Ever opened your washing machine only to be hit with that musty, damp smell? You’re not alone. Mildew smell in clothes is a common issue—especially if laundry sits too long in the washer or is stored while still slightly damp. The good news is, with the right techniques, you can get mildew smell out of clothes quickly and keep them fresh for good.
In this guide, we’ll cover proven methods (including natural remedies) to remove that stubborn musty odor, why it happens, and how to prevent it from coming back.
What Causes the Mildew Smell in Clothes?
That unpleasant “wet towel” scent is caused by mold and mildew, which thrive in warm, damp environments—like your washing machine or laundry basket.
Common culprits include:
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Leaving wet clothes in the washer too long
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Storing damp clothes in closed spaces
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Using too much detergent (which traps residue)
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A dirty washing machine harboring bacteria
Knowing the source helps you choose the right fix—and avoid future odor build-up.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes
Here’s how to remove mildew smell from clothes and bring back that fresh, clean scent.
1. Rewash with White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and antibacterial powerhouse—it neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals.
What you’ll need:
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1 cup of white vinegar
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Hot water (check your fabric’s care label first)
Steps:
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Add clothes to the washing machine.
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Pour 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the drum.
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Run a full hot water cycle (or warm if hot isn’t suitable).
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Skip detergent for this cycle.
2. Wash Again with Baking Soda
Baking soda works alongside vinegar to absorb and neutralize lingering odors.
What you’ll need:
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½ cup of baking soda
Steps:
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After the vinegar cycle, add ½ cup of baking soda directly to the drum.
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Run another regular wash cycle with no detergent.
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Air dry the clothes outside in sunlight if possible—fresh air and UV rays help eliminate odor further.
3. Try Borax or Oxygen Bleach (for Stubborn Smells)
If the smell persists after vinegar and baking soda, try borax or oxygen bleach—both are safe, non-toxic boosters that fight mildew.
Steps:
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Add ½ cup of borax or oxygen bleach to your laundry load.
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Run the wash on a warm or hot cycle.
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Dry completely before storing.
4. Dry Clothes Completely
Never underestimate drying! Even slightly damp fabrics can smell musty again within hours.
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Air dry outdoors whenever possible.
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If using a dryer, make sure clothes are fully dry before folding.
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Avoid overcrowding the dryer to ensure even airflow.
5. Deep Clean Your Washing Machine
Sometimes the issue isn’t the clothes—it’s the washer itself. Mold buildup inside the drum or detergent drawer can spread that sour smell to every load.
To clean your washing machine:
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Run an empty cycle with 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda.
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Wipe down the drum, rubber gasket, and detergent compartments.
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Leave the door open after each wash to air it out.
Natural Ways to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes
Prefer to skip chemical cleaners? Here are effective natural remedies:
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Lemon Juice: Add ½ cup to your wash for a citrus-fresh scent.
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Essential Oils: A few drops of tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus oil kill bacteria and add fragrance.
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Sunlight: Hang clothes outside—the sun’s UV rays naturally disinfect and deodorize.
Note: Avoid essential oils on delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
How to Prevent Mildew Smell from Coming Back
Keeping your clothes fresh is easier than fixing odors later. Try these preventive tips:
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Remove clothes from the washer immediately after the cycle ends.
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Use the right amount of detergent—too much can trap moisture.
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Clean your washer monthly with vinegar and baking soda.
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Store clothes in a dry, ventilated area.
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Use moisture-absorbing packets (like silica gel) in drawers or closets.
Quick Reference: Best Odor Removal Solutions
| Remedy | Main Ingredient | Best For | Effectiveness |
| Vinegar Wash | White Vinegar | Mild mildew smell | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Baking Soda Rinse | Baking Soda | Lingering odors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Borax Boost | Borax | Persistent mildew | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lemon Juice | Natural Acid | Light freshening | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sun Drying | Sunlight | Finishing touch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can mildew smell be removed from clothes permanently?
Yes. With vinegar, baking soda, or borax, you can remove mildew odor completely—just make sure to dry clothes thoroughly afterward.
2. Is it safe to mix vinegar and baking soda in the same wash?
It’s better to use them in separate cycles for best results. When mixed, they neutralize each other’s cleaning power.
3. What if the mildew smell doesn’t go away after washing?
Soak the clothes overnight in warm water with 1 cup vinegar and ½ cup baking soda, then rewash.
4. Can I use fabric softener to mask the smell?
Avoid it. Fabric softeners coat fibers, trapping mildew bacteria instead of removing them.
5. How do I get mildew smell out of towels or gym clothes?
Use the same vinegar-baking soda combo, then dry them outside or on a high heat setting.
Conclusion: Fresh, Clean Clothes—Every Time
Getting mildew smell out of clothes doesn’t require harsh chemicals or expensive products. With simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and sunlight, you can restore freshness naturally and prevent odors from returning.
