How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes

Few things are more disappointing than pulling clean clothes from the washer only to find they smell musty. Damp gym gear, beach towels left in a bag, or laundry forgotten in the washing machine all create the perfect environment for mildew smell.

That odour comes from mould and mildew spores clinging to fabric. These spores thrive in warmth and moisture, leaving clothes with a smell that regular detergent often won’t fix. The good news is you don’t need harsh chemicals! There are safe, natural ways to get mildew smell out of clothes and keep them fresh.

Causes of Mildew Smell in Clothes

Mildew smell is triggered by a few key habits and conditions. Knowing the cause makes it easier to stop musty smells before they set in.

• Washer buildup: Soap residue and trapped water inside the washer drum or seal give mildew spores the perfect place to grow.
• Clothes sitting damp: Gym clothes, swimmers, or towels left in a basket or bag give off a musty odour fast.
• Humidity in summer: Warm air holds moisture that settles into fabrics, encouraging mildew growth.
• Storing clothes too soon: Putting away clothes that aren’t completely dry traps moisture in drawers or closets.
• Rewashing mistakes: Using too much detergent or fabric softener can leave a film that holds odours instead of removing them.

Natural Ways to Remove Mildew Smell Out of Clothes

Wash with Lucent Globe Laundry Sheets

1. Place your clothes in the washer.

2. Add one Lucent Globe Laundry Sheet directly into the drum with the load.

3. Run your usual wash cycle.

4. Dry your clothes until completely dry, preferably outside in sunlight.

If the mildew smell is stubborn, you can first soak the clothes in a mix of warm water and one cup of white vinegar for 30 minutes. Then wash them as above with a Lucent Globe Laundry Sheet.

Lucent Globe Laundry Sheets work without harsh chemicals. They dissolve fully in water, so there’s no residue left behind to trap odours.

Wash with White Vinegar

1. Place your clothes in the washer.

2. Add one cup of white vinegar instead of detergent.

3. Run a full wash cycle using warm water if the fabric allows.

4. Dry your clothes outside in sunlight or in a dryer until completely dry.
   Vinegar helps break down mildew odour and leaves clothes fresh without harsh chemicals.

Use Baking Soda for Musty Smells

1. Add your clothes to the washer as normal.

2. Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum.

3. Wash with your usual laundry setting.

4. Dry your clothes in fresh air or sunlight.
   Baking soda neutralises musty smells in clothes and helps keep your laundry fresh.

Try a Vinegar Soak for Stubborn Mildew

1. Fill a basin or tub with warm water.

2. Add one cup of white vinegar and stir.

3. Soak your clothes for at least 30 minutes.

4. Wash as usual afterwards and dry completely.
   This extra step is effective when mildew smell persists after a normal wash.

Use Hot Water for Fabrics That Can Handle It

1. Check the care label to see if hot water is safe.

2. Run a wash cycle with the hottest water recommended.

3. Add vinegar or baking soda for extra odour removal.

4. Dry your clothes fully before storing.
   Heat helps kill mildew spores and prevents musty odours from returning.

Dry Clothes Outside in Sunlight

1. After washing, hang your clothes outside on a line.

2. Make sure each item has space for airflow.

3. Leave them in direct sunlight until completely dry.
   Sunlight helps remove mildew odours naturally and keeps your clothes smelling clean.

What to Do if You Can’t Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes

If your clothes still smell musty after a wash, it usually means the mildew spores weren’t fully removed. A vinegar soak is a good next step. Fill a basin with warm water, add a cup of white vinegar, and let the clothes sit for about half an hour before washing them again with a Lucent Globe Laundry Sheet. This helps break down stubborn mildew odours that don’t shift in a normal cycle.

For fabrics that can handle it, washing in hot water is another way to get the mildew smell out of clothes. Heat kills the spores and can stop the smell from coming back. Always check the care label first so you don’t damage the fabric.

Sometimes the problem isn’t the clothes but the washer itself. Soap residue and trapped water inside the drum or seal make a perfect spot for mildew to grow. Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar, then leave the washer door open to dry. This prevents the smell from transferring back to your laundry.

Finally, make sure your clothes are completely dry before folding or storing. Even a little dampness can bring the musty smell back, especially in humid weather or when gym gear and towels are put away too soon.

How to Prevent Mildew and Keep Your Clothes Smelling Fresh

Don’t Leave Clothes Sitting in the Washer

Wet clothes left in the washer, even for a short time, create the perfect conditions for mildew smell. Move each load to the dryer or clothesline as soon as the wash cycle ends.

Dry Clothes Completely Before Storing

Clothes that are even slightly damp can start to smell musty in storage. Make sure they are completely dry before folding or hanging them in the wardrobe. This is especially important for heavier items like towels and jeans.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Humidity is one of the main causes of mildew and mould. Choose a spot with good ventilation and avoid plastic bags or sealed containers that trap moisture. Wardrobes with air flow help keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Wash Sweaty or Damp Clothes Straight Away

Gym clothes, beach towels, and sports gear should never sit damp in a basket. Washing them quickly stops mildew spores from spreading and keeps the smell from setting in.

Keep Your Washing Machine Fresh

A washer with residue or trapped water can transfer mildew odours back onto clean clothes. Run a hot empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar each month and leave the door open after use to let it dry fully.

What to Avoid and Why

Skip Harsh Chemical Cleaners

Bleach, ammonia, and heavy‑duty mould sprays can damage fabric fibres and leave strong chemical residues. They may remove the mildew smell at first, but they can shorten the life of your clothes and irritate your skin.

Don’t Try to Mask the Smell

Strong perfumes or air fresheners won’t remove mildew odours from clothing. They only cover the problem for a short time, and the musty smell usually returns once the scent fades.

Be Careful with Overusing Detergent

It may seem like adding more detergent will solve the problem, but excess soap can leave a residue that traps mildew spores. This build‑up makes it harder to remove mildew odours and can make your clothes smell worse over time.

Avoid Storing Clothes When Slightly Damp

Some people put clothes away before they’re fully dry, thinking they’ll air out in the cupboard. In reality, this traps moisture and creates the perfect environment for mildew growth. Always ensure clothes are completely dry before storing.

FAQs About Removing Musty Smells from Clothes

Can mildew smells come back after washing?

Yes. Even if your clothes smell clean at first, mildew odours can return if spores weren’t fully removed. This often happens when clothes aren’t completely dry before storing, or when the washing machine has mildew buildup in the drum or rubber seals. To stop the smell from coming back, wash clothes properly, run a monthly hot cycle with white vinegar in your washer, and always leave the door open so it can dry between loads.

How long does it take for mildew to grow on damp clothes?

Mildew can start within 6–12 hours if clothes are left damp in a basket, gym bag, or washing machine. In humid Aussie summers, spores grow even faster because moisture in the air soaks into fabric. The best way to prevent this is to move clothes straight from the washer to the line or dryer so they dry quickly and thoroughly.

Can I save clothes that smell musty after being in storage for months?

Often yes. A vinegar soak is a good first step: mix a cup of white vinegar into warm water and soak the clothes for 30 minutes. Then wash with a Lucent Globe Laundry Sheet, which dissolves fully to help remove mildew odours without leaving residue. Dry the clothes in direct sunlight if possible, as UV light helps kill any remaining mould spores. If the smell is still there after a couple of washes, professional cleaning may be needed.

What fabrics are most prone to mildew smell?

Thicker fabrics like towels, denim, and activewear hold more moisture, making them more likely to develop mildew odours. Synthetic sports gear can also trap sweat and bacteria, which causes clothes to smell like mildew quickly. Lighter cotton and quick‑dry fabrics are less prone, but only if you dry your clothes properly and avoid storing them damp.

Is it safe to wash mildew‑smelling clothes with the rest of my laundry?

It’s best not to. Washing musty clothes with the rest of your laundry can spread mildew spores and leave other clothes with a bad smell. Instead, wash them separately with vinegar or a Lucent Globe Laundry Sheet. If the smell is strong, run a second cycle with baking soda before mixing them back into regular laundry. This helps remove mildew odours and keeps your other clothes smelling fresh.

What’s the difference between mould and mildew in clothes?

Mildew usually grows on the surface of fabric and causes a musty smell you’ll notice before you see it. Mould tends to dig deeper into fibres and can leave dark or greenish stains as well as odour. Both are caused by dampness, but mildew is often easier to remove with vinegar or baking soda. Mould may require extra treatment or professional cleaning, especially if it’s built up over time.