How to get mildew smell out of clothes

Causes of musty, mildew smells on clothes

Understanding the root causes of mildew smells on clothes can help you prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here are three common reasons why clothes develop musty, mildew smells:

1. Humidity and moisture:

High levels of humidity create an ideal environment for mildew to grow. When clothes are exposed to moisture for extended periods, such as when they get left in the washer for too long, mildew can form and cause unpleasant odors. 

Select Whirlpool^® Washers like this model, come with a 12-Hour FanFresh^® Option that uses a built-in fan and periodic tumbling to help keep your clothes fresh until you can move them to the dryer.

2. Lack of airflow:

Proper airflow is crucial in preventing mildew smells. Storing clothes while they are still damp or in dirty conditions increases the chances of mildew growth. Additionally, when clothes are stored in tightly packed closets, plastic bags or drawers with limited air circulation, moisture can become trapped and contribute to mildew growth.

3. Dirty washer:

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned the inside of your washing machine, that may be a reason why your clothes smell like mildew. Cleaning your washer about once a month helps it deliver fresh results on laundry day. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions to help reduce residues and mildew odors.

By understanding these causes, you can take preventive measures to help ensure your clothes stay fresh and free from mildew smells.

Discover fresh new features from Whirlpool brand

Get help keeping your washer and laundry fresh with the FreshFlow^™ Vent System from Whirlpool brand. Select Whirlpool^® Washers feature the first fan-powered system with antimicrobial protection designed to help keep your clothes and washer fresh. These freshness features include the Dry Drum Cycle, FanFresh^® Option, and Antimicrobial rubber seal.

Difference between mold and mildew

Mildew and mold are both types of fungi that can grow on various surfaces, including clothes. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two. Mildew appears as a powdery gray or white growth on fabric, often accompanied by a musty odor and potential stains. In contrast, mold manifests as fuzzy patches in green, black, or brown, with a textured, slimy feel. Both thrive in damp, humid environments, making clothes stored in moist areas or left wet vulnerable to their growth.

How to identify mildew vs mold on clothes

If you notice a musty smell on your clothes, it may indicate the presence of mildew. Visible mildew on clothes will appear as a gray or white powdery growth. However, mildew may not be visible and your nose is usually enough to detect its presence. Mold generally has a stronger smell and is usually visible as darker spots or patches on fabric.

How to rid clothes of mildew smell

The unpleasant odor of mildew on your clothes can be upsetting. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can eliminate these smells and restore freshness to your laundry. Follow this step-by-step guide to effectively remove mildew odors and enjoy clean, pleasant-smelling clothes once again. Always consult your garment’s care tag before washing or drying.

1. Start by sorting your laundry:

Separate the affected clothes from the rest of your laundry to help prevent the spread of the mildew smell.

2. Pre-treat the affected areas:

Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the areas where the mildew smell is concentrated, ensuring good coverage.

3. Let the pre-treatment solution absorb:

Wait about 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down the mildew odor. Rinse vinegar from clothing. 

4. Wash your clothes as usual:

Add your regular detergent and half a cup of baking soda to the washing machine. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help eliminate mildew odors. Keep in mind that while baking soda is generally safe for most fabrics, you’ll want to spot-test it on a small area first, especially on delicate fabrics. Always check your care tags.

5. Choose the appropriate wash cycle:

Select the best cycle and water temperature for your clothes. Follow the care instructions on the garment labels to ensure you're using the correct settings.

6. Dry completely:

Once the mildew smell on your clothes is gone, it’s time to dry them. Hang clothes outdoors in the sunlight, if possible, as the sun's UV rays can help eliminate musty odors that may remain.

7. Store your clothes in a dry and well-ventilated area:

This helps prevent future mildew growth.

By following these steps, you can help rid your clothes of unpleasant mildew smells. Remember to always check the care instructions on your clothes and test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area before applying them to the entire garment. With proper care, your clothes can be fresh and free from mildew odor.

How to get rid of a musty smell in towels

A towel fresh from the drawer or dryer that greets you with a mildew smell is certainly an unwelcome surprise. But fear not, there are simple steps you can take to help get rid of that lingering odor and enjoy fresh-smelling towels.

• Wash on a Hot Water Cycle: One effective way to help banish the musty smell from your towels is by washing them on a hot water cycle. Hot water helps to kill bacteria and remove any built-up residue that may be causing the odor. It's best to use the hottest water temperature recommended for the fabric of your towels.
  
• Use an odor-fighting laundry detergent: When washing, try a laundry detergent that is specifically geared toward strong odors. Look for a heavy-duty detergent that specifically targets mildew or musty smells. These detergents may help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and leave your towels smelling fresh and clean.
  
• Soak in an oxygen-based laundry additive: For tough mildew odors on towels, try soaking them in water with an oxygen-based laundry additive for up to six hours before washing.
  
• Thoroughly dry your towels: After washing, it's important to thoroughly dry your towels. Hanging them outside in the sunlight is ideal, as the UV rays can help kill remaining bacteria and eliminate odors. If outdoor drying isn't an option, use a dryer on the highest heat setting recommended for your towels.

What to do if towels or clothes smell after washing

If your clothes, towels or blankets still have a lingering mildew smell even after washing, there are a few additional steps you can take to help get rid of the odor. 

1. Make Sure Your Washer is Clean:

Sometimes, the smell might be caused by mold or mildew buildup in your washing machine. Clean your washer, including the drum, detergent dispenser, and rubber gasket regularly to help prevent any odors from transferring to your clothes.

2. Soak Clothes in a Vinegar Solution:

Vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer and can help eliminate mildew smells. Fill a basin or sink with a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Soak your clothes in this solution for at least 30 minutes. Thoroughly rinse clothes before adding them to the washer.

3. Rewash Clothes with an Oxygen-Based Cleaner: 

If the musty smell persists, try rewashing your clothes with an oxygen-based laundry additive. These cleaners use oxygen to help break down and remove stubborn odors. Follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.

By following these additional steps, you can help eliminate mildew smells from your clothes and enjoy fresh, clean laundry. Remember to always check the care labels on your garments to ensure they are safe to be treated with vinegar or oxygen-based cleaners.

Preventing mildew odors on clothes

The best way to deal with musty smells is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are a few tips to help prevent this unpleasant odor from ruining your clothes, and your day:

• Store clothes properly to prevent mildew smells: To help avoid mildew smells, store your clothes in a cool, dry area and make sure the items are clean and dry. Don’t overcrowd your clothes and avoid storing items in plastic bags. A dehumidifier might also be useful in humid environments.
• Wash Damp or Sweaty Laundry Right Away: Moisture is a breeding ground for mildew. To help prevent damp or sweaty clothes from developing a mildew smell, wash them as soon as possible. Leaving them in a pile or in a hamper can create a perfect environment for mildew to grow.
• Tumble Wet Clothes in the Washer: If you can't dry your washed clothes immediately, choose a post-wash tumbling cycle if available on your washer. This keeps moist clothes from sitting stagnant and may help prevent the growth of mildew until you can dry them. Select Whirlpool^® Washers come with a 12-Hour FanFresh^® Option that uses a built-in fan and periodic tumbling to help keep your clothes fresh in the washer after a cycle.
  

Sometimes, the culprit behind smelly laundry is actually the very machine that’s meant to clean it. Washer interiors are exposed to moisture and if they aren’t cleaned or allowed to dry out from time to time, they can develop build-up leading to mildew. Read on to learn some great habits for keeping your washer clean, along with a few washer features that can help.

How to Keep Your Washer Fresh to Help Prevent Mildew Odors

When it comes to keeping your clothes smelling fresh and free from mildew odors, it's important to maintain a clean and odor-free washing machine. Here are a few simple tips to help you keep your washer fresh:

• Leave the Door Open: After each wash cycle, make sure to keep the washer door or lid open for a while. This allows the interior to dry out and helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. If you have a front load washer, make sure to clean the rubber door seal on occasion.
• Use a Dehumidifier: If your laundry room tends to be damp or humid, consider using a dehumidifier. This will help reduce moisture levels and help your washer dry out between loads.
• Run a clean washer cycle: Every 30 days or so, run your washer’s cleaning cycle with bleach or a specialized washing machine cleaner. Using affresh^® washing machine cleaner tablets¹ can clean deep inside your washer to help reduce residues and grime in hard-to-reach areas, such as the washing machine tub, valves, drain and more. Use these tablets monthly to help keep your appliance smelling fresh. 
• Run a Dry Drum Cycle: Select Whirlpool^® front load washers offer the Dry Drum Cycle that can be used to help dry out your empty machine after a wash cycle. Select the cycle after removing your laundry and a powerful fan goes to work removing excess moisture from the drum, rubber gasket and door.
• Use a Washer with Antimicrobial Protection: Consider investing in a washer with antimicrobial protection, such as this washer from Whirlpool brand, which uses antimicrobial protection on the rubber seal to help keep your washer fresh by preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold.

Frequently asked questions about mildew odors on laundry

What kills musty smells in clothes?

Combat musty smells in clothes by soaking for 30 minutes in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. Rinse the garment thoroughly before putting it in your washing machine. In addition, you can try adding half a cup of baking soda to your regular wash to combat mildew smell on clothes. Air drying clothes outside in the sunlight can also help, as UV rays may help kill odor-causing bacteria. Always check your care tags before washing, treating or drying your garments.

Can vinegar remove mildew smells on clothes?

Yes, vinegar may effectively remove mildew smells from clothes if used properly. Start by spraying a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water onto your garment and letting it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. then washing in your machine. For tougher odors, soaking clothes in the solution for 30 minutes may do the trick. 

Always check your care labels to make sure this treatment will work with your garment. Avoid vinegar on delicate fabrics and elastic

Does baking soda get rid of mildew smells?

Yes, baking soda helps remove mildew odors due to its alkaline nature, which neutralizes acidic odors like mold and mildew. When sprinkled on clothing or added to laundry, baking soda can help eliminate these musty odors. A half cup of baking soda in your regular wash can help combat musty clothes that smell like mildew.

How do you get mildew out of clothes that have been dried?

To remove mildew from dried clothes, soak the garments in a solution of one part white vinegar per two parts of water for at least 30 minutes. Then, wash them in the hottest water safe for the fabric, adding an oxygen-based bleach or detergent with odor/mildew remover. After washing, dry the clothes in direct sunlight to help eliminate remaining spores and odors. Repeat the process if the mildew smell persists.

Shop front load washers with fresh features

Whirlpool^® Washing Machines help you keep your family’s laundry fresh and ready to wear. Discover Whirlpool^® Washers with the FreshFlow^™ Vent System. Get the first fan-powered system with antimicrobial protection designed to help keep your clothes and washer fresh. It's a trio of freshness features including the Dry Drum Cycle, FanFresh^® Option, and Antimicrobial rubber seal.