How to Get a Musty Smell Out of Plastic Storage Bins

You open a tote that has been sitting in the basement or garage all summer and get hit with a stale, musty smell. Now the bin smells, the clothes or linens inside smell, and anything you put back in will pick up the same odor. The good news is that plastic does not absorb odor the way wood or fabric does, so a musty smell in plastic storage bins is almost always fixable with a careful clean, a full dry and a few changes to how you store things.

This guide walks through why storage bins get musty, a step-by-step method to remove the smell, how to handle that new-plastic odor on fresh bins, and how to keep totes smelling clean from season to season.

Why Plastic Storage Bins Get a Musty Smell

That musty smell is usually caused by moisture, not by the plastic itself. The most common causes are:

• Damp contents. Clothes, towels or camping gear packed before they were completely dry release moisture inside a closed bin.
• Humid storage spots. Basements, crawl spaces, sheds and garages swing between warm and cool, and that can cause condensation on the inside walls of a tote.
• Cardboard and paper. Boxes, paper wrapping and old documents hold moisture and break down over time, adding to the stale odor.
• Residue. Dust, spills or food crumbs left in a bin give mildew something to grow on.

Fixing the smell means removing the residue, drying everything completely and then cutting off the moisture source.

How to Get a Musty Smell Out of Plastic Storage Bins Step by Step

Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves if you see any visible mildew spots.

1. Empty the bin completely. Take everything out and set the contents aside. Fabric items that smell musty need to be washed or aired out separately, or they will bring the odor right back into a clean bin.
2. Shake out and wipe down. Dump loose debris, then wipe the inside, the lid, the lid channel and the latches with a damp cloth. Lid grooves and corners are where dust and moisture collect.
3. Wash with warm, soapy water. Use a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water and scrub every surface with a soft brush or sponge. Avoid abrasive pads on clear bins, since scratches make them cloudy.
4. Use baking soda for stubborn odor. Make a paste of baking soda and a little water, spread it on the inside walls and floor, let it sit for a while, then scrub and rinse.
5. Try a vinegar rinse if the smell remains. Wipe the bin with a mix of white vinegar and water, let it sit briefly, then rinse with clean water.
6. Dry completely. This is the step most people rush. Set the bin and lid apart, open side up, in fresh air or sunlight until there is no moisture left in the corners or lid seal. Any trapped water will start the problem over.
7. Do a sniff test. If you still notice an odor, leave an open box of baking soda or a bowl of dry coffee grounds inside the closed bin overnight, then check again.

Safety note: never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners, as the combination can create harmful fumes. If you choose to use a diluted bleach solution on visible mildew, use it on its own, rinse well and ventilate the area.

What About the New Plastic Smell on Fresh Bins

Brand-new storage totes can have their own odor straight out of the box. That is different from mildew and usually fades with air. For example, the listing for our 12 Gallon Snap Lid Storage Bin set of 8 notes that the containers may have a slight odor at first, recommends separating and airing out the bins before use, and says the smell dissipates over time. The same listing says those bins are designed for garage or workshop storage and are not suitable for fabric or consumable products, so match the bin to what you plan to store.

To speed up airing out new bins, unstack them, remove the lids and leave them in a ventilated garage or on a porch for a few days before loading them.

How to Keep Storage Bins From Smelling Musty Again

Once your totes are clean, a few habits prevent the smell from returning:

• Pack only dry items. Wash and fully dry clothes, linens and gear before they go into storage. Let camping equipment and sports gear air out for a day after use.
• Skip the cardboard. Take items out of cardboard boxes and paper wrapping before packing them into plastic.
• Add an odor and moisture absorber. A small open container of baking soda, a sachet of activated charcoal or a moisture absorber packet tucked into a corner helps in humid spaces.
• Keep bins off damp floors. Set totes on shelving or pallets instead of directly on a concrete basement or garage floor.
• Choose a tighter lid for damp areas. A latching or gasket-style lid helps keep humidity and dust out of the bin.
• Check bins once or twice a year. Open them when you swap seasonal items and do a quick sniff test so small problems do not grow.

Choosing Storage Bins That Stay Fresh

If your old bins have cracked lids or warped edges that no longer close well, it may be time to replace them. A few options from our home storage bins collection:

• 54 Quart Gasket Box, 6 Pack: the listing describes a latching lid that helps protect contents from dust and moisture, a clear design and a size of 22 1/4 in L x 15 in W x 13 in H per bin.
• 75 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bin with Lid, Clear: a larger clear bin listed at 25.5 x 18 x 13.25 inches, useful for bulky bedding and seasonal items.
• 12 Gallon Snap Lid Storage Bin, Set of 8: black totes listed at 24.5 x 16.5 x 9 inches, built for garage and workshop storage.

Clear bins also make it easier to spot condensation or mildew early without opening every lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put plastic storage bins in the dishwasher?

Most full-size storage totes are too large for a dishwasher, and high heat can warp thin plastic. Hand washing with warm, soapy water is the safer choice for storage bins and lids.

Will a musty smell in a bin transfer to clothes?

Yes. Fabric picks up odors easily, so always clean and dry the bin first and wash or air out the clothes before you repack them. Otherwise the smell moves back and forth between the two.

How long should I air out a new storage bin?

It depends on the bin and the space, but a few days with the lid off in a ventilated area usually helps a lot. Check the product listing for any specific instructions before use.

Is it safe to store bins in a basement?

Basements work well if you control moisture. Keep bins off the floor, use tight-fitting or latching lids, pack only dry items and consider a dehumidifier if the space feels damp.

Fresh Storage Starts With the Right Bin

A musty smell does not mean you have to throw out your plastic totes. Clean them, dry them completely and fix the moisture source, and they will be ready for another season. When you need replacements, browse sealed and latching options like the 54 Quart Gasket Box or explore the full home storage bins collection at Easy Deal USA.