How to Remove Mildew Smell from Clothes

That Musty Smell: What's Causing It

The musty, mildew smell in clothes is caused by mold and mildew spores that have colonized the fabric fibers — usually from clothes being left damp too long, stored in a humid wardrobe, or not dried properly after washing. The smell itself is produced by microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released by the mold. To eliminate it permanently, you need to kill the mold spores — not just mask the odor.

What You'll Need

• Heinz White Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray
• OxiClean White Revive Power Paks (for white fabrics)
• Cold or warm water

Step-by-Step: Removing Mildew Smell from Clothes

1. Soak in white vinegar solution. Fill a basin with equal parts Heinz White Vinegar and cold water. Submerge the smelly clothes completely and soak for 1–2 hours. White vinegar kills mold spores and neutralizes the musty odor at the source — not just masking it.
2. Add baking soda to the soak for extra odor absorption. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the vinegar soak. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that works alongside the vinegar.
3. Machine wash immediately after soaking. Don't rinse out the vinegar first — put the clothes straight into the washing machine. Add your regular detergent plus half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Wash on the hottest setting the fabric allows.
4. For white fabrics: Add an OxiClean White Revive Power Pak to the wash for extra odor elimination and brightening.
5. Dry completely in sunlight. UV light kills remaining mold spores and the fresh air eliminates any lingering odor. Never put clothes back in the wardrobe until completely dry — even slightly damp clothes will develop mildew smell again.

If the Smell Persists After One Wash

1. Repeat the vinegar soak for 2–3 hours.
2. Add Shout Enzyme Spray to the affected areas before washing — the enzymes break down the organic compounds causing the odor.
3. Wash again on the hottest setting and dry in direct sunlight.

Why Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets Don't Work

Fabric softener and dryer sheets only mask mildew odor temporarily — they don't kill the mold spores causing it. The smell will return within a day or two. You need to kill the spores with white vinegar or heat to permanently eliminate the smell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my clothes smell musty even after washing?

If clothes smell musty after washing, the mold spores weren't fully killed during the wash cycle. This usually happens when washing in cold water without a pre-soak. Try the white vinegar soak method and wash on a hotter setting, then dry completely in sunlight.

Can I use baking soda alone to remove mildew smell?

Baking soda absorbs odors but doesn't kill mold spores. It works best combined with white vinegar, which kills the spores causing the smell. Use both together for best results.

How do I stop clothes from smelling musty in the wardrobe?

Always ensure clothes are completely dry before storing, use moisture absorbers in your wardrobe, and leave wardrobe doors open occasionally to allow air circulation. Adding a small bowl of baking soda or white vinegar to the wardrobe helps absorb ambient moisture and odor.