How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes

Mildew is a type of fungus primarily known for its presence on various surfaces, including damp clothing and textiles. It is often characterized by its white or grayish patches and creates a distinct musty smell, particularly prevalent in closed, humid environments or where wet clothes are stored.

This musty odor is a common issue in households, particularly in laundry contexts where clothes may not have been dried properly. The presence of mildew on natural fibers, can also contribute to the degradation of the fabric. The musty smells associated with mildew are often a challenge in laundry care, as they can linger even after a standard wash cycle.

In addition to the unpleasant odor, mildew can also cause various health concerns, especially in sensitive individuals, due to the spores it releases.

Here are four ways to get your clothes smelling fresh after they've fallen prey to mildew.

1. Table Salt and Lemon

Perhaps the easiest way to remove mildew stains is to use what's available in your own kitchen pantry — namely table salt and a lemon.

2. Water and Vinegar

Water and vinegar is another simple way to rid clothing of mildew. Use equal parts white vinegar and water, and soak the solution on soiled areas to remove mild stains. For tougher stains, try full-strength vinegar instead.

3. Borax

Comprised of boron, sodium, oxygen and water, borax is an all-natural mineral that's sometimes used to fight mildew.

4. Bleach

Bleach can also remove mildew stains, but be mindful to use it with caution; if handled carelessly, bleach's harsh chemicals can ruin clothing.

For washable fabrics, first rub a small amount of powdered detergent on mildew stains. If tags allow, wash clothing in hot water and add 1/2 cup (118 mL) of chlorine bleach.

When clothing labels don't permit the use of bleach and hot water, soak garments in a 1/4 cup (59 mL) of oxygen bleach — labeled perborate or all-fabric — in 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of warm water. The mildew stains should be gone after half an hour or so.

Prolonged exposure to mold and mildew can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. Many suffer immediately after being exposed to spores, especially if they rest on clothing in close proximity to the mouth and nose.

While it's impossible to rid the environment — indoors and out — of mold and mildew, it's important to regularly inspect clothing for stains and remove them when possible. Touching or inhaling mold and mildew can cause a wide range of health problems in both allergic and nonallergic people — regardless if the spores are dead or alive.

Ailments include throat irritation and nasal issues like congestion, sneezing and bloody noses. Eyes may water and turn red, and skin can break out in hives or rashes.

Who Is at the Greatest Risk?

People at high risk for mildew-related health ailments include infants, children, pregnant women, immune-compromised patients, the elderly and those with existing respiratory conditions.

Anyone with a history of respiratory problems should steer clear of damp areas — which are breeding grounds for mold and mildew — especially those with chronic lung illnesses like asthma, sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Health problems due to mold and mildew likely occur when people inhale large quantities of spores. In a 2004 study by the Institute of Medicine, a possible link was found between mold exposure and upper respiration problems.

When exposed to mold spores, those with asthma appeared to suffer from exacerbated symptoms, and even healthy participants exposed to mold and mildew-infested areas experienced coughing and wheezing. The Institute of Medicine also discovered limited findings that link mold exposure to respiratory illness in children who are otherwise healthy.

There's no question that mildew is extremely stubborn, but there are ways to rid your clothing of this pesky fungus and prevent it from coming back.

One of the biggest ways to prevent mildew is eliminating excess moisture from your home. How well is your home ventilated? Water vapor is constantly released into the air through daily tasks like cooking and bathing, but with good ventilation, the majority of moisture should evaporate.

To help air out your home, open windows regularly on warm, dry days, and use fans to circulate the air inside. Open closet and wardrobe doors, and invest in a dehumidifier for rooms that need help with air circulation.

Mildew's Preferred Fibers

Mildew grows on cellulose-based materials like cotton, linen, silk, leather and wool. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are usually resistant to mildew.

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.