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

Check out our in-depth guide here: gentl.mn/remove-musty-smell
How to Wash & Maintain Wool Sweaters: gentl.mn/2u6E7o1
Cheap & Easy Laundry Hacks: gentl.mn/2Otcuzd
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to stay updated? Sign up here for free:
gentl.mn/2EU9v0z
Want to see more videos? Subscribe to our channel!
/ thegentlemansgazette
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gentleman's Gazette
www.gentlemansgazette.com/
gentl.mn/2QUPZr3
Facebook: / gentlemansgazette
FREE EBOOK: gentl.mn/2EU9v0z
Thanks to the Laundry Evangelist's Laundry Camp for many of the tips shown in this video. If you ever have the chance to visit it at the Mall of America, you should do so.
/ @thelaundryevangelist
Well, let's tackle the task at hand then and talk about the easiest way to remove these foul odors. Your first instinct might be to take these garments to a dry cleaner but in fact, this is a temptation that you should resist. The solvents used in dry cleaning simply aren't as effective at removing odors as the secret ingredient we're about to mention, especially when it comes to odors that are sourced from organic compounds. On that note, you can take a look at the previous video we've done about dry cleaning here. More specifically, odor elimination involves masking, encapsulating, or changing the molecular structure of the odor molecule that has attached itself to the fabric.
What's the simplest and most effective substance to perform this task then?
You're probably not going to find it in your laundry room instead, you should head to your liquor cabinet. That's right! When it comes to treating odors on your vintage garments, vodka will be the thing that does the trick. All you have to do is pour the vodka into a spray bottle and then spritz it on to the clothing in question. This is because the alcohol in the vodka directly interacts with the odor molecules on the clothing encapsulating and reconfiguring them and then when the alcohol evaporates, it takes the odors away with it
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind though.
First of all, don't dilute the vodka with water. The odor fighting power of vodka comes from its high alcohol content so adding water to the mixture is simply going to cut down on the vodka's effectiveness.
Also, you don't have to use top-shelf vodka for this application. The absolute cheapest bottles that are available on the market will sometimes be grain alcohol with vodka flavoring but as long as you make sure that you're actually getting vodka, a cheap bottle will do. Just make sure it doesn't have any added flavoring like fruit, for example. If you or a member of your household does require that the vodka not be drinkable, you can add about a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol to the bottle to denature it. Whatever the case may be, just make sure that the bottle is labeled clearly.
And if other offenders like stains or particles remain on your garments after spritzing, you do also have some other options so stay tuned for some more upcoming videos on stains and general garment care. If you need some additional convincing as to the effectiveness of vodka in treating vintage odors, you don't have to look any further than Broadway productions. Actors will often treat their stage clothes with vodka as they don't often have time to have them washed or dry-cleaned between shows.
In conclusion, though that signature musty smell may have been hanging on to some of your vintage garments for who knows how long, it is fairly easily removable from them. Skip the dry cleaner and make a trip to the liquor store instead. Remember, clean responsibly.
So were you aware of this handy deodorizing trick and do you have any related tips that you could share? If so, let us know in the comments section below.
#vintageclothing #vintageclothinghacks #howto

[@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!!

[@blaskowitz7000]

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

[@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

[@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

[@sptownsend999]

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

[@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💕

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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. 😃👍🏻

[@babygerald4645]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@sylviamortgat2384]

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

[@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

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

Brilliant. Thank you for sharing with us all.

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@stacydriscoll3489]

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

[@zang9147]

Better and better every video. Thank you!

[@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…

[@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.

[@bkjagmohansingh1241]

Wonderful tips. Thankyou so much.

[@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.

[@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

[@joannazaytouni4958]

This is amazing! Thanks so much for making this video

[@countkody]

so Glad to learn about this Hint, Thank YOU!!!

[@fmkellner3]

Wonderful video, as usual Sir! Thanks!!!!

[@marywaldau1164]

Holy cow ! This is life changing!!!

[@liamblake937]

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

[@srky4346]

Brilliant, I needed this for a 1960s nightie.

[@loriloretta7639]

wow, interesting advice! I will definitely try this!

[@margaretWestminster]

Thank you for very useful advice.

[@eskay2012]

Very good tip! Well done Preston!

[@gabrielcantu7532]

Wow.. Great tip. Thank you.

[@DynamicOwl13]

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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@jamiepatterson558]

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

[@_SeewhatGodsees]

Great tip never thought of this. Makes sense! ❤

[@prairieplains]

I hadn't known that, very useful This should save a few items. Thanks

[@francoj.maltese2584]

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

[@terribishop5313]

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

[@fernwebb5568]

Great information!! Thank you!

[@justm6382]

I believe this video has 'fed' my brain- thank you! :)

[@rabignall]

"And as always" thank you so much!

[@bojatr1]

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

[@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.

[@mrseviemae]

Excellent! Thank you!!

[@lpalm5235]

HI I am going to give this a go. I like your style, you look good in it.

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

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

[@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.

[@amywilde-taylor3222]

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

[@farzinghodsi622]

Very informative! Very impressive! Thx

[@OurDee]

Very well done Sir.

[@marcopolo2230]

Awesome job Preston👍🏾👍🏾

[@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!!!!!!!!!!

[@drezdogge]

your videos are getting better and better

[@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

[@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. 🙂

[@melvinechols6931]

Great information. Great Video .

[@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?

[@theresalee9392]

Perfect! Thank you!

[@nejcpilih]

well this was a bit of a shock :D but interesting and good to remember!! thank you

[@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.

[@ITSCHANNEL14]

Great tip. I will try this on the vintage clothes I have been hoarding for many years not knowing what to do with them since they all (especially the concert shirts) have that sweet smoke smell. How long should this take for the odor to be gone? I would imagine washing after would help even more?

[@lisas5913]

A true gentleman with great tips 🙂

[@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!

[@luisalexis12]

Thanks a lot, it really helped

[@waltski4375]

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

[@iloveyoudoyoumind47]

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

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks for the support! :)

[@maddang1797]

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

[@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?

[@mariadorothea9506]

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

[@ehandpiece]

Job well done thanks

[@On_The_Mark]

"Clean responsibly." LOL!

[@EmilianoCaballeroFraccaroli]

Thank you!

[@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

[@brokensync]

Currently doing this to a Tweed jacket that I've acquired which smells outrageously. First spritzing has worked well, but may take a couple of sessions....

[@patdainel9037]

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

[@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!

[@ah5721]

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.

[@MultiMon15]

Hey Preston, i really love your clear your voice is. Keep it up! Hope to see more informative videos like these in the future!

[@lyric8529]

Can't wait to try this!

[@badtzlotus]

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

[@realproperty1012]

Amazing ❤Thank u!

[@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!

[@JackyHapy]

Thank you 😊

[@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.

[@chuckfinnley738]

OMG this was the best tip ever!

[@SM-jw5si]

why wouldn't rubbing alcohol work just as well? What's the difference?

[@MarbledPaladin]

How well would this work with ties (some silk, some not)? I have a very bad sense of smell so this is not for myself but for others and I want to make sure they did not or are not getting any weird odour. Some of them were poorly stored at one point and I am afraid they might have picked up some weird odours...

[@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.

[@TheGeorgio64]

Will this work on vintage wool/fur felt hats?? I've also heard that naptha helps in cleaning and deodorizing felt hats, as long as you be careful of the leather sweatband

[@edgaralvarado5468]

Thank you

[@gabriellesmith5661]

I am definitely going to try this, although I have a super stinky tapestry, I don’t think anybody wore it hehe maybe just straight mildew 🤷‍♀️ 🤢 do you think it will work!?

[@putuponguy5399]

You sir are top shelf..

[@firearmsstudent]

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