How To Remove Musty Mildew Smell From Clothes and Towels

Struggling to find a way to get rid of the mold smell from that load of laundry that sat too long in the washing machine? There's an easy way to get rid of that awful smell and mildew odors once and for all that works every time! 

Do you ever have a problem with your clothes and towels getting a mildew smell? You can wash and wash them, but the smell still remains. 

Maybe you left wet laundry in the washing machine and forgot about them for days. Or if you are like my kiddo forget and leave a towel in the trunk of the car for weeks! 

Because my son is a swimmer I am constantly finding clothes and damp towels that are soaking wet and full of bad smells. He tends to put them in his swim bag and forget them. 

Then I find them a few weeks later at the bottom of the bag, smelling of mildew. If you are struggling with how to remove mildew smell from clothes or towels good news, because this trick is fantastic. Did you know that using regular laundry detergent can often make the smell worse instead of better?

It's actually the best way and one of the most effective methods I have found where I can use a natural product, which is also a win since we are trying to cut done on toxic and commercial cleaners. 

Do you have dark areas or sweat stains on your bed sheets? See my simple trick using a cup of borax and bleach tablets to cure it! 

What Causes the Mildew Smell in Clothes and Towels?

That musty odor in clothes and towels typically comes from mold and mildew growth, which thrives in damp, warm environments. When clothes or towels are left wet for too long—either in the washing machine, a laundry basket, or even when hung up in a non-ventilated area—this provides the perfect conditions for mildew to develop. Mold and mildew are forms of fungi, and when they start to grow on wet clothes, they produce that musty, unpleasant odor. 

• Moisture: Mildew loves humid environments. Whether it's clothes left in the washer, a damp pile of laundry, or clothes hung up in a humid place without good air movement, that dampness is like a welcome mat for mildew.
• Tight Spaces: If clothes don’t get enough fresh air while they’re drying, mildew can start to grow. This often happens when clothes are packed too tightly together in a closet or are hung up too close to each other.
• Warmth: Mildew also thrives in warm environments, so a hot and steamy laundry room isn't doing your clothes any favors.
• Food for Mildew: Yep, mildew needs to eat too, and it loves the natural fibers in your clothes.

Why This Laundry Hack Works 

Hot Water: Hot water helps in killing mold spores and removing the dirt and oils that can harbor these fungi. It also helps in loosening and removing existing mold and mildew spores from fabric fibers, making them easier to clean.

White Vinegar: Vinegar is acidic (and contains acetic acid), which makes it great at breaking down mold and mildew. The acidity helps to penetrate and kill the spores, preventing them from growing back. Additionally, vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so it neutralizes odors, getting rid of that musty smell mold and mildew leave behind.

What You'll Need 

• a cup of vinegar (just the plain white vinegar) Vinegar has antifungal properties that will kill mildew and mold growth.
• washing machine
• smelly clothes - or the source of the musty smell.

How to Remove the Mildew Smell From Clothes (and Towels) 

STEP 1: Fill the washing machine with water, use the hottest setting. 

STEP 2: Add 1 cup of white vinegar. 

STEP 3: Let the washing machine run for a couple of minutes so the dirty clothes are completely drenched. Turn the machine off and let them soak for 30 minutes. 

STEP 4: Turn the washing machine back on and let it run through the regular wash cycle. Do not add detergent or fabric softener. 

STEP 5: Once the cleaning cycle has finished, switch it to on an extra rinse cycle. 

STEP 6: Remove the damp clothing and lay them flat to dry or hang on a clothesline in direct sunlight. 

STEP 7: Check to see if there's any foul odor left. If not, wash the clothes on a normal cycle with detergent like you would any other time.

Keeping the Unpleasant Smells Away for Good 

• It's really important to clean your washing machine regularly, especially if you have a front loader. They use less water, and damp clothes mildew quicker in there, even if they don't sit in the basin for a long time. 
• Make sure clothes are fully dry before putting them away. 
• Consider using silica gel packets, activated charcoal, or other moisture absorbers in your storage spots to keep things extra dry, or leave your closet doors propped open for better air flow. 
• Avoid using too much detergent on a regular basis, this can actually lead to musty clothes. 
• The most obvious way to combat the unwanted odor of mildew is to dry your clothes immediately once they come out of the washing machine. 

I love when I find a natural cleaning product to replace things like chlorine bleach and other cleaners that have strong odors. Remember, that dirty washing machine needs cleaning often because it's such a damp environment. It's one of the leading causes of laundry odor and mildew. Also, keep in mind that when you use regular detergent, it does not mean you are getting rid of the mildew smell, it often makes it worse. 

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