Effective Ways to Remove Mildew Smell from Different Fabrics
Have you ever wondered how to get mildew smell out of clothes? You pull off your favorite shirt out of the laundry, only to be hit with that icky mildew smell. It’s like your clothes took a field trip to a musty basement instead of getting the fresh laundry treatment.
Life gets crazy, and sometimes laundry gets neglected, just like having your wet gym clothes left in the basket.
That can start a breeding ground for mildew, the funky fungus that turns your clothes into odor offenders.
We’re here to guide you through banishing mildew smells without the stress. Think of it as a spa day for your clothes, minus the spa.
Read further and you will discover how to make your wardrobe smell like a breath of fresh air.
How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes?
Saving your clothes from that funky smell is possible. The first thing you should do is dump the smelling detergents because they won’t fix the issue.
We’re aiming to kick mildew out, not just cover it up. You don’t have to use a fabric softener when dealing with mildew.
It leaves behind gunk that can make the stink even worse. Give your washing machine some love. Mildew might be sneaking in from there, especially around the seal.
Remember, it’s not cool to leave damp clothes hanging around, but don’t worry we’ve got some simple methods to help bring the freshness back to your wardrobes.
1. Wash Your Clothes with White Distilled Vinegar
Use vinegar which is very good for cleaning by tossing your clothes into a hot washing machine.
Add 1 cup of white vinegar (or mix with ½ cup water if needed), and let the magic combo of hot water and vinegar eliminate bacteria for a fresh-smelling result. It’s that easy and your clothes will smell fresh.
2. Wash with Baking Soda
If your clothes still stink even after using hot water and vinegar, don’t worry because baking soda is good for getting rid of odors.
After washing with vinegar, just do it again with warm water and add one cup of baking soda.
This will make any leftover mildew smell disappear, leaving your clothes smelling like nothing at all
3. Let the Clothes Air Dry
If possible allow your clothes to air dry outside a little. It helps destroy any lingering bacteria. If that’s not possible, use a dryer.
Outdoor drying is a technique that kills bacteria off your clothes.
If the mildew smell sticks around, don’t worry, just do the whole process again, but this time, use a bit less vinegar.
4. Washing with Oxygen Bleach
Usually, we use regular detergent for laundry, but it might not cut it for that mildew smell.
If you must use a commercial detergent, go for one with oxygen bleach.
Just swap it in for your usual detergent to tackle that stinky laundry.
5. Use an Enzyme Odor Remover
When gym clothes hang out too long in the bag, they get a stubborn stink from sweat and mildew.
To tackle it, try using a detergent with enzymes that fight odors.
You can also add an enzyme odor remover along with your regular detergent for an extra punch against the smell.
6. Use Lemon Juice to Remove Mildew Naturally
If you’re not a fan of the vinegar smell, try using lemon juice to kick out mildew.
It’s a natural and eco-friendly fix for towels and clothes. Make a paste by mixing lemon juice with salt, put it on the mildew spots, wait a bit, then scrub with a soft brush.
After that, toss your clothes in the wash. You can also use a spray bottle to spritz lemon juice on the stained areas.
7. Remove Mildew Smell from Indoor Air
Now that your clothes are looking super clean with no mildew, don’t forget about the air inside. Mildew spores float around and make things stinky.
Azuna has this awesome All-Natural Odor Eliminator and surface Cleaning Spray.
It kicks out odors from mold and mildew in your laundry room, making the air fresh instantly.
What are the Causes and Prevention of Mildew Smells in Clothes?
Even the cleanest homes can get that musty smell in clothes.
It happens when your washing machine is dirty, or you forget wet clothes in there, or there’s leftover body stuff, or the water is hard.
The main cause of this smell is the invisible body dirt like sweat, dead skin, and oils. And the towel we use at home has about 70% of the dirt we can’t even see.
Avoid these scented detergents because this can just only cover up the smell and avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets because it only makes the stink worse.
Before you start a wash, check your washing machine for any mildew surprises.
It’s very easy to fit that mildew smell in your clothes. Instead of using a fabric softener, use scented vinegar.
Try to wash with vinegar or baking soda once a month to keep mildew at bay.
And if you’ve been sweating in your athletic gear, a few spritzes of our All-Natural Odor Eliminator & Surface Cleaning Spray before tossing it in the hamper or gym bag can help kick out mold, mildew, and bacteria.
What is the Difference Between Mildew and Mold?
Mildew looks kind of gray or yellow, and it’s powdery and flat. You might not see it, but your clothes will smell weird.
Now, mold is fuzzier and comes in black or brown. It’s a bit tougher to handle because it leaves stubborn stains.
To deal with mold, first, grab a stiff brush and scrape it off. Then, let your clothes soak in a mix of 1 part bleach to 3 parts hot water for 30 minutes.
Rinse and wash as usual. If the stain is gone but the smell lingers, do a wash with vinegar, followed by a baking soda wash.
With the methods on how to get rid of that funky mildew smell in your clothes, you won’t have that foul around your home again.
Whether you choose the vinegar and baking soda duo, or the lemon juice trick, getting rid of that stink is just simple.
And remember, a bit of sunshine or a good breeze while drying can be the final touch your clothes need.
So, the next time your favorite shirt decides to take a musty basement vacation, don’t stress. Just grab some kitchen magic, follow these easy steps and your wardrobe will smell fresh always.
