How to remove musty smell from a cotton tote bag

You stored your cotton bags to use later. And now that you want to use them, they have a musty smell that is not appealing at all. Cotton tote bags are durable, eco-friendly, and stylish! But they can also have a damp, stale, or earthy odor like wet socks. If it’s your first time using a cotton tote bag, you might be wondering whether to throw it away or if there is any way to wash off the smell. Well, you’re not alone. But the good thing is that you can get rid of that smell easily at home with simple cleaning techniques.

​In this blog, we will share how you can clean cotton tote bags at home. We will also discuss what causes the funky smell and how you can avoid it:

When Do Your Cotton Tote Bags Start Smelling?

Cotton bags are made for regular use. But if you don’t use the bags for a long time , like a few weeks or months, they might start to smell. Another big reason is not storing it properly. Many of us just store our bags in a wardrobe or drawer which is not ventilated properly. Plus, if you accidentally leave the bag wet after washing, spill juice, or pack it with other wet clothes, the bag may start to smell musty.

What Causes the Musty Smell in Cotton Tote Bags?

This basically happens when moisture gets trapped and there’s not enough air circulation. Cotton is a natural fiber made from the cellulose of cotton plants. Due to its structure, cotton tote bags soak up water and humidity quickly. And, since it’s organic, microorganisms like mold and bacteria can feed on it.

​So, when your cotton tote bag gets wet or stays damp for too long, the fibers hold onto moisture. This trapped moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which creates the foul smell.

​Thankfully, cleaning the bag makes the smell go away, and you can do it at home. But before you do that, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

What Should You Do Before Cleaning

Before jumping into cleaning, follow these quick checks:

1. Read the label carefully. Generally, that is where the manufacturer shares information on how to take care of the cotton tote bags. Some cotton bags may have prints, embroidery, or linings that need gentle washing.
2. Before you dump the bag into the water, empty the bag completely. Shake out crumbs, sand, or small particles.
3. Also, a spot test can be very useful. If your bag has colors or prints, test a small area that is not exposed to make sure the cleaner doesn’t fade it.

DIY Steps to Remove Musty Odor from Cotton Tote Bags

Here are some easy, home-friendly cleaning methods to freshen your bag:

1. The Baking Soda Refresh

Baking soda is one of the best choices when you are dealing with light smells. Most of us have it in our households. The ingredient has a crystallized structure that can absorb moisture and neutralize odors.

To use it for cleaning, sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda inside and on the outer surface of the cotton tote bag. Then take a large zip lock bag or pillowcase, place the bag inside, and leave it overnight. Shake off or vacuum the baking soda the next day, and the bag will smell fresh again.

2. White Vinegar Wash

If the odor is really strong and doesn’t seem to go away, then this is a great option. Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and can kill mold spores and eliminate bacteria that cause musty smells.

You’ll need white vinegar, water, and mild detergent. First, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water. Soak the bag in the solution for half an hour, then wash it gently with a mild detergent. Rinse the bag and let it dry in the sunlight.

3. Lemon and Sunlight Method

You can also use lemon juice to remove the smell. Lemon is a natural deodorizer, and sunlight helps disinfect and dry the cotton fibers thoroughly. Mix lemon juice with water in an equal ratio, spray it over the cotton tote bag, and leave it out in the sun for a few hours.

4. Deep Clean Machine Wash

For 100% cotton tote bags, you can also machine wash them. Wash the bag on a gentle cycle using cold water and mild detergent. You can add half a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle for extra freshness. And let it air dry. Never tumble dry, as heat can set odors or shrink the fabric.

How You Avoid the Musty Smell on Your Cotton Tote Bag

While it might be easy to get rid of the moldy smell from your cotton bag, it is better to avoid it. And it is very easy as well. Just a few easy steps and attention, and your bag will be ready to use whenever you want:

• Always dry your bag completely before storing it, as even a little moisture can cause mold or bacteria to grow.
• Because of the nature of the fabric, you should choose a breathable cover for the cotton tote bag. Say no to seal plastic containers or bags for storage.
• Keep your bag in a place that is well-ventilated. Hang it rather than folding it.
• If you spill something on the bag, clean it as soon as you can. Food or drinks can feed bacteria that cause bad odors.
• Air out your bag regularly, especially after travel or use in humid weather.
• Use natural deodorizers like silica gel packs, baking soda sachets, or lavender pouches inside your bag when stored.
• Try to use the bag every once in a while, so it doesn’t sit in one place for too long.

Wrap up

Cotton tote bags are reusable, and you can use them for a long time. A musty smell doesn’t mean you have to throw away your favorite bag. All you need is a handful of ingredients easily available in your pantry, read the care label thoroughly, and follow the instructions. And your bag will look and feel as fresh as a new one!

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FAQs

Q.1. My cotton tote bag smells musty even though it looks clean. Why?

Even if your bag looks clean, it may have absorbed moisture from humid air, or if you store it in a place that’s not ventilated properly. Cotton fibers trap water easily, which causes odor-causing bacteria or mildew to grow.

Q.2. I forgot my cotton tote in the car for a few days, and now it smells weird. What should I do?

Cars can trap heat and humidity, which can make cotton fabrics smell stale. Start with the baking soda refresh method, sprinkle baking soda inside and outside the bag, leave it overnight in a pillowcase, and shake it out the next day. If the smell persists, try a vinegar soak or lemon and sunlight treatment.

Q.3. Can I machine wash my tote, it has a printed design?

Yes, but you should check the care label first. For some printed or embroidered bags, you can only handwash them. You can also use cold water and a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. But let the bag air dry to avoid shrinking.

Q.4. My cotton tote smells even after washing. What went wrong?

It might be because the bag was not completely dry before you stored it. Cotton holds moisture deep within its fibers, so if you fold it or keep it in a drawer without drying it completely, mold can grow.

Q.5. Is the funky smell a sign of rotting?

Not exactly rotting, but it might be indicating microbial decay. If you leave the bag unchecked for weeks or months, the fabric can weaken, discolor, or develop dark mold spots , which is the early stage of fiber rot.