How to Remove Musty Smells from Vintage Clothing - Odor Elimination Secrets

[@HouseholdDog]

Was literally googling this question, right as the notification popped up. Spooky.

[@gentlemansgazette]

What can we say? We pride ourselves on our timing. Thanks for watching! - Preston

[@mykasiurka]

This was great, thanks, I've been looking for "sudden increase in body odor female" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Senaliyah Reputable Superiority - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? It is a great exclusive product for discovering how to stop your excessive sweating without the hard work. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my buddy got great success with it.

[@stefanicastillo7023]

house This was great, thanks, I been tryin to find out about "best laundry detergent for odors and stains" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Senaliyah Reputable Superiority - (search on google ) ? It is an awesome exclusive product for discovering how to stop your excessive sweating without the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my work buddy got cool success with it.

[@motherofthreeb6337]

Big brother reading your mind! ROFLOL

[@Jnpz]

Preston, You Rock!!

[@jonasamadeolucas1801]

I did not believe and try it. 100% true. I learn a lot from this channel from years already and still learning. You are doing a great job Preston.

[@jeffersoncosgrove1910]

So far I've found no change in my use. Any special tips or hacks involved?

[@blaskowitz7000]

"Clean responsibly" I love this channel so much, you guys make my day

[@rodneyhutchinson1495]

Wow yes it works. I just bought a leather jacket with a tweed lining which had a musty smell, tried your trick and now the jacket smells a lot better. 😃👍🏻

[@lepcook]

Thank you, this is exactly the information I needed! And to further viewers: Gentleman's Gazette 1 year ago Rubbing alcohol has a different chemical structure; speaking technically, it's isopropyl rather than ethanol. To answer your question directly, though: no, it doesn't work well as a deodorizer. I can speak from personal experimentation on this point, as well! Thanks for watching. - Preston

[@kl8062]

Was thinking the whole time that most people in theatre constantly rely on this trick to get the funk out of costumes, and then you mentioned it! Really cheap, really effective way to tackle the problem.

[@BobTheHatKing]

6:07 clean responsibly 😂 love that

[@samspianos]

just as I read "clean responsibly" our host said it;spooky. Five minuets ago I was reading the precis of a news story and the story came up on the TV;spooky spooky

[@sptownsend999]

I love the last tip: "clean responsibly." Definitely a tip I'll remember!!

[@meganb4432]

Brilliant. I just sprayed a highly perfumed calico hanging shoe storer with Gordon's Gin....success! It took less than 2 nips. Thank you for this life changing tip. I have an inconvenient sensitivity to synthetic perfumes, & have struggled a great deal with thrift store (we call them op shops here in Australia!) finds due to both perfumes & stinky laundry detergents. I once had to wash an Alpaca jumper 14 times before I could wear it without getting a headache from the 'Poison' perfume in it. That stuff is intense! Thanks again!

[@Marg205]

I bought clothes that was hanging in a shoe store for years and has the old leather smell. I’m going to try this and see if it will work for me too.

[@leohirt6595]

@@Marg205did you already try it and did it Work? Im interested in trying this trick on an old leather jacket too, but im scared it will stain, or damage it otherwise…

[@bella-bee]

I’m with you on the perfume menace. Laundry detergents too, and treatments for the AC system in a car - masking with perfumes basically. Couldn’t drive my car when it came back from the garage unless I wore 4 masks ! Took weeks to fade.

[@kmi187]

Did not know about this, will most certainly try it. My way of dealing with such clothes up to now has been, hanging the clothes in one of those plastic temporary closets you often use in the attic. Then I put a large dish at the bottom with pure vinigar. Close it up and let the clothes hang for a few weeks. After that hang them on a line in the garden for a few hours, to air out. Vinigar can also help to remove odors from rooms that had a party in it or people smoking. Just put some small dishes with vinigar around the room.

[@drewroberts139]

I agree that Preston's video presence is getting better and better! And the editing is as put together as his outfits. Well done!

[@babygerald4645]

Thanks for sharing this brilliant advice, Preston. Total LOL @ 6:07- 'clean responsibly.' Great work as always!

[@MISSALEXANDRABLAKE]

I have to say I was not expecting this and I am very impressed by you! Your knowledge is amazing and the way talk and present yourself is outstanding! Thank you for the tips💕

[@jamierife7789]

Yes indeed, the liquor cabinet is the solution for a lot of things! ;) Great video with some very useful information, Preston! Thanks!

[@cromerbeach]

Lol

[@liamblake937]

Great video Preston! You're really starting to open up in front of the camera. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@TheFiown]

You can actually wash mens suits and coats, its all about water temperature and the laying out of the piece during the drying process. I once had a friend who loved her vintage mens dinner jacket but dry cleaning etc didn't get the smells out so I laid it in the bath and with pure soap and a soft brush I washed it, rinsed it in vinegar water and laid it on towels after allowing it to drip for a day, I then pressed it with some lavendar water and rolled it around on the table to soften the fibres, it worked.

[@dementednun1175]

Ahh heayor did you go to a Tibetan monk as well that's a lot of work

[@goodintentions1302]

I also washed a stained white jacket that was dry clean only. It was "dry cleaned" & they said that they couldn't get the stain out. I love the way it fits & looks so I wasn't giving it up. I hung it out in the sun to dry on a well padded hanger & it came out perfectly! That was years ago & I still enjoy wearing that jacket.

[@HRH-THO-II]

You most certainly do not wash suits and jackets.

[@JD83000]

"Drip for a day". Unless you fully dry an item within 8-12 hours, it will smell musty.

[@byronallen188]

Beautiful!! I just got a second hand trench coat and it reeks of mothballs and possibly dry rot, but it is in amazing condition!!

[@JohnBrown-sn3kh]

Did u get the smell out?

[@IMOO1896]

Dry rot, and amazing condition don’t go together.

[@flucheaux]

Can’t wait to try this! My friend gave me a St. John jacket tonight that she got at an estate sale. It wreaks of must and perfume. She said the dry cleaners wouldn’t touch it. I’ve got nothing to lose, so I will try this and let you know how it goes.

[@juliakay8125]

I would like the response, please. 🙂

[@judithl.1349]

Wicked awesome! My mover stored my clothes in a warehouse on a pier above water. For the clothes I did not place in suit bags, I have a lot of work to do to get rid of the funky smell. You just made my life a lot easier. Thanks much!

[@LadyMargaretSteppin]

I was about to throw the garments away and they're really nice but I can't get the smell out thank you so much! Yes I'm subscribing too😊

[@marywaldau1164]

Holy cow ! This is life changing!!!

[@NM-ou9el]

I put my suits on "delicate," with a mixture of bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, borax, cream of tartar, detergent and dish washing liquid (great for grease). My clothes come out look fresh even when washed in ice cold water.

[@robertvelazquez764]

I bought a vintage Barbour jacket that won’t shake its musty smell. Glad to have found this video. Thank you for all you do!

[@adampilarski7083]

How did it work? I’m going to try revivex odor remover.

[@skroz4416]

It worked? Im in your situation

[@Latino_scholar]

Preston...this is a game changer! Thanks for the tip. I tend to buy a lot of vintage blazers and sport jackets...this will save me a lot of money on dry cleaning. Keep up the good work, man.

[@doro8856]

Will this get rid of the musty smell permanently, or do you have to do it every time you wear the item? Thanks for the video.

[@estherp4867]

Great tip! I've found some nice wool items from thrift stores that I've either had to donate again, or let air out for months because I couldn't wash the smell out of them. Will keep vodka in mind for future purchases. :)

[@maddang1797]

Thanks. Great video. Wouldn't it be cheaper to use isopropic alcohol?

[@stacydriscoll3489]

thank you so much! it worked on the formal dress I bought from consignment! 🥰

[@pattgsm]

Preston, thank you for this tip (new to me). Love the essence of your outfit. Brown and blue is a great combo and cardi and loafers another killer combo.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, I was happy with this outfit, as well. Our Brown & Blue Guide is linked in the video, and you can find our Cardigan Guide at the link below. www.gentlemansgazette.com/cardigan-guide/? - Preston

[@terribishop5313]

Going to try this on a huge box of vintage fabric!

[@karenganzkow118]

I was just googling this question and found you!! I can't wait to try this!! I have a lot of clothes that I want to wear/sell and so many have been boxed up and when you pull them out...😳 notsogood! Thank you...instantly subscribed!

[@kongboshi]

Would high % isopropyl alcohol (75%+) do the same trick? Would it be equally safe?

[@fishwigy]

C2H5OH+NH3->c2h7n+H2O I think the odors mainly come from ammonia and alcohol binds to it and forms dimethylamine or something like that. It boils at around 9 degrees c and then it evaporates with the water it leaves as a byproduct. I like to wear my grandpa's tweed jacket, but it has a musty smell. I thought alcohol would help, but I didn't know which alcohol would be right for fear of damaging the wool. When you said liquor store, I thought about ethanol. Thank you.

[@patdainel9037]

Solid, solid jawline. Well done sir, well done.

[@franterrible747]

I found a fantastic navy tailored suit in a vintage shop... I will try this tip and then write here the result! Thank you!

[@allnargles]

F GG So?

[@WOLF-wu2rc]

Well what happened?

[@B_r_u_c_e]

Thank you. Isopropyl alcohol OK?

[@Morris1974]

I use pure isopropyl alcohol 99%, and it works quite well removing odors.

[@saltlifegull4091]

Dang, you're good looking! So busy looking at you in your vintage clothes that I had to rewatch to hear what you were saying. Headed to the liquor store, lol. Just what I needed to know. THANKS!!!

[@eoinmaclean6478]

6:07 “Remeber, clean responsibly” LOL Preston This is awesome info - good to know that vodka is so useful! I haven’t yet had an issue with musty odor in my vintage clothes. That said, I make sure my closet is vacuumed frequently, and that the garments are brushed. I also leave a few cotton balls on the floor, infused with peppermint essential oil. They work especially well next to a heater, inside dresser drawers, and garment bags, so my clothes not only smell fresh, but are also protected from moths.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks for sharing!

[@HosCreates]

Cottonballs with peppermint huh? I'll try that! I've used peppermint water spritzed around baseboards to keep bugs and spiders away in new apartments.

[@KyleOfCanada]

To Preston and Raphael, I've been enjoying the past few videos you guys have made on the topic of caring for clothing that cannot be machine washed/dried. I've just started making a few historical outfits from the late-Victorian early-Edwardian periods, and this information on garment care is extremely helpful. I'm looking forward to the future videos you plan to make! Are there any other common substances that would have a similar effect on odours, such as vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, etc., or would these damage the fabric (such as suiting wool) over time? I was curious for the sake of traveling, since transporting or finding cheap Vodka may not always be an option on the road. All the best, Kyle

[@doctorx0079]

Avoid acid as it isn't good for clothes

[@zaneego]

I'm so happy I stumbled across your channel! You're a gem! I wish there's a woman version of you talking about female things. Subscribed after watching the first video!

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

I have a cold war era uniform from my country and it smells a lot, thanks for this!

[@BossBrookeArmstrong]

This video was so help and informative. But what about plain rubbing alcohol? Would that also work?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Rubbing alcohol has a different chemical structure; speaking technically, it's isopropyl rather than ethanol. To answer your question directly, though: no, it doesn't work well as a deodorizer. I can speak from personal experimentation on this point, as well! Thanks for watching. - Preston

[@anumatis]

@@gentlemansgazette thank you for explanation. This was so helpful.

[@bojatr1]

Wow. That’s a great tip. I got a bunch of musty 2nd hand ties I’d like to spray them

[@tonydeltablues]

Yet another reason to subscribe to the Gentleman's Gazette! Excellent advice as I'm buying most of my clothes from vintage shops/thrift stores - I shall be utilizing vodka to banish odours! Thanks Tony

[@CorazonDeCristoCano]

Is there a reason not to use rubbing alcohol alone or a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water?

[@tsukinookami8400]

Is it good to use on a suede jacket?

[@zang9147]

Better and better every video. Thank you!

[@badtzlotus]

Great tip! But what if use 99% rubbing alcohol instead?

[@leahmonterroso2472]

I had some nice clothes (mostly new) in storage too long and they all smelled weird…I couldn’t place the smell but could only describe it as musty. I didn’t know vintage clothes had a odor but I guess being stored in a box for 10 years might accelerate the aging and that might be the issue. I don’t understand how age alone affects the odor of fabric or wool but I’m glad that my Google search lead me here. If this works then you saved a lot of valuable clothes from the landfill and I’ll be able to donate them like I wanted.

[@cheriel7455]

I may have missed this, but I would think that alcohol might be potentially degrading to certain fabrics...... maybe not? Maybe less harmful than dry cleaning agents? Anyone have the scoop on that? I've got a cashmere/wool jacket I'm working on. I'm very glad for this info, and I loved the inset that went over his outfit. The level of description/detail reminded me of a class I took at a design school (interiors) where part of our work meant we could describe an item so well that you could "see" it without any visuals. But his description was just enough "personal", and didn't include a bunch of jargon or anything remotely obsequious..... which is, I guess, why people subscribe!

[@buckybarnes3803]

I often have to get out strong odors from fire smoke. It seems like my family is always having an outdoor fires. The way I fix it is by allowing it to hang downstairs in my laundry room. It actually works over time but it does take about a month. I've also aired it outside.

[@janedusek5485]

Hello Preston. Question... will this also disinfect the clothing? Wondering if this technique can be used on cloth and upholstered furniture, these days when we're trying to disinfect everything. Also, would straight rubbing alcohol work as well? Looking forward to your reply. Thanks.

[@MostGratefulOwl]

Excellent, had a roommate store a few very odiferous vintage fur coats in the furnace room, of all places, and the smell spread in all rooms and really settled onto clean clothes that were hanging up. To much to rewash in a portable washer.

[@theamarcord1332]

Can this work on new articles of clothes, such as wool and cashmere sweaters that were stored in a closet with no ventilation and now have that musty smell?

[@kareemdemiane6385]

Hey! Does this trick also work on a fur coat? I've heard that sprinkling baking powder on the coat itself and letting it air overnight and then shaking the baking powder next day removes the musty smell. Is that correct? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks :)

[@WalkingWoman-k7x]

I read about coffee grounds as well for fur

[@BradleyY8540]

Thank you for the video, I had no idea. I don't know if it's been asked, but can I just use straight rubbing alcohol?

[@francoj.maltese2584]

Preston has grown on me!!! You're doing great, mate

[@phagudd]

Is it also applicable to leather jackets?

[@busdrivermike13]

Would this work on leather ? Particularly the old style Sheepskin coats , they can have that back of grandmas Closet smell on the woolly parts

[@FaisalKhan-xy1dv]

I have just the jacket you're describing here. I have tried airing the jacket by putting it out in the open in sunlight alternating the inside and the leather side to face the sun. The smell had reduced some, but still there. I am trying isopropyl alcohol tomorrow. Will post results here.

[@FaisalKhan-xy1dv]

It worked... Got a bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol and a spray bottle. Drenched the wool parts in it followed by open air sun drying. I also had the jacket in the sun for a couple of weeks prior to the treatment, just to air it. That also reduced the smell. But the alcohol did the trick. Jacket was in a suitcase for 5 years and 5 months.

[@cindirs1]

@@FaisalKhan-xy1dv the jacket i have is part wool part leather. It also has spores of mold starting. how to clean?

[@FaisalKhan-xy1dv]

@@cindirs1 mine is part wool (inner lining) and leather on the outside. Just spray inside with rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol) and hang inside out in the sun to dry. On the parts where you have mould growth, I would just rub off with an eraser first to see if that gets it off. Is it suede? Or finished leather. Mine is suede on the outside so I did spray a little alcohol there and ended with a watermark, which went away with the help of sunlight. But took a few days though.

[@TheLychie]

@@FaisalKhan-xy1dv a tip for cleaning leather: make sure not to dry out in the sun (according to the multiple videos I watched for cleaning leather) it will discolor. Highly recommend to dry in a ventilated indoor area

[@jimmycake7143]

Freshined my LL Bean Bomber's wool pile lining and collar today, sprinkled baking soda the let sit awhile and vacuum and shake out

[@waltski4375]

Thank you....thank you....thank you!! I have scored some very nice tweed jackets from eBay and this video is gold!

[@deliafarioli1211]

I just bought a second hand Barbour in a vintage market but it smells a lot. I don't want to ruin the whole "waxed" thing so, can I still use this method? Thank you :)

[@biggop]

can this be sprayed on any material? even nylon interior of jackets? thanks

[@drezdogge]

your videos are getting better and better

[@alittledoseofdez]

Can this method also be used for old smelling furniture?

[@cjgaeilge4350]

thanks - would fabreze work?

[@jamiepatterson558]

So glad I stumbled upon this video! Would this work on vintage, upholstered furniture as well?

[@srky4346]

Brilliant, I needed this for a 1960s nightie.

[@elbowroomtube]

Interesting channel, good topic presented extremely well. You are articulate and and should be on tv! Can you use this alcohol treatment on vintage leather?

[@cynthiaaiken2424]

no!!!!!!!!!!

[@sylviamortgat2384]

Rare classic fashion and life style video! Love you gentlemen!

[@TheSousouxxx]

Can you use it on lining of fur coat? Can you do a video on fur please many thanks for the sharing

[@teri2651]

I was just going to post the same thing. I have several 2nd hand furs that need a good odor removal.

[@lilmamadrea87]

can you use this hack on a leather coat with fur on the inside? suede with fur on the inside? leather coat with lining on the inside? i have some coats i want to get a musty odor out of?

[@xx_epicgaymer69_xx41]

bought a thrift store suit for a mock trial competition, smelled like cigarettes and mold. only thing i could think to do as i needed the next day was my hunting scent killer. worked like a charm

[@sfwplant]

I used to know a chap called Mal Odour. Nice guy.

[@lisas5913]

A true gentleman with great tips 🙂

[@Richesfam]

Can one use the same technique if the suits has food smell?

[@diamond6256]

GREAT!!!!!! Actually I think is is from storaging in a closet or chest of wood

[@s.w.a.l.k2184]

Brilliant. Thank you for sharing with us all.

[@LADYJKAYE]

How about leather & suede jackets .?

[@chocoCo0kie]

Hi Preston, you're one of the few people online I found that mentions body soils as a cause of odor instead of mold and mildew. I have the problem that when I leave clothes or bedsheets in the closet for a long period, even after they've been washed clean and smelling fresh, they start to smell bad and sour-ish. I know how fabric that smells of mold smells like, and it's not that. It also only seems to happen to the clothes that are folded, not to hanging clothes. Do you know how to prevent that from happening? I don't have other storage options as the hanging part of my closet is already full. Thanks in advance! 🙏

[@JeannetteSeward]

Has anyone explained why (more affordable) rubbing alcohol isn't used?

[@Δημήτρης-η4ρ]

Cause you can drink the leftovers.

[@elsbithrumble6683]

@@Δημήτρης-η4ρ HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@polanco2314]

Will it work on fur coats??? Please help me 🙏

[@iloveyoudoyoumind47]

Just got here and YOU ARE A GENIUS! I’m subscribing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks for the support! :)

[@eskay2012]

Very good tip! Well done Preston!

[@kennethlow6619]

Does this work on leather jackets, and more importantly, will it damage leather if left on and air dryed ?

[@DanSaso]

Spray inside not on the outside

[@mariadorothea9506]

Sartorial style and great info....what could be better 😊

[@Gusto-t2b]

the video starts at 3:02

[@johngilley9815]

What about alchol with witch hazel and cedarwool EO mix?

[@cherchelafemme8814]

Could I use isopropyl??

[@juliakay8125]

Can this work on dyed suede or silk? I have a load of nice clothes from a musty home. Not much space to hang in sunshine. Thanks!

[@RoseCortes-wt2zw]

What if it’s on a mink stole? Would that be bad for the fur?

[@patrickvincent2477]

Great Great!!! Advice!!!! His over coat is nice though!!!!😍

[@LaurierChabot]

Hi will this work for a fur coat also??

[@dustysoda]

Do you know if this applies to vintage suitcases that have mold in it?

[@amywilde-taylor3222]

I love this guy! You have such a smart wit about you!

[@firearmsstudent]

Can you use the denatured alcohol sold at home depot in metal canisters?

[@OurDee]

Very well done Sir.

[@farzinghodsi622]

Very informative! Very impressive! Thx

[@michaelcase8574]

Wonder if it works on hard surfaces?