It’s happened to everyone at some point. You leave a load of laundry in the washer too long, and when you finally open it, that unpleasant musty odor hits. Even clean clothes can smell stale or moldy if moisture lingers too long. The good news is that you don’t have to toss them out. With the right steps, you can get rid of musty-smelling clothes and make your laundry smell clean again.
In this article, we’ll share some proven tips to get rid of mildew smell in your clothes.
What Causes Clothes to Smell Like Mildew?
That unmistakable musty scent comes from mildew, a type of fungus that grows in damp, dark places. When wet clothes sit in a pile or stay too long in the washer, mildew begins to form. This creates a buildup of bacteria and mold spores that cling to fabric fibers, leaving behind that strong, musty odor that’s hard to ignore.
How Can You Identify Mildew on Clothes?
You can often recognize mildewed clothes by smell alone. They carry a heavy, earthy odor that detergent alone can’t mask. Sometimes, you’ll also notice faint gray, green, or black patches on the fabric. If that’s the case, the mildew has already begun to grow, and the clothes will need a deeper cleaning to fully remove the mould smell and bacteria.
What Should You Do Before Washing Mildewed Clothes?
Before jumping into the wash, take a few minutes to prep. Shake out your clothes and inspect for visible mold spots. Brush off any loose residue outdoors so spores don’t spread inside. Then, rinse items in warm water to loosen buildup before adding them to the machine.
Pre-soaking is another helpful step. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts warm water and let clothes soak for 30 to 60 minutes. Vinegar neutralizes odors and kills mold bacteria, making your wash cycle much more effective.
How Do You Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes Naturally?
If you want to skip harsh chemicals, natural cleaning methods can be surprisingly powerful.
Here’s how to how to remove the smell of mildew from clothes:
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Use white vinegar.
Add one cup of vinegar to your wash cycle. It breaks down residue, kills bacteria, and deodorizes fabric naturally.
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Add baking soda.
Combine vinegar with half a cup of baking soda for an extra boost. Baking soda balances pH and absorbs lingering smells.
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Use hot water if possible.
Hot water kills mildew spores better than cold. Always check the care label first to ensure the fabric can handle it.
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Run an extra rinse cycle.
This helps flush away any leftover residue that might keep odors trapped.
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Dry completely.
Always air dry in sunlight or use a dryer on a high setting. Heat and UV light help eliminate remaining spores.
These simple steps are some of the best ways to get rid of mildew smell and restore freshness without using bleach or heavy cleaners.
What Cleaning Products Work Best Against Mildew Odors?
Sometimes, natural methods aren’t enough, especially if the mildew has been sitting for a while. In those cases, the best laundry detergent for mildew will contain enzymes or oxygen-based cleaners. These products break down organic buildup while leaving clothes smelling fresh.
You can also try:
Oxygen bleach
This is a gentler alternative to chlorine bleach that removes odor and light stains.
Borax or washing soda
These boosts detergent power and deodorizes fabrics naturally.
Specialty mildew removers
They are made for mildew laundry, these products target odor-causing bacteria while being safe on most fabrics.
What If Your Clothes Still Smell Like Mildew After Washing?
If you’ve followed every step and the smell still lingers, don’t give up yet. Rewash the load with vinegar and baking soda, then dry the clothes completely in sunlight. If your washer is old or rarely cleaned, the smell might be coming from the machine itself, not the clothes. That’s your next step.
How Can You Clean and Deodorize Your Washing Machine?
A dirty washing machine is one of the main reasons mildew smells keep coming back. To clean it, run an empty cycle with hot water, one cup of vinegar, and half a cup of baking soda. For front-loaders, don’t forget to wipe the rubber seal! That’s where most mold hides.
Do this once a month to prevent mildew buildup and keep your washer smelling clean.
How Should You Dry Clothes to Prevent a Mildew Smell?
Mildew thrives in damp environments, so proper drying is key. Shake out clothes before hanging or drying to improve airflow. If using a dryer, make sure each item is completely dry before folding. For air drying, sunlight works wonders, as it naturally disinfects and eliminates odors.
Avoid leaving clothes in the washer or basket for too long after the cycle ends, as even clean laundry can develop a musty smell if left damp.
How Can You Store Clothes to Keep Them Fresh?
Clean clothes can easily pick up a musty scent if they’re stored in humid places. Use breathable containers instead of plastic bins, and toss in moisture absorbers like silica packets or cedar blocks. Keeping closets ventilated also helps prevent that “closet smell” many associate with mildew.
What Everyday Habits Help Prevent Mildew Smells in Laundry?
A few simple habits can keep odors from building up in the first place:
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Always transfer wet clothes to the dryer immediately.
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Clean your washer monthly to prevent buildup.
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Use less detergent; too much soap traps moisture.
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Leave the washer door open between loads to air out.
Making these part of your routine keeps your laundry fresh and eliminates the need to constantly get rid of mildew smell after it appears.
When Should You Seek Professional Cleaning?
If mildew has deeply set into your clothes or you’re dealing with expensive fabrics, it might be time to get help. A professional laundry service has the right equipment, detergents, and drying methods to safely remove the smell of mildew from clothes without damaging them.
Fresh, Clean Laundry Without the Stress
If mildew odors keep coming back, it might be easier to let the experts handle it. Fresh by SpinXpress offers professional care through our laundry delivery service in Vegas Trail, Fort Worth, where we treat, wash, and fold clothes with care. Get the musty smell out of clothes. Our team uses high-quality detergents and specialized cleaning methods to keep your laundry smelling fresh and feeling soft every time.
Learn more about how our process works at Fresh by SpinXpress or check out how it works to see what makes our service different. You can also visit our Vegas Trail, Fort Worth location for easy pickup and delivery.
Say goodbye to mildew laundry for good, because with the right care, every load can come out fresh, clean, and ready to wear.