Even after washing, mildew’s stench can linger.
Here are some quick and easy ways to get rid of the terrible odor mildew leaves behind.
How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes Quickly?
The Spruce / Erica Schroeder
Washing is the most effective way to get the mildew smell out of clothes quickly.
Of course, removing mildew smells completely make take more than a regular wash cycle.
Here are alternatives if a wash cycle doesnt get the mildew smell out of your clothes.
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
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White Vinegar
Vinegar is effective for stain and odor removal.
Create a spray that mixes equal parts water and vinegar.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Then, spritz it on your musty-smelling clothes.
Alternatively, fill a basin or tub with warm water and a cup of vinegar.
Soak the affected clothes for about 30 minutes and hang them to dry.
Repeat the wash cycle on the hottest setting.
Baking soda is alkaline, which will help neutralize any remaining odors.
A baking soda vinegar mix also works.
Use1/4to 12 cups of baking soda per load, then run a rinse cycle with white vinegar.
Lemon Juice
Because it is acidic, lemon juice works the same way as vinegar.
Fill a spray bottle with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Lightly mist the mildew-smelling areas of the clothes with lemon juice.
Let the clothes air dry in the sun, as sunlight also helps eliminate mildew odor.
Repeat the process if necessary.
Airdrying
Remove the laundry and line dry outdoors in the sun after washing clothes.
Heavier fabrics may need to be ironed afterwards.
Then, wash the clothes as usual with regular detergent and water.
Dry thoroughly before sniffing for a mildew-free scent.
Odor Eliminating Sprays
Commercial odor-eliminating sprays designed for fabrics can effectively eliminate the mildew smell.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you do not damage your clothes or yourself.
Remember, just because the smell is masked doesn’t mean the mildew is gone.
You’ll likely need to try one of the tactics above to actually kill the mildew behind the odor.
Other Ways to Remove Mildew Smells
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
Mildew vs.
Mold
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Both are unpleasant fungi, but they’re not the same thing.
Dehumidification help prevent mold and mildew from returning.
Thick clothing like sweaters and jackets tend to soak in moisture.
As do frequently used gym wear.
Don’t leave clothes sitting in the washer, it is important to keep laundry dryeven in the hamper.
Clothes can be hand washed (wear gloves), machine washed, or dry cleaned.
Unfortunately, mildew smell can linger long after the mildew has been removed.
Some unscented cleansing agents don’t mask or eliminate offending odors.
