Problem

Madrasah bag smells musty or damp

By the Madrasah Bag team · Updated 2026-09-24

Quick fix

A musty smell means moisture has been trapped, usually from a damp bag, a leaking bottle or old food. Empty the bag, take the Quran and books out, clean the inside for the material, then dry it fully open in a well-ventilated room. Leave an open pot of bicarbonate of soda or a sock of it inside overnight to absorb what's left.

How to fix it

Empty everything, and take the Quran and books out first. Check them for damp too.
Shake or vacuum out crumbs.
Canvas or nylon: wipe the inside with warm water and a little washing-up liquid, or white vinegar diluted 1:4.
Leather: wipe with a barely damp cloth only. No vinegar on the outside.
Dry it fully open, somewhere airy. Not on a radiator.
Put bicarbonate of soda in an old sock inside overnight, or a few days for strong smells.

If you see spots

Grey, green or white spots mean mould. See mould on a bag.

Preventing it

Empty the bag after every class, especially snacks and bottles
Hang it up at home instead of leaving it on the floor
Let it dry fully if it gets wet on the walk home

Questions people also ask

How do you get a damp smell out of a bag?

Clean and dry it fully open, then leave bicarbonate of soda inside overnight to absorb the remaining odour.

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See the Madrasah Bag size and care guide for our satchel's dimensions.

More on bag care and repair

← How to care for a leather satchel: the full topic guide