every one or two months. Before an extended trip, it is best to use fresh bicarbonate of soda.

How can you prevent a mouldy smell while you are away?

Bicarbonate of soda is useful, but it cannot solve the problem if the wardrobe is already damp or mouldy. Before leaving, open the doors for a few hours to allow air to circulate, and store only clothes that are completely dry. Slightly damp garments are among the most common reasons for unpleasant smells after days in a closed wardrobe.

Avoid packing the wardrobe too tightly as well. When it is overcrowded, there is less air circulation and stale odours develop more quickly. Where possible, leave a small gap between hangers and avoid placing clothes directly against the back wall, particularly in more humid bedrooms.

What other steps keep clothes fresh when you return?

Alongside bicarbonate of soda, you can place sachets of dried lavender, cedar pieces or activated charcoal in strategic parts of the wardrobe. These items help keep the area more pleasant while you are away, especially in drawers, top storage compartments and seldom-used shelves.

The key to returning from a trip and finding clothes without a stale smell is to combine three simple measures: a clean wardrobe, thoroughly dry clothes and a well-positioned odour absorber. By putting a small container of bicarbonate of soda inside before closing the doors, the wardrobe will be fresher, less stuffy and far more pleasant when you arrive home.