How to Remove Musty Odors From Laundry

Whether it's from clothes that sat in the washing machine too long or clothes that were improperly stored, they can develop a noticeable musty smell that be equally irritating and embarrassing. Musty smells in fabrics is almost always the result of mildew. Mildew forms where there is both warmth and moisture combined. If articles of clothing seem to have a musty smell, there is no need to panic or discard it, there are several easy ways to have clothes smelling fresh and clean in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Ammonia
• Laundry detergent
• Liquid fabric softener
• Newspaper
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Place the musty laundry in the washing machine. Add a cup of vinegar and turn the machine on. Use the hottest water possible. Don't worry about detergent at this point. When the cycle is finished, run the washing machine as you normally would and add detergent. As soon as the clothes finish in the washer, move them immediately to the dryer. Allowing them to remain wet for any amount of time is what caused this problem to begin with. Make sure that the laundry is completely dry before taking them out of the dryer.

2. Place the laundry in the washing machine and begin to launder as usual using detergent and the hottest water possible. When the machine reaches the rinse cycle, add a cup of ammonia. When the washing machine is done, dry clothes immediately and thoroughly.

3. Wrap the musty clothes in newspaper and set in a cool dry place for at least two days. The odor will absorb into the newspaper. If after two days the smell persists, wrap in fresh newspaper and repeat.

4. Place the clothes in the washing machine and with detergent and turn the machine on. Add a cup of liquid fabric softener and allow the machine to agitate for at least five minutes. Turn the machine off and allow the clothes to soak overnight before turning it back on and finishing the cycle. Dry clothes immediately.

5. Wash the clothes in the washing machine. Omit any detergent and use baking soda instead. When the washing machine is finished, line dry the clothes so they can be exposed to sunshine. Sunlight is a terrific way to kill of any residual mold or mildew and eliminate odors.

Tips & Warnings

• Use laundry detergent with an anti-microbial or bleach additive. Bleach is very effective for killing mold and mildew spores but isn't always safe for dyed fabrics. For colored fabrics use a color-safe bleach.

• Both baking soda and bleach are highly effective for removing odors, but when used together they neutralize each other, rendering them both ineffective. Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes can be harmful. Hot water isn't safe for all fabrics, so read the care instructions on the label carefully.