Few things are worse than pulling clothes out of the closet or washing machine only to be hit by that unmistakable musty smell. Whether it’s from damp laundry left overnight or storage in a humid place, that mildew-like odor can cling stubbornly to fabric.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get musty smell out of clothes, you’re not alone — and the good news is, it’s totally fixable. With the right cleaning tricks and a few common household items, you can restore freshness to your clothes without harsh chemicals or endless rewashing.
Let’s dive into the best ways to banish that musty smell for good.
Why Clothes Smell Musty in the First Place
Before you tackle the odor, it helps to understand what causes it. Musty smells usually come from:
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Trapped moisture – leaving wet clothes in the washer or not drying them fully
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Mold and mildew growth – common in humid storage areas
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Sweat and body oils – absorbed into fabric fibers over time
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Poor ventilation – closets or drawers that don’t allow air to circulate
Basically, it’s bacteria and mildew thriving in damp environments — and that’s what you need to eliminate.
Quick Fix: How to Get Musty Smell Out of Clothes Fast
If you need a quick fix, try this simple routine that works for both new and stubborn odors.
1. Rewash with Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the best natural deodorizers. It kills odor-causing bacteria without leaving a lingering vinegar scent.
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Add 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the drum (no detergent yet).
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Run a regular wash cycle with hot or warm water.
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Once finished, smell the clothes — the musty odor should already be fading.
2. Wash Again with Baking Soda
For an extra boost of freshness:
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Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the drum.
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Run another wash cycle, this time with your usual detergent.
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Dry the clothes immediately afterward.
This two-step method (vinegar + baking soda) neutralizes even deep-set mildew odors.
Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Musty Smells
If your clothes still smell musty after washing, it’s time for a deeper clean.
Soak Overnight
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Fill a sink or basin with warm water.
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Add 1 cup vinegar and ½ cup baking soda.
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Submerge the clothes completely and soak overnight.
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Wash as usual the next morning.
This allows the vinegar and baking soda to penetrate fabric fibers and break down lingering bacteria.
Add Borax or Oxygen Bleach
For severe mildew or long-term storage odors, add ¼ cup of Borax or oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) to your laundry. These products help lift stubborn organic smells without damaging fabrics.
Dry Clothes Thoroughly — Every Time
Moisture is the #1 cause of musty odors, so drying your clothes properly is crucial.
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Use the highest heat setting your fabric can handle.
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If air drying, hang clothes in direct sunlight — UV rays naturally kill bacteria and remove odors.
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Avoid drying in damp basements or humid rooms.
Tip: If possible, run a dryer sheet or add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon) to your drying cycle for an extra burst of freshness.
How to Prevent Musty Smells in the Future
Once you’ve freshened up your clothes, keep them that way with these simple prevention tips:
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Don’t leave wet laundry in the washer — transfer to the dryer ASAP.
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Clean your washing machine monthly with vinegar and baking soda.
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Store clothes in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
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Use silica gel packs or moisture absorbers in drawers or closets.
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Wash gym clothes promptly — sweat buildup is a major cause of musty odors.
Regular maintenance is the secret to keeping your clothes smelling crisp and clean.
Natural Remedies to Try
If you prefer chemical-free options, here are a few gentle and effective choices:
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Vodka spray: Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle. Spritz musty clothes, then let them air dry — the alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria.
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Essential oils: Add a few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender oil to your wash for a natural fresh scent.
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Sun-drying: Nothing beats the power of sunlight to deodorize and disinfect naturally.
FAQs About Getting Musty Smell Out of Clothes
1. How do I remove musty smell from clothes without washing?
Hang clothes outside in sunlight or use a fabric refresher spray with vinegar or vodka. Let them air out for a few hours.
2. Why do my clothes smell musty even after washing?
Your washer might be harboring mold. Run an empty cycle with vinegar and baking soda to clean it, then rewash your clothes.
3. Can I use vinegar and baking soda together?
Yes, but for best results, use vinegar in one cycle and baking soda in another — using both at once can reduce effectiveness.
4. What’s the best detergent for musty odors?
Look for detergents with enzymes or odor-eliminating formulas, such as Tide Odor Rescue or Persil ProClean.
5. How do I keep stored clothes from smelling musty?
Store clean, fully dry clothes in airtight containers or fabric bags with dryer sheets, cedar blocks, or silica gel packets.
Conclusion: Fresh Clothes, Fresh Start
Knowing how to get musty smell out of clothes can save you from tossing out perfectly good garments. The key is to act quickly, use natural odor-fighters like vinegar and baking soda, and keep moisture under control going forward.
