How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever pulled clothes out of the washing machine or closet only to be greeted by a musty, unpleasant odor? That’s the unmistakable smell of mildew, and it can cling stubbornly to fabric, ruining your favorite garments and leaving you feeling less than fresh. Mildew isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a sign of mold growth, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, especially in sensitive individuals. Plus, nobody wants to walk around smelling like a damp basement!

Getting rid of that mildew smell is crucial for maintaining the quality and hygiene of your clothes. Ignoring it can lead to permanent damage and even the need to discard otherwise perfectly good items. Thankfully, there are several effective strategies for banishing that musty odor and preventing its return. With the right techniques, you can restore your clothes to their clean, fresh state and keep them smelling great for longer.

What causes mildew in clothes, and how can I eliminate the smell for good?

Besides washing, what else eliminates mildew odor from clothes?

Besides washing, several methods can eliminate mildew odor from clothes, including airing them out in direct sunlight, using a vinegar soak, applying baking soda, or employing a commercial odor eliminator specifically designed for fabrics. These methods often work best in conjunction with washing, especially for stubborn odors, but can sometimes freshen clothes without requiring a full wash cycle.

Sunlight is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. The ultraviolet rays kill mildew spores, and the fresh air helps to dissipate the musty odor. Hang the affected garments outside on a clothesline or over a chair in direct sunlight for several hours, turning them inside out to expose all surfaces. A vinegar soak is another effective method. Vinegar’s acidity helps to neutralize the mildew odor and kill remaining mold spores. Add one cup of white vinegar to a tub of cool water and soak the clothes for at least an hour before washing as usual. Baking soda is a powerful odor absorber. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the affected clothing, focusing on areas with the strongest odor. Let it sit for several hours, or preferably overnight, and then vacuum or shake off the baking soda. This can be particularly useful for delicate items that can’t withstand harsh washing. Also consider using commercial odor eliminators. Many brands offer sprays or powders specifically designed to neutralize odors in fabrics. Always test these products on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure they don’t cause discoloration or damage.

Can sunlight alone remove mildew smell from clothes?

Yes, sunlight can significantly reduce and sometimes completely eliminate mildew smell from clothes. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight kill mildew spores and break down the odor-causing compounds they produce. This is a natural and effective way to freshen up clothes affected by mildew.

Sunlight’s effectiveness in removing mildew smell stems from its dual action. First, the UV rays act as a natural disinfectant, destroying the mildew spores that are the root cause of the odor. Without the spores, the mildew cannot continue to grow and produce the musty smell. Second, the sunlight helps to break down the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to the unpleasant odor. These VOCs are released by the mildew and contribute to the characteristic musty smell associated with it. For best results, ensure the affected garments are thoroughly clean before sunning them. Washing the clothes with detergent and, optionally, a mildew-killing additive like vinegar or borax will remove visible mildew and further reduce the spore count. Then, hang the clothes outside on a bright, sunny day, ideally turning them inside out to expose the affected areas directly to the sun. The length of time required varies depending on the intensity of the sunlight and the severity of the mildew smell, but generally, several hours in direct sunlight will yield noticeable improvements. Repeated treatments may be necessary for stubborn odors.

What laundry detergent works best on mildew smells?

Laundry detergents containing enzymes, particularly those marketed for sports or heavily soiled clothing, are generally the most effective at removing mildew smells from clothes. These detergents break down the organic compounds that cause the odor, rather than simply masking them.

Enzymatic detergents contain specific enzymes like protease (for protein stains), amylase (for starch stains), and lipase (for fat stains). Since mildew is caused by mold and bacteria that feed on organic matter, these enzymes are crucial for breaking down the source of the smell. Traditional detergents, on the other hand, often rely on surfactants and other chemicals that lift dirt but may not fully eliminate the mildew-causing organisms. Beyond enzymatic detergents, consider using a detergent with oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) for extra deodorizing power. Oxygen bleach is color-safe and helps to kill mold and bacteria without damaging fabrics. It’s important to avoid chlorine bleach, as it can be harsh on clothes and doesn’t always effectively remove mildew odors. Always check the care label of your garments before using any type of bleach. In addition to a powerful detergent, ensure proper ventilation and thorough drying to prevent the mildew from returning.

How do I prevent mildew smell from returning after washing?

Preventing mildew odor from returning after washing requires addressing the root cause: moisture. Always ensure clothes are completely dry before storing them, and that your washing machine is kept clean and well-ventilated. Avoid leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for extended periods.

The primary reason mildew returns is due to lingering moisture creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. After washing, promptly transfer clothes to the dryer and ensure they are thoroughly dried. If air-drying, spread items out in a well-ventilated area, ideally in direct sunlight, which has natural disinfecting properties. For bulky items like towels and bedding, consider using a higher dryer setting or extending the drying time to guarantee complete dryness. Maintaining your washing machine is also crucial. After each use, leave the washing machine door ajar to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup inside the drum. Regularly clean the washing machine, including the detergent dispenser, rubber seals, and drum, using a washing machine cleaner or a solution of vinegar and baking soda. Pay close attention to the rubber seal around the door, as it can trap moisture and debris. Finally, consider these extra precautions:

• Avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can hinder proper washing and rinsing, leading to residual dampness.
• If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier in your laundry area to reduce moisture levels in the air.
• Store clothes in a dry, well-ventilated closet or drawer.

Is vinegar or baking soda better for removing mildew smell?

Both vinegar and baking soda can be effective at removing mildew smells from clothes, but vinegar is generally considered the stronger and more direct option for eliminating the odor itself. Baking soda excels at absorbing odors and can be used as a pre-treatment or alongside vinegar for enhanced results.

While baking soda is excellent at absorbing existing odors, vinegar’s acidity actively works to kill the mildew causing the smell. The acetic acid in vinegar disrupts the mildew’s cell structure, effectively neutralizing it. For particularly stubborn mildew smells, a soak in a vinegar solution (about 1 cup of white vinegar per gallon of water) before washing can make a significant difference. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a gentler approach. It’s fantastic for freshening clothes and absorbing lingering odors, and it’s especially useful for delicate fabrics or when you’re hesitant to use a strong acid like vinegar. Ultimately, the best approach often involves using both. You can pre-treat the affected clothes with baking soda, then wash them with vinegar added to the wash cycle (about 1 cup). Ensure the clothes are thoroughly dried after washing, preferably in direct sunlight if possible, as sunlight is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Avoiding fabric softener in this wash is also recommended as it can trap odors.

What if the mildew smell persists after multiple washes?

If the mildew smell lingers after repeated washing, it indicates that the mildew spores are deeply embedded within the fabric fibers, or that your washing machine itself might be contributing to the problem. More aggressive treatment and a thorough cleaning of your washing machine are necessary.

Persistent mildew odor often points to a larger issue than just surface contamination. The initial washes might have killed some of the mold and mildew, but the spores can be incredibly resilient and survive in the deeper layers of the fabric. Furthermore, detergents alone are often insufficient to fully eradicate established mildew colonies. In these cases, stronger disinfecting agents like chlorine bleach (for whites only), oxygen bleach (for colors), or vinegar are needed to penetrate the fabric and kill the remaining spores. Consider soaking the affected garments in a solution of one of these agents for several hours or even overnight before re-washing. However, before you continue washing the clothes, investigate your washing machine. Mildew thrives in the damp, dark environment inside washing machines, particularly front-loading models. Regularly clean your washing machine by running an empty hot water cycle with a cup of bleach or washing machine cleaner. Pay special attention to cleaning the rubber gasket around the door, as this is a common breeding ground for mold and mildew. Leaving the washing machine door ajar after use can also help prevent moisture buildup and mildew growth. If the smell continues in your clothes *and* is present in the washer itself, the washer likely requires professional cleaning or, in extreme cases, replacement.

Can dry cleaning remove a mildew smell in clothing?

Yes, dry cleaning can often remove mildew smells from clothing. The solvents used in the dry cleaning process are effective at killing mold and mildew spores, thus eliminating the source of the odor. However, the success of dry cleaning depends on the severity of the mildew growth and the type of fabric.

Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents, like perchloroethylene, instead of water and detergent. These solvents are better at penetrating certain fabrics and removing oils and grime where mildew can thrive. Because mildew odors often cling to these oily residues, dry cleaning can be more effective than laundering at removing the smell, especially in delicate fabrics or items that cannot be safely washed with water. Furthermore, the high heat used in the pressing process can also help to further kill any remaining mildew spores. For heavily mildewed items, it’s important to inform the dry cleaner about the issue. They may pre-treat the garment with a specialized mildew remover before the dry cleaning process. In some extreme cases, multiple dry cleanings may be necessary to completely eliminate the smell. If the mildew damage is extensive, however, even dry cleaning might not be enough to restore the garment completely, and the odor may persist.

And that’s it! Getting rid of that mildew smell can feel like a real victory, and hopefully, these tips have armed you with everything you need to freshen up your clothes. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful laundry hacks and cleaning tips!