Nothing ruins clean laundry faster than that damp, musty smell that clings to fabric. It can come from clothes left in the washer too long, stored in a humid closet, or exposed to mildew.
Wash clothes with white vinegar or baking soda and dry them completely in fresh air or sunlight to remove musty odors.
You’ll learn what causes that stubborn smell and how to tackle it fast. From quick fixes that freshen up your laundry to natural methods that keep your clothes smelling clean, each step helps you understand and control the problem.
Understanding Musty Smells in Clothes
Dampness, poor airflow, or hidden mold and mildew growth often cause musty smells in clothes. These odors cling to fabric fibers and can return even after washing if you don’t fix the cause.
Knowing what triggers the smell helps you stop it before it ruins your clothes.
What Causes Musty Odors in Laundry
Musty odors usually start when clothes stay damp too long. Leaving wet laundry in the washer or storing clothes in a humid area allows bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow.
These microorganisms release gases that create that stale, earthy scent. You might also notice a mildew smell when detergent residue builds up.
Too much soap traps moisture and organic matter in fabric fibers, providing food for mold. Dry your laundry completely before folding or hanging.
Clean your washer monthly to remove residue and hidden mold buildup. Keeping your laundry area well-ventilated also helps reduce humidity and stop musty smells from forming.
For more details on natural ways to prevent musty odors, check out this guide on removing musty smells from clothes.
Difference Between Mildew and Mold
Mildew and mold both grow in damp, dark places, but they aren’t the same. Mildew is a surface fungus that looks powdery or white and is easier to clean.
Mold can appear black, green, or gray and often grows deeper into fabric or walls. Mildew smells slightly sour or musty, while mold has a stronger, more pungent odor.
Both can form on clothes left wet for long periods, especially in humid climates. You can usually remove mildew smells with vinegar or baking soda washes.
Mold stains may need stronger cleaning methods or even professional help. Learning to tell them apart helps you choose the right treatment before your clothes are damaged.
How Mold and Mildew Affect Fabrics
When mold or mildew grows on fabric, it weakens fibers and leaves stubborn stains. Over time, the material can fade, stretch, or tear more easily.
The longer mold stays, the harder it becomes to remove the odor and discoloration.
Here’s how they affect fabrics:
| Problem | Cause | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Discoloration | Mold spores feeding on fabric dyes | Yellow, gray, or black spots |
| Fiber damage | Enzyme breakdown from mold growth | Weakened threads and holes |
| Persistent odor | Trapped moisture and bacteria | Lingering musty smell even after washing |
To protect your clothes, dry them in sunlight when possible. UV rays help kill mold spores and remove mildew smells.
If the odor persists, try a vinegar rinse or use a mildew smell removal method designed for fabrics.
Quick Steps to Remove Musty Odors
Moisture trapped in fabric fibers often causes musty odors. Dry damp clothes quickly, rewash them with odor-fighting ingredients, and use the right water temperature to kill bacteria and mildew.
Immediate Actions for Wet or Damp Clothes
Act fast when you notice wet or damp clothes. Leaving them in the washer or laundry basket gives mold and mildew a chance to grow.
Move them to the dryer or hang them outside in direct sunlight. Fresh air and sunlight help remove moisture and reduce odor naturally.
If you can’t dry them right away, spread the clothes out so air can circulate. Avoid piling them up.
You can also use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up drying. For strong smells, lightly mist the fabric with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Let it sit for a few minutes before drying. Vinegar helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
For more ways to handle musty laundry, check out these natural deodorizing methods for clothes.
Rewashing Techniques
Rewash clothes to remove lingering laundry odor that drying alone can’t fix. Add 1 cup of white vinegar or ½ cup of baking soda to your wash cycle.
Both ingredients clean and deodorize without harsh chemicals. If the smell is strong, run two cycles—one with vinegar and one with baking soda.
For delicate fabrics, use a gentle detergent and avoid bleach. You can also use an enzyme-based detergent that breaks down organic residue causing the odor.
For clothes that can’t be machine washed, sprinkle baking soda directly on them, seal them in a bag overnight, then shake it off.
You can also freeze items in a sealed bag to kill odor-causing bacteria, as suggested by The Spruce’s guide to removing musty smells from clothes in storage.
Choosing the Right Water Temperature
The right water temperature makes a big difference in removing musty smells. Hot water kills bacteria and mold spores better than cold water.
Use the hottest setting that’s safe for your fabric. Check the care label first.
If it says “cold wash only,” use warm water instead and extend the wash time. You might need to repeat the cycle for heavy odors.
For towels, sheets, and sturdy fabrics, hot water works best. For delicate or synthetic materials, warm water paired with vinegar or baking soda is safer.
According to wikiHow’s tips on washing musty clothes, the combination of heat and natural cleaners helps neutralize odors without damaging fabric.
Effective Washing Methods
Clean deeply and target odor-causing bacteria to remove musty smells from clothes. Use the right detergent, sanitizer, and additives such as oxygen bleach or borax to eliminate mildew and leave fabrics fresh.
Using Heavy-Duty Detergent
Choose a heavy-duty detergent made to break down body oils, mildew, and dirt. These detergents contain strong enzymes that remove odor-causing buildup better than mild or scented products.
Wash clothes in warm or hot water if the fabric allows. Heat helps activate the detergent’s cleaning power and kills bacteria.
Avoid adding too much detergent. Extra soap can trap residue and make musty smells worse.
Follow the label for the correct amount based on load size and soil level. If you prefer eco-friendly options, pick enzyme-based detergents without artificial fragrances.
They clean effectively while reducing chemical buildup that can trap moisture and mildew.
Adding Laundry Sanitizer
A laundry sanitizer helps kill germs that survive a normal wash cycle. It’s especially useful for towels, gym clothes, and fabrics that stay damp for long periods.
You can find both liquid and additive sanitizers. Add them to the rinse cycle or dispenser according to the package directions.
Sanitizers containing hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium compounds remove bacteria and neutralize odors without damaging fabrics.
For a natural option, try white vinegar. Adding one cup during the rinse cycle can help sanitize and freshen clothes, as explained in this cleaning guide.
Use sanitizers sparingly. Overuse can wear down fibers or irritate skin. Always check garment tags and test on a small area before applying new products.
Oxygen Bleach and Its Benefits
Oxygen bleach is a color-safe cleaner that removes stains and odors without the harshness of chlorine. It works by releasing oxygen when mixed with water, which lifts dirt and kills odor-causing microbes.
Use oxygen bleach on both white and colored fabrics. It’s less likely to fade colors than chlorine bleach.
Dissolve the powder in warm water before adding clothes to ensure even distribution. This method helps deodorize fabrics that still smell musty after washing.
According to The Spruce, washing with oxygen bleach can refresh fabrics that have been stored damp or forgotten in the washer.
Avoid mixing oxygen bleach with vinegar or other cleaners, as it can reduce its effectiveness.
Borax for Odor Removal
Borax is a natural mineral that softens water and boosts detergent performance. It helps remove musty odors by breaking down mold and bacteria that cling to fabric fibers.
Add ½ cup of borax to your regular laundry load. It works best in warm or hot water, where it dissolves completely.
Borax also helps balance the pH level in your washer, making detergents more effective. You can combine it with vinegar or baking soda for extra deodorizing power, as shown in this step-by-step guide.
Use caution with delicate fabrics and always follow care labels. Store borax in a dry, sealed container to prevent clumping and maintain its effectiveness.
Natural Solutions for Musty Smells
You can freshen your clothes using simple household items that neutralize odors and kill mildew. Everyday ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice work well without harsh chemicals or expensive products.
Vinegar Soaks and Rinses
White vinegar helps remove mildew smell and bacteria that cause mustiness. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle or basin.
Lightly mist or soak the fabric for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and air dry. If you prefer not to soak, spray and hang clothes outdoors to let the vinegar scent fade.
Always test a small area first, especially on delicate fabrics. You can also try the method described by wikiHow, which suggests combining equal parts vinegar and water, letting it sit briefly, and following up with baking soda for extra odor control.
Baking Soda Treatments
Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. Sprinkle it directly onto musty clothes, place them in a sealed bag, and let them sit for several hours.
Shake off the powder before wearing or storing. For stronger smells, mix ½ cup baking soda with water to form a paste.
Apply it to problem spots like underarms or collars, let it dry, and brush it off. As noted in Ready Steady Store’s guide, baking soda can also help kill mildew when paired with sunlight or ventilation.
It’s gentle, safe, and effective for both washable and non-washable fabrics.
Lemon Juice and Sun Drying
Lemon juice acts as a mild disinfectant that kills mildew and bacteria while leaving a light, clean scent.
Mix a few drops of lemon juice with water in a spray bottle and spray it on smelly areas.
Avoid using pure lemon juice, since it can discolor fabric.
Hang your clothes in direct sunlight after spraying.
The UV rays from the sun kill odor-causing microbes and refresh fabric fibers.
Combining lemon juice with air and sunlight removes stubborn musty odors without washing, according to The Cleaning Mommy.
Dealing with Persistent Musty Odors
A musty smell that lingers after washing often means mildew spores or trapped moisture remain in the fabric.
Odor-fighting sprays, targeted laundry products, or professional cleaning remove these stubborn smells and restore freshness.
Odor Eliminating Sprays
Fabric-safe sprays neutralize odors instead of masking them.
Choose sprays labeled as antibacterial or enzyme-based because these break down the organic matter that causes musty smells.
Products like fabric refreshers or natural options with tea tree oil or vinegar also help.
For quick results, lightly mist your clothes and let them air dry outdoors.
Sunlight kills mildew spores and speeds up deodorizing.
Make a homemade solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Add a few drops of essential oil for a mild scent.
Spray the affected areas and hang the clothes in a well-ventilated space.
You can read more about effective deodorizing methods in this guide on removing musty smells from clothes.
Specialty Laundry Products
When regular detergent doesn’t remove the odor, use laundry boosters like baking soda, borax, or white vinegar.
These ingredients neutralize pH levels and kill mildew spores that cause the smell.
Add one cup of vinegar or baking soda to your wash cycle.
If the odor persists, soak clothes in a solution of warm water and oxygen-based cleaner for several hours before washing.
Some detergents remove odors specifically.
Look for labels that mention enzyme cleaners or odor eliminators, which break down organic buildup from sweat, body oils, and mold.
A helpful list of natural and chemical options appears in this article on musty odor removal.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
If the smell remains after several washes, it may have penetrated deep into the fabric fibers.
Professional dry cleaners use special solvents that reach areas home washing can’t.
For delicate or vintage clothing, choose a green cleaner that uses liquid carbon dioxide or other eco-safe solutions.
This method removes odor without harsh chemicals.
Consider professional cleaning if you notice visible mold spots or if the fabric still smells musty after drying in the sun.
Learn more about cleaning stored or older garments in this detailed guide.
Preventing Musty and Mildew Smells in Clothes
Moisture, poor airflow, and detergent buildup cause laundry odor.
You can prevent mildew smell by washing clothes correctly, drying them fully, and keeping your washer clean so bacteria and mold don’t grow.
Proper Laundry Habits
Wash clothes soon after wearing them, especially if they’re sweaty or damp.
Leaving wet clothes in a hamper or washer creates the perfect environment for mildew.
Use the right amount of detergent.
Too much soap leaves residue that traps odors.
For high-efficiency machines, always use HE detergent to avoid excess suds and buildup.
Run a hot-water cycle when fabric care labels allow.
Hot water kills bacteria that cause musty smells.
Separate heavily soiled items like gym clothes or towels so they get a thorough clean.
Add white vinegar or baking soda to your wash occasionally to neutralize odors.
According to Martha Stewart’s guide, vinegar breaks down residue and removes lingering mildew smell.
Drying and Storage Tips
Dry clothes completely before putting them away.
Even slightly damp fabric can develop a musty smell.
Use a dryer on the right heat setting or hang items in direct sunlight—UV rays naturally kill mildew spores.
Avoid leaving wet laundry sitting in the washer.
If you can’t dry it right away, run a short rinse cycle later to refresh it.
Store clean clothes in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
Avoid sealed plastic bins for long-term storage, as they trap moisture.
Instead, use breathable containers or fabric bags.
If you live in a humid area, place silica gel packets or charcoal bags in your closet to absorb moisture.
As Consumer Reports notes, keeping humidity low helps stop mildew growth before it starts.
Cleaning Your Washing Machine
A dirty washer can spread odor to clean laundry. Run a monthly cleaning cycle with hot water and white vinegar or a washer cleaner tablet.
Wipe down the rubber gasket and detergent drawer where mold often forms. Leave the washer door open after each use so it can air out.
If you notice a persistent musty smell, scrub the inside drum and run another cleaning cycle. Regular maintenance prevents odor buildup and keeps your laundry smelling fresh.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.