The smell of freshly washed laundry drying outside on a warm day is delightful. But mildew odor? It’s vile. And it’s not just unpleasant—it smells because mildew is a type of fungus. There are plenty of reasons why clothes can end up smelling moldy or mildewy.
Our article tackles all these with plenty of practical advice on dealing with musty washing and unpleasant smells. We also share tips on preventing mildew from occurring in the first place.
Can Mildew Smells Be Washed Out of Clothes?
It's natural to assume that a tough detergent and a heavily fragranced conditioner will remove mildew smells in just one hot wash. However, thinking you can wash the mildew from your clothes like this is a mistake.
Mildew is bad for your health, so it's essential that you take steps to get rid of that unpleasant odor, which is a symptom of mold spores growing on your clothes and inside your washing machine.
Why Do My Clothes Smell Like Mildew?
There are several different reasons why your clothes can smell of mildew. Here are the most common:
- Leaving laundry wet in the washing machine for a few hours because you're busy or out at work.
- Putting damp or sweaty clothes in the laundry basket a few days before washing them.
- Soiled clothes: Soils include dead skin cells, sweat, and body oils; remember, the soil can be invisible but will still cause foul odors.
- A dirty washing machine that hasn't had a service wash in a while.
- Drying clothes in a cold, damp environment that lacks ventilation so they remain partially dry or just damp for several days.
- Hard water in your area.
How To Get Moldy Smell Out of Clothes: A Step-By-Step Method
Wash Clothes in White Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is the place to start; its astringent effect breaks up the bacteria, causing the smell. Bacteria live on dead skin cells, sweat, and tiny food particles in clothes.
White distilled vinegar contains 5%-8% acetic acid, which breaks down this material, thereby reducing the bacteria.
Put your clothes in the washer and pick the hottest program. Add one cup of white vinegar or half a cup of water to a cup of white vinegar and place in the machine.
The hot water and vinegar will destroy the bacteria on the clothing that causes the odor. You can repeat this process two or three times; just reduce the vinegar content slightly on each subsequent wash.
If you can't tolerate the smell of vinegar, lemon juice is an excellent and fresh-smelling alternative. Mix lemon juice with salt to make a paste and paint it on the mildew stains, or apply lemon juice all over the garment with a plastic spray bottle.
Next, Try Baking Soda
If the smell remains when you open the washer door, then don't despair. Baking soda is the next weapon in your 'bust the must' arsenal.
Rewash the linen on a hot wash, this time with a cup of baking soda. Baking soda has a neutralizing effect that will remove any lingering musty odor. You don't need your regular laundry detergent, just the baking soda.
Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners use methods to digest stains, dirt, organic waste, and odor; they break down the bacteria, dirt molecules, and soil that create bad smells.
When it comes to good and bad bacteria, think of enzyme cleaners as the good guys.
Freddie laundry sheets contain enzymes like protease, which help break down stains like sweat, blood, and grass, assisting in the cleaning process.
Our laundry sheets are formulated to work in hot and cold washes and are made without phosphates, dyes, parabens, or bleach.
Air Dry the Laundry
Drying outside will kill off the remaining bacteria in the linen and restore that lovely smell of line-dried washing. If you can't dry outside, then use a dryer.
Dry Indoors with Proper Ventilation
Hanging washing in the house to dry over several days will only cause the bacteria to re-grow; this may have caused the smell in the first place.
The trouble is that many people have no option but to dry their laundry this way in winter.
Proper ventilation can help, even if it makes the room seem colder. A lack of ventilation traps the mildew spores in the air.
Try to dry the washing in the warmest and driest room in the house (probably not the kitchen or the bathroom).
How to Prevent Mildew Smells in Clothes
Monthly Wash with Vinegar or Baking Soda
Washing your clothes monthly with baking soda or vinegar can keep mildew smells at bay, particularly in the winter when outdoor drying is difficult. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can buy a scented version or make your own.
Dry Your Clothes Thoroughly
Garments that go into the drawer or closet slightly damp will grow bacteria and smell of mildew. It's essential to fully dry your linen outside on the line or using a tumble dryer.
If you must line dry indoors during the winter, use a heated airer and keep the room well-ventilated.
Keep Your Clothes' Storage Fresh and Fragrant
Place silica gel packs or activated charcoal in your closet and drawers to absorb any moisture and help keep clothes fresh.
Ensure your storage is dry, cool, and well-ventilated. Never store clothes in plastic bags. Use cotton bags or acid-free boxes for garments you don't wear often.
Cedar blocks or wood rings are excellent choices. They have a lovely, fresh fragrance and are a natural way to control moisture. Unlike other woods, cedar can absorb water without rotting.
Look After Your Washing Machine
Doing a weekly service wash to keep your machine clean and fragrant is always good practice. However, if you live in a hard water area, then this is essential.
Hard water contains mineral deposits like limescale, which build up inside the machine, trapping dirt, debris, and bacteria in detergent residue inside the drum and internal parts. This leads to bad smells, which transfer onto your clothing.
Run a service wash monthly or weekly at 60 degrees or higher with white vinegar or a limescale detergent. Check the washing machine manual for instructions on what you can use. Remember to clean the door seal, drawer, and filters, too.
If you use a product not recommended by the manufacturer or incompatible with the washer, you could damage the machine and void your warranty.
Always open the machine door after a washing cycle, and don't close it until the washer is completely dry. Trapped moisture encourages bacteria growth. Pull out the detergent drawer, too, and let it dry.
Don't overuse detergent. Many laundry products like pods contain far too much soap, much more than you need, leaving a residue in the machine.
Dose liquid or powder yourself to the recommended amount, or use our laundry sheets, which dissolve in water in seconds and don't leave a residue.
Our laundry sheets are pre-measured for hand or machine washing and dissolve fully, helping to prevent excess detergent use and reduce plastic waste compared to traditional bottled detergents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Rewashing Clothes Get Rid of Mildew?
No, rewashing doesn't get rid of mildew odor because mildew is caused by fungal spores. However, a couple of rewashes with the right product in the machine may help remove mold and reduce unpleasant odors.
What Is the Difference Between Mildew and Mold on Clothes?
Mold and mildew are both types of fungus, but they look different and grow in distinct ways. Mildew is flatter in appearance and usually white, brown, or gray. Mold has a higher, fuzzy look and tends to be either dark green or black. It’s also more challenging to remove than mildew.
Can You Wash Mold Out of Clothes?
You can wash mold out of clothes, but you'll need first to remove any mold spores carefully and outside to avoid spreading them throughout your home. Moldy clothes should be pre-treated with an antifungal laundry product before running through the machine. Don't forget to clean the machine afterward.
Final Thoughts
No one wants clothes that smell of mildew, but with just a little bit of care, you can keep your laundry clean and fragrant. Freddie laundry sheets offer a convenient alternative to traditional laundry detergents. They help you care for your clothes while reducing plastic packaging—why not make the switch today?