Introduction
Have you ever pulled a piece of clothing out of the closet, only to be hit with the unpleasant smell of mildew? It’s a common problem, but one that can be fixed with the right methods. In this article, we will explore 16 effective ways to banish mildew smell from your clothes and revive your wardrobe.
5 Simple Ways to Banish Mildew Odor from Your Clothes
If you notice mildew smell on your clothes, try these simple methods:
Method 1: Sunlight and Fresh Air
Hang your clothes outside in direct sunlight and fresh air for a few hours. The sunlight will kill any bacteria and mold that are causing the smell. Make sure to hang the clothes on a clothesline or drying rack instead of laying them directly on grass or other surfaces that may have allergens or bacteria that could rub onto your clothing.
Method 2: Vinegar
Add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine before washing your clothes. The acidity of the vinegar will neutralize any mildew odor. Avoid using too much vinegar in your wash as it can harm the colors and fabric content of your garment.
Method 3: Baking Soda
Add a half cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that will help get rid of the mildew smell. Be careful using this on wool, silk, or other delicate fabrics as it may dull or weaken the fibers.
Method 4: Lemon Juice
Place your clothes in the washing machine with a cup of lemon juice and lukewarm water. The citric acid in lemon juice will help to neutralize the mildew odor. Be aware though that lemon juice can be a mild bleaching agent so you don’t want to use it too often or on certain fabrics or colors that can be damaged by it.
Method 5: Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus to your prewash cycle to kill bacteria lurking on clothes, which will eliminate the chance of odors emanating from mildew growth.
Say Goodbye to Mildew Smell: Effective Methods to Remove the Unpleasant Odor from Clothes
If the above methods aren’t enough to get rid of the mildew smell, try these more effective methods:
Method 6: Hydrogen Peroxide
Soak your clothes in a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to four parts water for 30 minutes, then add the clothing to your normal wash. Peroxide carries antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate mildew odor.
Method 7: Borax
Add a half cup of borax in the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent and wash your clothes as you normally would. Borax naturally eliminates odor-causing bacteria and will help get rid of the mildew smell.
Method 8: Activated Charcoal
Put a small portion of activated charcoal in an old sock and hang it in your closet to remove any lingering odors (this works best for small areas). You can also use a cloth bag to place activated charcoal in and put it in your garment bag or drawer.
Method 9: Enzyme Cleaner
Use an enzyme cleaner, like a pet stain and odor remover spray, to remove the mildew smell. Pour a capful of the enzyme cleaner into the washing machine, and wash your clothes as usual.
Method 10: Professional Dry Cleaning
If your clothes can’t be washed, and the other methods don’t work, bring them to a professional dry cleaner. Let the dry cleaner know that you’re trying to get rid of mildew smell in the garments, so they take special care while cleaning. The nature of dry cleaning and the chemicals used can help to kill bacteria and get rid of odors.
Tired of Mildew Smelling Clothes? Try These Quick and Easy Solutions
Prevent mildew formation through the following solutions:
Method 11: Use Fabric Softener in the Wash
Add fabric softener to the rinse cycle of your wash. This will keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean. It can also keep the fabric from absorbing odors in the air.
Method 12: Hang Clothes to Dry Properly
Don’t leave your damp clothes bunched up in the washing machine or dryer—hang them in the closet, outdoors or in a well-ventilated location. Hang them to dry and avoid overstuffing your closet. You can also hang more clothes per hanger to ensure adequate ventilation.
Method 13: Use a Dehumidifier in Your Home
Mildew grows in moist environments. Use a dehumidifier in the high-humidity areas in your home to reduce any extra moisture and prevent mildew from forming on your clothes.
Mildew Smell Be Gone: Tips for Reviving Your Wardrobe
To keep your wardrobe smelling fresh, follow these tips:
Method 14: Sort and Discard
Sort through your wardrobe at least once a year and get rid of anything you haven’t worn for six months or more. This is essential to avoid mildew issues and keep air circulation going in a crowded closet.
Method 15: Wash and Dry Clothes Properly
Take care to follow recommended washing and drying instructions that come with your clothing. Read labels to see if the garment needs to be laid flat to dry or machine dried on low settings. Avoid overloading the machine; a full load can trap moisture in the interior of the drum which can lead to mildew growth.
Method 16: Prevent Future Mildew
To prevent future mildew growth, keep your clothes clean and dry, and avoid leaving them in damp areas for prolonged periods. The golden rules for any mildew-related issues are cleaning and regular maintenance.
How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Clothes: 6 Effective Methods!
Recap the most effective methods for getting rid of mildew smell in clothes:
1. Sunlight and fresh air
2. Vinegar
3. Baking soda
4. Lemon juice
5. Essential oils
6. Hydrogen peroxide
Don’t Let Mildew Smell Ruin Your Clothes: Use These Proven Techniques to Eliminate the Unwanted Odor.
Follow these methods to revive your wardrobe and say goodbye to the unpleasant odor of mildew in your clothes.
Conclusion
Mildew smell in clothes is a common issue, but with these effective methods, you can get rid of it and revive your wardrobe. Remember to keep your clothes clean and dry, avoid over-stuffing your closet, and take care to follow recommended washing and drying instructions.