How to Remove the Stored Smell from a Duvet Using Bicarbonate of Soda and White Vinegar

After a duvet has spent a few months shut away in a wardrobe, it often loses that just-freshened feel and develops a familiar “stored” smell. That odour usually comes from trapped moisture, limited airflow and traces of cleaning products left in the fibres. A straightforward approach using ventilation, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar can neutralise those smells without harming the fabric or the filling.

How does the trick for removing the stored smell from a duvet work?

The most popular method is to thoroughly air the duvet and then mist it with a mild solution made from bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar diluted in water. This combination helps loosen build-up in the fibres and tackles unpleasant odours without leaving an overpowering fragrance.

Before you do anything, check the manufacturer’s care label. It will tell you the fabric type, the filling, and the recommended way to clean it. Following those instructions helps prevent the duvet from losing shape, flattening out, or having its warmth affected.

Watch a video on the YouTube channel Dicas da Kel about homemade spray solutions to get rid of that stored smell from blankets and duvets without having to wash everything again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFw0vN-G3oI

Simple step-by-step to bring back a “new” smell

To use this method at home, you only need everyday items and you must be careful with how much liquid you use, so you don’t soak the filling. Done properly, it removes wardrobe odours without increasing the moisture trapped inside the duvet.

1. Air it out first
   Spread the duvet out fully in a well-ventilated spot, ideally near an open window or on a covered clothes airer. Leave it to breathe for 1 to 2 hours. Avoid strong direct sunlight to reduce the risk of fading.

2. Mix the odour-neutralising solution
   In a spray bottle, combine:

   • 500 ml of water at room temperature;
   • 2 tablespoons of white vinegar (distilled);
   • 1 level tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda;
   • Optional: 3 to 5 drops of mild, fragrance-free washing-up liquid or a fabric-safe scent.

Wait for the fizzing to subside, then gently swirl the bottle.

1. Spray the right way
   Lay the duvet flat and mist it lightly from about 30 cm away. The surface should be only slightly damp, paying particular attention to areas that were tightly folded in the wardrobe.

2. Turn over and repeat
   Flip the duvet and do the same on the other side, still keeping the spray light. Too much moisture makes the “stored” smell more likely to come back.

3. Dry it completely
   Leave it to dry in a ventilated place for 4 to 6 hours (or longer if the day is humid). Only fold it away once it’s fully dry inside and out.

How long does it take, and how can you ensure the fibres dry completely?

Total time depends on the weather and how thick the duvet is, ranging from half a day to a full day. On warm, dry days it will dry faster; on cold, damp days you’ll need to keep focusing on airflow until there are no damp patches left.

To check more reliably and speed things up, you can use a few simple at-home options-especially if your wardrobe is usually closed up or your home tends to be naturally humid.

• Touch test: gently press different areas; a strong cold feel or extra weight suggests moisture trapped inside.
• Use a fan: a fan set to a medium speed and aimed at the fabric helps evaporation between layers.
• Indirect natural light: hanging it somewhere bright but out of direct sun helps it dry without staining or fading.

How often should you use the trick, and how should you store the duvet correctly?

It’s best to repeat this refresh at each change of season, or whenever the duvet has been stored for more than a month without being used. In very damp places, simply airing it every 30 to 45 days (without any liquid solution) can already help prevent the wardrobe smell.

When putting it away, make sure the duvet is completely dry and folded without excessive compression, ideally inside breathable fabric storage bags that let air circulate. You can also place moisture-absorbing sachets in the wardrobe and avoid shelves that sit directly against cold walls, lowering the risk of mildew and keeping the duvet feeling fresher for longer.