How to Remove Mildew Smell from Clothes

You can remove mildew smell from clothes by using a few simple, natural materials such as vinegar and baking soda. If your clothes were left in water too long and have begun to smell musty, a regular wash may not always get out the mildew smell. Use this easy method to get out even the most stubborn mildew smell from your clothes, towels, or other fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Fabric softener sheet (optional)

Instructions

1. Add ¼ cup of vinegar to the washing machine as the water is running, and then add the clothes with mildew smell. Turn it off once it has filled with water, and allow them to sit in the water for at least one hour.

2. Drain the water from the machine, and refill with fresh water. Add your regular clothes detergent, wash the clothes normally, and most of the mildew smell should be gone.

3. Dry the clothes outside in the fresh air and sun, if possible, as this will help take out the remainder of the mildew smell. If this is not possible, dry them in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet.

4. If the mildew smell is still present after drying, place the clothes back in the washer with one cup of baking soda. Wash on normal cycle, and dry as directed above. This should remove any lingering mildew smell.

Tips & Warnings

• If this method to remove mildew smell doesn't get the mustiness out of your clothes, you may have to take them to a dry cleaner. This is a worst case scenario, and most of the time the treatment above will work.