A wardrobe that smells damp or musty is a very common problem in UK homes, especially in winter. Clothes can feel cold, slightly clammy and may even pick up a faint mouldy smell. This usually means moisture is getting trapped in a small, poorly ventilated space.
The main reasons wardrobes smell damp
- Wardrobe against a cold external wall – the back panel gets cold and attracts condensation.
- Packed with clothes – very little air can move between garments so they never fully dry.
- Clothes put away slightly damp – small amounts of moisture build up over time.
- High humidity in the bedroom – the air going into the wardrobe is already too moist.
Signs of a bigger moisture problem
As well as the smell, you might notice:
- Black spots on the back of the wardrobe or skirting boards.
- Dark patches or staining on walls behind furniture.
- Condensation on the bedroom windows most mornings.
These are all signs that the whole room is more humid than it should be, not just the wardrobe.
Simple ways to freshen a damp wardrobe
- Empty and clean it – wipe down walls and shelves with a mild cleaning solution. Allow everything to dry fully.
- Leave the doors open – for a few hours or even a full day to let fresh air circulate.
- Move it slightly away from external walls – even a small gap helps warm air reach the back panel.
- Do not put damp clothes away – make sure items are completely dry before they go into the wardrobe.
How a dehumidifier can help
If the bedroom itself is humid, any wardrobe will struggle. A dehumidifier running in the bedroom for a few hours each day can bring humidity back into the comfortable forty to sixty percent range.
Place the dehumidifier in the bedroom with wardrobe doors open from time to time so dry air can circulate inside. Over a week or two you should notice the smell fading.
For bedroom use, it is worth choosing a quiet model that will not disturb your sleep. See our picks on the best bedroom dehumidifiers for some good options.
Keeping the wardrobe fresh long term
- Rotate clothes so nothing sits untouched for months.
- Do not overfill hanging rails or shelves.
- Use the top shelf for items in storage boxes rather than loose piles.
Once humidity is under control and the wardrobe has been thoroughly aired, the musty smell should not return.