7 Proven Methods How to Get the Smell of Mildew Out of Clothes

That dreaded, damp smell. You pull a shirt from the closet or a towel from the hamper, only to be greeted by the unmistakable odor of mildew. It’s more than just an annoyance, it’s a sign of fungal growth that can ruin your favorite fabrics and even cause allergies.

At Zeppelin Cleaner, our textile care specialists know that simply masking the odor isn’t enough; you need to eliminate it at the source. This comprehensive guide provides proven, step-by-step methods to not only remove the smell of mildew and mold from your garments but also to prevent it from coming back. how to get the smell of mildew out of clothes, We’ll also tell you when it’s time to call in the professionals.

What Causes Mildew Smell?

Mildew is a type of mold that thrives in damp, warm, poorly ventilated environments. That forgotten load in the washing machine, clothes stored in a humid basement, or workout gear left in a gym bag are all prime targets. The smell is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) released as the mildew grows. To truly eliminate the odor, you must kill the spores themselves.

What is the Difference Between Mildew and Mold ?

If you’ve discovered a fuzzy patch in your shower or a suspicious spot on a wall, you might be wondering if it’s mold or mildew. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences that affect how you handle them.

At its core, both mold and mildew are types of fungi that thrive in moist, warm environments. They spread by releasing spores and can both cause damage to your home and health. However, understanding which one you’re dealing with is the first step to effective removal.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main differences:

Feature	Mildew	Mold
Appearance	Flat, powdery, or fluffy. Starts as white or gray and may turn brown.	Fuzzy, slimy, or hairy. Appears in a wider range of colors: black, green, red, blue.
Growth Pattern	Grows on the surface of damp materials (shower walls, fabrics, paper).	Penetrates deeper into the surface it lives on (drywall, wood, insulation).
Ease of Removal	Relatively easy to clean with a store-bought cleaner or vinegar and scrubbing.	Much more difficult to remove. Often requires professional remediation, especially if widespread.

What is Mildew?

Mildew is a specific type of surface fungus, often considered early-stage mold. It’s generally easier to treat and is commonly found on organic materials in damp areas.

• Where you find it: On shower tiles, window sills, fabrics, paper, or leather that has gotten wet.

• Health Impact: Primarily triggers respiratory issues like coughing, headaches, and sore throats for those sensitive to it.

How to Remove It: For most surfaces, a good scrub with a commercial cleaner, a diluted bleach solution, or undiluted white vinegar will effectively remove mildew.

What is Mold?

Mold is a broader category of fungus that can be much more destructive and persistent. It digests the material it lives on, causing significant damage over time.

• Where you find it: On food (like cheese or bread), and in buildings where there is chronic moisture or water damage (leaky roofs, basements, under sinks). Common types include the infamous “black mold” (Stachybotrys chartarum).

• Health Impact: Can cause more severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and respiratory infections. Toxic molds can produce mycotoxins that lead to serious health problems.

• How to Remove It: Small patches (less than 10 square feet) can sometimes be cleaned by the homeowner with proper protective gear. For larger infestations, or if it’s in your HVAC system, professional mold remediation is strongly recommended to ensure it is safely and completely removed.

For concerns about mold or mildew on your clothes or fabrics, Zeppelin Cleaners offers specialized cleaning processes that can safely remove spores and odors. Don’t risk spreading it in your washing machine that bring your items to the experts.

The Key Takeaway

Think of it this way: All mildew is mold, but not all mold is mildew.
Mildew is typically a surface-level, powdery nuisance that you can often handle yourself. Mold is a deeper, more invasive problem that can cause structural damage and serious health issues.

If you discover a fungal growth in your home and are unsure of its severity, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. For significant problems, or if the growth has come from contaminated water (like a sewage backup), contacting a professional is the safest course of action.

Why Do My Clothes Smell Like Mildew?

Understanding the cause is the first step to prevention. Mildew growth and that resulting musty smell in clothes occur when damp fabrics are left without proper air circulation. This creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew spores. Common culprits include:

• Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long.
• Storing clothes in damp, humid areas like basements.
• Drying clothes slowly in a poorly ventilated room.
• Not thoroughly drying clothes outside before putting them away.
• How to Get the Smell of Mold Out of Clothes
  

Best Way To Get Mildew Smell Out Of Clothes

If you discover mildew smelling clothes, don’t just toss them in the washing machine. Take these steps first:

1.  Shake It Out: Take the items outside and give them a good shake to dislodge any dry spores.

2. Pre-Treat: For visible mildew, gently brush off the spots outdoors to avoid spreading spores inside.

3. Sunlight: Hang the clothes in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV rays are a natural disinfectant and will help kill mildew and reduce the musty smell.

The 7 Proven Methods to Remove Mildew and Mold Smells

Method 1: The White Vinegar Wash

To remove mildew smell from clothes, wash the items with white vinegar, baking soda, or an oxygen bleach product, using the hottest water setting the fabric can tolerate. For persistent odors, pre-soak the garments in a solution of vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes before washing. After washing, air-dry the clothes outdoors in direct sunlight to help kill any lingering mildew and ensure they are completely dry.

How to do it:

1. Wash the musty smelling clothes on the hottest water setting the fabric can handle.

2. Add one cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser or directly to the drum at the beginning of the wash cycle.

3. Avoid using any fabric softener, as it can coat the fibers and lock in the smell.

4. After the cycle is complete, run a second rinse cycle to ensure all vinegar is removed.

5. Dry completely in direct sunlight if possible.

Method 2: The Baking Soda Soak 

Baking soda is brilliant at absorbing and neutralizing stubborn odors, making it ideal for tackling moldy smelling clothes.

How to do it:

1. Fill a bucket or your bathtub with warm water.

2. Dissolve one cup of baking soda in the water.

3. Submerge the smelly clothes and let them soak for at least 4-8 hours, or overnight.

4. Drain the water and launder the clothes as usual with your regular detergent.

5. Ensure they are dried completely.

Method 3: Oxygen Bleach

For severe cases or white fabrics, oxygen bleach (like OxiClean or a generic brand) is a fantastic, color-safe alternative to chlorine bleach. It lifts stains and destroys odor-causing bacteria.

How to do it:

1. Check the care label to ensure the fabric is safe for bleach.

2. Add the oxygen bleach to the drum or detergent dispenser according to the product’s directions for odor removal.

3. Wash on the warmest setting recommended for the fabric.

4. This method is excellent for removing mildew smell from clothes and revitalizing dingy whites.

Pro Tip: For a powerful one-two punch, you can add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle after using oxygen bleach in the wash (do not mix them together).

Method 4. Natural UV Treatment

 

 

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Ultraviolet (UV) rays kill mildew spores and help bleach away stains.

The Process:

1. After washing, hang the damp garments outside in direct sunlight.
2. Leave them for several hours, preferably for a full afternoon. Flip them over to expose both sides.
3. This works best on white or colorfast cottons and linens. Be cautious with delicate or dark fabrics that may fade.

    

Method 5. Using Chlorine Bleach for White Fabrics

 

 

Warning: Only use on all-white, bleach-safe fabrics.
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that will obliterate mildew spores and stains.

The Process:

1. Check the garment’s care label to ensure it is bleach-safe.
2. Add ¾ cup of chlorine bleach to your washer’s bleach dispenser for a standard load.
3. Wash on a hot water cycle with your regular detergent.
4. Always ensure the clothes are thoroughly rinsed and air-dried completely after bleaching.
   

    

    

Method 6. Enzymatic Cleaners for Organic Odors

 

 

Enzymatic cleaners (like those for pet stains) use bacteria to literally digest organic matter, including mildew spores.

The Process:

1. Soak the affected garments in a solution of water and the enzymatic cleaner according to the product’s directions.
2. Soak for the recommended time, often several hours or overnight.
3. Wash as usual afterwards. This is highly effective for strong, persistent smells.

Method 7. When to Call a Professional Dry Cleaner

Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If you encounter the following, it’s time to call experts like us:

• The smell persists after multiple treatment attempts.
• The garments are valuable, delicate, or made of wool, silk, or leather.
• There is visible mold growth that has damaged the fabric.
• The mildew odor is pervasive throughout a large number of items.
• Professional dry cleaners have industrial-grade solvents, ozone treatments, and expertise to safely salvage clothes you might otherwise throw away.
  

   

   

What If the Smell Persists? The Professional Advantage at Zeppelin Cleaners

Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough, especially if the mildew odors have deeply set in or the items are delicate. This is where professional dry cleaning shines.

Many customers ask us, “Does dry cleaning remove mold“ The answer is a definitive yes. Our professional-grade solvents and specialized cleaning processes at Zeppelin Cleaners are designed to do what home washing cannot:

• Deep Penetration: Our solvents effectively penetrate fibers to break down and dissolve the oily, organic compounds that cause mold odor.

• No Moisture: Since the process is chemical-based and uses no water, it prevents further mildew growth and is ideal for fabrics that cannot be wet-washed (e.g., wool, silk, suede).

• Expert Handling: Our technicians are trained to identify and treat mold or mildew on clothes on a wide variety of fabrics, ensuring your garments are treated safely and effectively.

If you’ve tried everything and your clothes still smell like mold, it’s time to bring them to Zeppelin Cleaners. We guarantee to get rid of mildew and musty smell in clothes or your money back.

How to Keep Musty Smells from Coming Back

The best way to deal with a musty smell is to stop it before it starts. Here are our top tips for preventing mildew smells:

• Don’t Let Wet Clothes Sit: Transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer immediately.

• Ensure Complete Dryness: Make sure clothes are 100% dry before folding and storing them. Run the dryer a little longer if needed.

• Leave Washer Door Open: After finishing a load, leave the washing machine door and detergent drawer open to air out and dry completely, preventing laundry mildew.

• Use Moisture Absorbers: Place silica gel packets or desiccants in drawers and closets, especially in humid climates.

• Wash with Vinegar Occasionally: Run an empty wash with a cup of white vinegar once a month to clean your machine and prevent odor buildup.

The Zeppelin Cleaners Guarantee

Don’t let a musty smell of clothes ruin your favorite outfit or leave you feeling self-conscious. For fresh, clean, and professionally cared-for garments, trust the experts at Zeppelin Cleaners. We lift the stench, so you can soar in confidence.

Zeppelin Cleaners Contact Us today, where freshness takes flight.