Introduction
There’s nothing worse than pulling out freshly washed clothes only to be greeted by a damp, musty odour. That smell is mildew — a fungus that thrives in moist environments. Whether it’s because of leaving clothes in the washer too long or storing laundry in a humid place, mildew odour is a real problem.
The good news? You can easily learn how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes with some simple and natural methods.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover what causes the mildew smell, how to remove it effectively, how to prevent it from returning, and much more. Let’s dive in and say goodbye to smelly laundry for good!
What Causes Mildew Smell in Clothes?
Before we explore how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes, it’s important to understand what causes it in the first place. Here are the most common reasons:
Wet clothes left in the washer too long
Storing damp clothes in closed or humid spaces
Washing clothes in a dirty or mouldy machine
Poor ventilation in the laundry room or closet
Wearing and reusing clothes without washing them properly
Mildew thrives in dark, moist, and warm environments. When your clothes are exposed to these conditions, mould and bacteria start growing, which results in that musty, unpleasant odour.
How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Clothes: Proven Methods
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter — how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes once and for all. These methods are safe, natural, and effective.
1. Rewash Clothes Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most powerful and natural deodorizers.
How to use it:
Place your musty-smelling clothes in the washing machine.
Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the drum (not the detergent dispenser).
Run a hot water cycle (if safe for the fabric).
Do not add detergent in this first cycle.
Vinegar works by breaking down mildew buildup and neutralizing odour-causing bacteria. It’s a great start if you’re wondering how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes naturally.
2. Follow Up with Baking Soda Wash
After the vinegar wash, your clothes may need a second cleaning round to eliminate the smell. That’s where baking soda comes in.
Steps:
Add ½ cup of baking soda to the detergent compartment.
Rewash the clothes with your regular detergent.
Use warm or hot water if the fabric allows.
This two-step process is very effective in removing even strong mildew odours.
3. Dry Clothes in Direct Sunlight
Drying your clothes under direct sunlight can do wonders. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties and helps to kill any lingering mildew spores.
After rewashing, hang clothes outside in the sun.
Make sure the clothes dry completely before folding or storing.
Drying properly is essential when figuring out how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes, because even slightly damp fabric can trigger mildew all over again.
4. Use Essential Oils (Optional)
If you want your laundry to smell extra fresh, add a few essential oil drops during the rinse cycle. Tea tree oil, lavender, or eucalyptus are great choices that help fight bacteria.
5. Clean Your Washing Machine
A dirty washing machine is one of the most overlooked causes of mildew smell. If your washer smells funky, your clothes will too.
How to clean your washer:
Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar.
Add ½ cup baking soda to the detergent compartment and run another cycle.
Wipe down the rubber seals and inner parts of the machine.
Keeping your washing machine clean is just as important as the clothes if you want to consistently know how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes.
Natural Alternatives to Remove Mildew Smell
If you prefer chemical-free solutions, here are more natural options:
Lemon Juice Soak
Lemon is a natural deodorizer and adds a fresh scent.
Mix ½ cup of lemon juice in a bucket of water.
Soak your clothes for 30–60 minutes.
Wash as usual.
Borax
Borax is a natural mineral that fights mould and mildew effectively.
Add ½ cup of borax to your wash cycle with detergent.
Works best on cotton and non-delicate fabrics.
These natural hacks are eco-friendly, gentle, and highly useful for anyone learning how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes without harsh chemicals.
Preventing Mildew Smell in Clothes
Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to mildew. Here’s how you can avoid dealing with musty clothes again.
1. Don’t Let Wet Clothes Sit
Transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer immediately. Even leaving them for a few hours in a humid environment can cause mildew to develop.
2. Always Dry Clothes Thoroughly
Make sure clothes are 100% dry before folding and storing. Slight dampness is enough to restart mildew growth.
3. Keep Closets and Drawers Dry
Use moisture absorbers like silica gel or activated charcoal in wardrobes, especially during humid seasons.
4. Wash Clothes Regularly
Avoid reusing sweaty clothes multiple times. Wash them promptly to prevent odour buildup.
When you build these habits into your laundry routine, you’ll never have to worry about how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes again!
When Should You Discard Mildew-Affected Clothes?
Sometimes, mildew damage can be too severe to fix. If your clothes have:
Visible mold patches
Permanent fabric damage
The strong smell, even after multiple washes
Then, let go of those items. Your health is more important — and now that you know how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes, you can protect your future laundry from the same fate.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the best method to eliminate mildew smell in clothes?
The best method is a two-step process — wash the clothes with white vinegar first, then follow with a baking soda and detergent wash. This is the most effective approach if you’re serious about learning how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes.
Q2: Can mildew smell be harmful?
Yes. Mildew can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. That’s why it’s important to act fast once you realize you need to learn how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes.
Q3: Is it okay to use bleach for mildew smell?
Yes, bleach can be effective — but only for white clothes or color-safe fabrics. It kills mould spores instantly. Use it carefully, as it can damage delicate fabrics.
Q4: My clothes still smell after washing. Why?
You probably didn’t address the root cause. If you didn’t wash with vinegar or baking soda or stored the clothes damp again, the smell can return. Knowing how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes is about treating and preventing both.
Q5: Can I use fabric softener to hide the mildew smell?
No. Fabric softeners may mask the odour, but don’t eliminate it. Buildup from softeners can trap more bacteria. Use vinegar or baking soda instead if you’re focused on how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes for good.
Q6: How often should I clean my washing machine?
At least once a month. A dirty washer will keep transferring mildew bacteria to your clothes. Cleaning your machine regularly helps ensure you won’t have to constantly figure out how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes.
Q7: Can mildew smell come back after drying clothes?
If your clothes weren’t fully cleaned before drying or stored in a damp place, the mildew smell can return. Always finish the full cleaning process when removing the mildew smell in clothes.
Final Words
Smelly laundry is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right approach — vinegar, baking soda, proper drying, and good laundry habits — you’ll never have to stress again about how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes. Follow the steps in this guide and say goodbye to musty laundry for good!
