How to (Finally) Get That Mildew Smell Out of Your Clothes, According to Laundry Pros

It happens to the best of us: You start a load of laundry with every intention of switching it out to the dryer after its cycle, but distractions happen. And this is when mildew occurs. Fortunately, if your clothes have a lingering musty smelly after washing, all it takes is a little know-how to return them to their former odor-free glory.

We went to the laundry experts to find out exactly how to get that pesky mildew smell out of your clothes, giving your garments a long, well-fragranced future.

Why Do Your Clothes Smell Like Mildew?

According to laundry and appliance expert Morgan LaLonde, mildew smells most commonly form due to a few factors.

• High humidity: High levels of humidity and extended exposure to moisture (like if clothing items were left in the washer for too long) can be a breeding ground for mildew.
• Body odors and oils: Sweat and body oils can trap odor when they are not properly washed out of clothes.
• Improper storage: Storing clothes in tightly packed closets, drawers, and plastic bags with limited airflow—especially when still even a tiny bit damp—can cause moisture to be trapped and mildew to grow.
• Too much detergent: It can leave residue on your clothes that odor-causing bacteria feed on.
• A dirty washing machine: According to LaLonde, washers should be cleaned once a month in order to keep your clothes clean and smelling fresh.

Instructions for How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes

Because the types of fabric that make up our clothing are so vast, techniques for eradicating mildew from their threads similarly vary. President and co-CEO of AspenClean, Alicia Sokolowski, offers the following step-by-step methods so that you can treat each category of clothing safely and appropriately.

Materials Needed:

• White distilled vinegar
• Baking soda
• Mild laundry detergent
• Oxygen bleach (optional)
• Soft-bristled cleaning brush or old toothbrush (optional)
  

Cotton, Polyester, and Blends

"This method is best for items such as t-shirts, towels, bedding, or casual wear," says Sokolowski.

1. Check the care label to ensure the treatment and right temperature are both suitable.
2. Fill a bucket or a sink with hot water (if permitted by the fabric care label), and add 1 cup of white vinegar.
3. Submerge clothes for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight if the odor is particularly strong or persistent.
4. Place clothes in the washing machine. Add your regular laundry detergent, plus half a cup of baking soda, directly into the drum.
5. Wash on the warmest temperature allowed for your specific garment
6. Air-dry in the sunlight if possible, as the UV rays help kill any lingering mildew spores.

Silk, Wool, and Cashmere

According to Sokolowski, this method is best for items such as sweaters, lingerie, and scarves.

1. Fill a bucket or sink with cold water. Mix in half a cup of white vinegar.
2. Soak garments for 30 minutes, only agitating gently to avoid damage to the delicate fabrics.
3. Rinse in cold water until the vinegar smell is gone.
4. Hand-wash with a gentle detergent made for delicates.
5. Lay the items flat to dry in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent these delicates from fading or pilling.

Activewear

Follow this step-by-step guide for your workout clothes or any moisture-wicking fabrics.

1. Turn the clothes inside out to better target sweat and odors trapped in the fibers.
2. Mix oxygen bleach with warm water, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Soak your clothes for 1 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of the smell.
4. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine.
5. Use warm water (if fabric-safe) and your favorite mild laundry detergent.
6. Wash your clothing with the vinegar rinse.
7. Air dry completely before storing.
   

How to Prevent Mildew Odors From Forming on Clothes

So you don't constantly have to perform the above treatments, keep mildew odors from forming in the first place. Heed our experts' tips below for sweet-smelling success.

• Remove clothes from the washer immediately after the cycle ends.
• Dry your clothes thoroughly, using sunlight when appropriate as the UV rays can naturally kill odors.
• Avoid overloading your washing machine so that clothes can rinse properly.
• Use the correct amount of detergent to prevent buildup. The type of detergent you use matters, too: High-efficiency washers should only use high-efficiency detergent (marked with an "HE" on the packaging). Regular detergent can cause too many soap suds in low water levels, warns LaLonde, leading to residue build-up that can cause odors.
• Store your clothes in a cool, dry place with plenty of airflow.
• Run a monthly washer cleaning cycle. You can find instructions here.
• Rotate your wardrobe every season to free any trapped moisture in plastic storage containers.