Musty Cupboards, Allergies and CFS

Wash baby clothes so they stay fresh and clean

Musty Odours

Time to wash all the clothes in my cupboard again!

I pulled a summer nightie out of the cupbaord last night and it had not been worn for six months. I am not the sort of fanatical housekeeper that washes all the clothes in my cupboard even though I do not wear them. They sit in my cupboard until the season is right and I am ready for them again. I am sure I am not the only person who does this.

However my breath is taken away when I take a stored item of clothing from the cupboard. Over the years I have had asthma attacks from this and become very ill from going through old boxes with musty odours. I recommend that people with allergies, asthma, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, CFIDS, ME and any other auto immune disease stay clear of anything musty.

If you have to sort through musty goods then use a mask to prevent inhaling airborne particles.

Things that go Musty

This includes clothing in a wardrobe, linen in a closet, musty books in boxes at home or in a Secondhand bookshop, or clothing in Op shops or anything stored in the back of your garage that has not been disturbed for a long time.  All these have old stored goods and can get this musty smell. If you have a basement or unused shed in the back yard be aware of these too.

Precautions for Change of Season 

When the season is changing it is a good time to take out all your clothing for the next season and give it a wash. Wash down the cupboard it is stored in then it will stay fresh for the next few months.

The same goes for the linen in your cupboard. Take out the stored sheets and wash them all, wash the cupboard and replace them.

I have had to do this for years, not because I am a fussy housekeeper, because, believe me I am not. I have had to do this for my health and for my family.

Occasionally I have forgotten to do this and needed a sheet for my bed or a nightgown that had not been washed for a few months. I have wondered how I would get through the night with this musty smell around me. So take precautions and care for your health and that of your loved ones.
Preparing for a new Baby
Young mothers often store clothing used by a previous child waiting for the next addition to the family. This can sometimes take a few years to happen. This clothing for a newborn needs extra care. A tiny baby cannot tell you that it feels unwell if you wrap it in a musty rug or lie it on musty sheets. Give these clothes and bedclothes and bunnyrugs extra care. Washing these clothes twice with a good airing on the outdoor clothes line in the sunshine for a couple of times makes extra sure the clothes are fresh for your new baby.

Often other young mums who feel they will not be extending their family give their used baby clothes to others. If you receive some of these gifts make sure this clothing and wrapping rugs are thoroughly cleaned too.

Have a great day and work towards being healthy.