6 Tricks to Get Mildew and Musty Smells Out of Clothes
Effective Techniques to Eliminate and Prevent Mildew and Musty Smells in Clothes
Wash with white vinegar
Add baking soda to absorb odors
Soak in oxygen bleach
Dry in direct sunlight
Strip laundry to remove buildup
Prevent moisture and residue buildup
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That stubborn mildew or musty smell in clothes is one of the most frustrating laundry problems. It can linger even after washing, stick to towels and gym wear, and make freshly cleaned clothes smell worse than before. The good news? You don’t need to throw those clothes away—or mask the odor with heavy perfume.
With the right techniques, you can eliminate mildew smells at the source and prevent them from coming back. Below are six proven, practical tricks that actually work, explained step by step.
1. Wash with White Vinegar Instead of Detergent
Mildew odors are usually caused by bacteria and mold trapped deep in fabric fibers. White vinegar is one of the most effective natural solutions for killing odor-causing microbes.
Why This Works:
Vinegar breaks down mold spores and neutralizes bacteria without leaving chemical residue behind.
How to Do It:
Wash the smelly clothes in hot water (if the fabric allows) and add 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Do not add detergent during this wash cycle.
Important Tip:
Let the wash cycle finish completely, then smell the clothes before drying. Drying will “lock in” odors if they’re not fully removed.
2. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Deep Odors
Baking soda doesn’t just mask smells—it absorbs them at a molecular level, making it ideal for stubborn musty fabrics.
Why This Works:
Baking soda neutralizes acidic odor compounds and loosens trapped smells inside fibers.
How to Do It:
Add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine along with your regular detergent. For stronger odors, pre-soak clothes in warm water with baking soda for 2–4 hours before washing.
Best For:
Towels, athletic wear, and clothes that smell “damp” even when dry.
3. Soak Clothes in Oxygen Bleach (Not Chlorine)
Oxygen bleach is a powerful odor remover that’s safe for most fabrics and colors.
Why This Works:
It releases oxygen into the water, breaking down organic odor-causing compounds and mold residue.
How to Do It:
Dissolve oxygen bleach powder in hot water, then soak clothes for at least 4 hours (or overnight for severe smells). Wash normally afterward.
What to Avoid:
Do not use chlorine bleach—it can react with mildew residue and actually make odors worse over time.
4. Dry Clothes in Direct Sunlight Whenever Possible
Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that many people overlook.
Why This Works:
UV rays kill bacteria and mold while fresh air helps evaporate trapped moisture.
How to Do It:
Hang clothes outside in direct sunlight, ideally during warm, dry weather. Turn garments inside out for maximum exposure.
Extra Benefit:
Sun-drying also helps whiten fabrics naturally and reduce detergent buildup.
5. Strip Laundry to Remove Hidden Residue
Sometimes the smell isn’t mildew—it’s detergent buildup trapping moisture and bacteria.
Why This Works:
Laundry stripping removes residue from fabric softeners, detergents, and body oils that trap odors.
How to Do It:
Fill a bathtub with hot water and add:
½ cup baking soda
½ cup washing soda
½ cup powdered laundry detergent
Soak clothes for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally. Wash normally afterward without fabric softener.
Best For:
Towels, sheets, gym clothes, and heavily used fabrics.
6. Prevent Mildew Smells from Coming Back
Removing the smell is only half the solution. Prevention is what keeps your clothes fresh long-term.
Why This Matters:
Mildew smells usually return because moisture remains trapped after washing.
How to Do It:
Never leave wet clothes in the washer
Clean your washing machine monthly
Leave the washer door open after use
Use less detergent (more is not better)
Avoid fabric softener on towels
Key Habit:
Dry clothes completely—damp fabrics are a breeding ground for odor.
Conclusion
Mildew and musty smells don’t mean your clothes are ruined—they mean bacteria and moisture are trapped deep in the fibers. By using vinegar, baking soda, oxygen bleach, sunlight, and proper laundry habits, you can remove these odors completely and keep them from returning.
The key is treating the cause, not covering up the smell. Once you adopt these six tricks, your clothes will stay fresh, clean, and wearable—no matter how stubborn the odor once seemed.