GUIDE
How to Store Blankets & Comforters (Without Musty Smells)
How to store blankets and comforters: clean and fully dry first, breathable containers over sealed plastic, and keeping faux-fur pile from creasing.
PUBLISHED JUL 5, 2026
Bedding that comes out of storage musty or matted was almost always put away wrong — usually damp, or sealed in plastic. Storing a faux-fur comforter or a king blanket for the off-season is simple if you get two things right: store it clean and dry, and store it breathable.
The two rules that prevent musty bedding
- Clean and fully dry. Body oils feed moths and mildew, and any trapped moisture goes musty in a sealed container. Wash and completely dry everything first — see how often to wash a comforter for the pre-storage wash.
- Breathable, not airtight. Cotton storage bags, an old pillowcase, or a fabric bin let bedding breathe. Vacuum bags and sealed plastic trap humidity and can leave a plastic odor or mildew over months — skip them for natural and plush fabrics especially.
Fold vs. roll
- Faux fur and plush: roll loosely so the pile doesn’t take a hard crease. Tight folding leaves matted lines that need fluffing later.
- Quilts, coverlets, fleece: fold flat with as few sharp creases as you can, or roll if you have the space.
Small-space storage
No linen closet? Under-bed fabric boxes are ideal — flat, breathable, out of sight. A woven basket or an ottoman with storage keeps a couple of in-rotation throws handy without a musty container. Add a cedar block or lavender sachet to any of them to guard against moths and keep things fresh. Keep everything cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight — an interior closet beats a hot attic or damp basement every time.
Frequently asked questions
Store them clean and completely dry, in a breathable container (cotton bag, pillowcase, or fabric bin) rather than sealed plastic, in a cool dry spot. Trapped moisture and body oils are what cause musty smells.
It saves space but is not ideal for plush or natural fabrics — compression creases faux-fur pile and sealed plastic can trap humidity. Breathable bags are better for anything you want to come out fresh and lofted.
Clean and dry it, then roll it loosely so the pile does not crease, and keep it in a breathable bag somewhere cool and dark. Give it a shake and a brush when you bring it back out.
Under-bed fabric boxes, a storage ottoman, or a woven basket all work and stay breathable. Add a cedar block or lavender sachet, and keep it out of hot, damp, or sunny spots.