What makes clothes that are kept for too long without use develop that distinct “stored” odor?

Question

That distinct scent on clothes that haven’t been worn in a couple of years or more.

Same with fabrics on homes or cars, such as curtains and carpets.

In: 479

Answer 1

As far as cars go, various things can cause that. Things breaking down, though – like the foam in the seats and the glues holding the car together, can definitely be a big part of that. I’d assume that this would also apply to fabrics in clothing. Possibly bacteria too, or whatever organic matter was in/on them breaking down.