How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Clothes: The Real Solutions That Actually Work

That musty, earthy smell haunting your favorite sweater? I've been there. Last summer, I forgot a load of towels in the washer for three days while on a spontaneous weekend trip. When I returned, the smell that greeted me was... memorable. Not in a good way.

Mildew smell in clothes isn't just unpleasant—it's stubborn. It clings to fabric fibers like a bad houseguest who won't take the hint. But after years of battling this particular laundry demon (and winning), I've discovered what actually works versus what just masks the problem temporarily.

Understanding the Enemy

Before diving into solutions, let's talk about what we're really dealing with. Mildew is essentially mold's less aggressive cousin—microscopic fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments. Your washing machine, that damp pile of gym clothes, or even clothes stored in humid basements create perfect breeding grounds.

The smell itself comes from microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that these fungi release as they feast on organic matter in your fabrics. Cotton, wool, and other natural fibers are particularly susceptible because they provide an all-you-can-eat buffet for these microorganisms.

What makes this smell so persistent is that regular washing often doesn't kill the spores completely. They hunker down in the fabric fibers, waiting for the next opportunity to multiply. It's like trying to evict squatters who keep finding new hiding spots in your house.

The White Vinegar Method (With a Twist)

Everyone talks about white vinegar, but most people use it wrong. Simply adding a cup to your wash cycle? That's amateur hour. Here's what actually works:

First, create a pre-soak solution using one part white vinegar to four parts hot water. The key is the temperature—hot water helps the acetic acid in vinegar penetrate deeper into fabric fibers. Soak your mildewed clothes for at least an hour, but I've found overnight soaking works miracles for particularly stubborn cases.

After soaking, don't rinse. Instead, transfer the clothes directly to your washing machine and run a hot water cycle (if the fabric can handle it) with your regular detergent plus another cup of vinegar. The double vinegar treatment ensures you're hitting those spores from multiple angles.

I discovered this method accidentally when I was trying to salvage a vintage denim jacket I'd found at an estate sale. The smell was so intense that single treatments weren't cutting it. Desperation led to innovation, and now it's my go-to method.

Baking Soda: Not Just for Your Fridge

Baking soda gets thrown around as a solution for everything, but with mildew, timing and application matter enormously. The mistake most people make is dumping it in with their detergent and calling it a day.

Instead, make a paste using baking soda and water—think toothpaste consistency. Apply this directly to areas where the smell seems strongest (usually armpits, collar areas, or anywhere moisture tends to linger). Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing.

For a whole-load treatment, dissolve half a cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water and pre-soak your clothes for two hours. The alkaline environment created by baking soda disrupts the acidic conditions mildew loves.

The Sun: Nature's Disinfectant

UV rays are lethal to mold and mildew spores. After washing your mildewed clothes, hang them outside in direct sunlight. Turn them inside out halfway through drying to ensure maximum UV exposure.

I learned this from my grandmother, who insisted on line-drying everything, even in winter. She'd say, "The sun cleans what soap can't reach." Turns out, she was onto something. UV radiation breaks down the cell walls of microorganisms and neutralizes odor-causing compounds.

If outdoor drying isn't an option, placing clothes near a sunny window works too, though it's less effective. Some people swear by UV sanitizing lamps, but honestly, nothing beats good old-fashioned sunshine.

Borax: The Heavy Artillery

When vinegar and baking soda fail, it's time to bring out borax. This naturally occurring mineral is incredibly effective at killing mold and mildew spores. Add half a cup to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.

A word of caution: borax is more aggressive than other methods. While it's natural, it's still a powerful cleaning agent. Always wear gloves when handling it directly, and keep it away from pets and children. I once made the mistake of being cavalier with borax and ended up with irritated hands for days.

For severe cases, create a borax solution (one cup borax to one gallon of hot water) and soak clothes for several hours before washing. This nuclear option has saved countless items I thought were destined for the trash.

Enzyme Cleaners: The Science Solution

Enzyme-based laundry products are specifically designed to break down organic matter—exactly what mildew feeds on. These cleaners contain proteins that literally digest the source of the smell.

Look for products containing protease, amylase, or lipase enzymes. Sports detergents often contain these because they're designed to tackle biological odors. Let the clothes soak in an enzyme solution for at least an hour before washing normally.

The downside? Enzyme cleaners can be pricey. But for valuable items or persistent cases, they're worth the investment. I keep a bottle specifically for my workout gear, which seems to attract mildew like a magnet.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

After battling mildew countless times, I've learned that prevention requires vigilance but saves enormous hassle. Never leave wet clothes sitting in the washer—set a timer if you're forgetful like me. I now use my phone's reminder function religiously.

Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing them. That "almost dry" feeling? That's an invitation for mildew. If you're storing seasonal clothes, add silica gel packets or cedar blocks to absorb excess moisture.

Clean your washing machine monthly. Run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Mildew often starts in the machine itself, especially in front-loaders with their rubber door seals.

When Nothing Works

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the smell persists. This usually happens with items that have been mildewed for extended periods or have gone through multiple mildew cycles. The spores have essentially become part of the fabric's structure.

In these cases, you face a choice: accept the item as a dedicated "dirty work" piece, attempt professional cleaning, or let it go. I've had to make peace with relegating some formerly favorite items to gardening duty.

Professional dry cleaners have access to stronger chemicals and processes that might save severely affected items. It's expensive, but for sentimental or high-value pieces, it might be worth trying.

The Bottom Line

Getting rid of mildew smell requires patience, the right approach, and sometimes multiple attempts. Start with vinegar and baking soda, escalate to borax if needed, and consider enzyme cleaners for stubborn cases. Most importantly, address the smell quickly—the longer mildew sits, the harder it becomes to eliminate.

Remember, that musty smell isn't just unpleasant; it's a sign of active microbial growth that can potentially affect your health and definitely affects your confidence. Nobody wants to be the person who smells vaguely like a basement.

Through trial, error, and more than a few ruined items, I've learned that persistence pays off. That load of towels I mentioned at the beginning? They're still in rotation, smell-free and softer than ever. Sometimes our mistakes teach us the most valuable lessons.

Authoritative Sources:

Blackwell, Meredith, et al. "The Fungi: 1, 2, 3 ... 5.1 Million Species?" American Journal of Botany, vol. 98, no. 3, 2011, pp. 426-438.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Mold: Basic Facts." CDC.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020, www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm.

Flannigan, Brian, et al., editors. Microorganisms in Home and Indoor Work Environments: Diversity, Health Impacts, Investigation and Control. 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2011.

Portnoy, Jay M., et al. "Health Effects of Indoor Fungi." Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, vol. 94, no. 3, 2005, pp. 313-320.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home." EPA.gov, 2023, www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home.