How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes
When spring cleaning is just around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your clothing stays clean and free from unpleasant odors. Depending on the season, some clothing can retain a musty odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More. Perhaps you’ve just started unloading your spring wardrobe from boxes packed inside a closet all winter. Or, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More might have found nourishing food sources in your damp clothing, releasing the foul, musty odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More as soon as you break open the clothing storage container. Maybe your load of newly washed clothing simply smells awful. Leaving your clothes sitting in the washing machine can also spur moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth.
Whatever the cause for the musty scent lingering in your apparel, there are a few tried-and-true ways to eliminate musty smells from your clothing. It all starts with the washing machine, where clothes are revitalized season after season.
Musty Clothes from Washing Machine
Removing musty smells from clothes in the washing machine:
- Do a load of laundry, particularly placing importance on the musty-smelling clothing.
- You’ll first want to kill any moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More that are causing the musty stench. White vinegar, borax, and baking soda are nontoxic, household items that kill moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More.
- Run the washer on the hot water cycle, dousing the load with vinegar, borax, or baking soda. If the mustiness is especially strong, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar in the cycle.
- Add ammonia to the water (without detergent during the first cycle) in the load as an alternative.
- Rewash the clothing with detergent. However, make sure the laundry room has ample ventilationVentilation is the process of exchanging or circulating air ... More since ammonia spreads dangerous fumes.
Some tips to keep in mind to eliminate mold and mildew:
-
Hanging your clothes to dry in the sunlight can help to prevent the growth of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More.
Warning: Never mix bleach and ammonia. This deadly combination releases toxic gas into the air, leading to lung damage if inhaled.
- Hot water also destroys moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More. Clothing items that require a cold water wash can be washed more than once to remove all traces of mold and the resulting musty odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More.
- Bleach is an effective moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More killer. If your garments can be safely bleached, sanitize your clothes with bleach during the wash to remove the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More and the musty odors. Socks, white towels, and undergarments can be safely bleached, if the labels recommend it.
- Experts suggest dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More your freshly washed load outside in the sun on a clothesline. Direct sunlight is helpful in killing off any remaining mold In addition, you’ll enjoy a naturally fresh scent in your clothes by allowing them to fully dry in the wind and sun.
Clean Dry Musty Clothes
Certain garments may require dry cleaning. When a freshwater rinse is not an option, you can use the versatile household ingredient, baking soda, to remove musty odors from clothing. Baking soda is renowned for its ability to eliminate odors through absorptionAbsorption is the process by which a material takes in or so... More. Baking soda is also safe to use on various fabrics.
Remove Musty Smells with Baking Soda
- Sprinkle a generous amount of dry baking soda over the musty clothing.
- Allow the baking soda to absorb the odor-causing particles overnight.
- After 24 hours, take the garments outside and shake off the baking soda.
- A soft brush may be used to gently brush off any remaining baking soda particles.
- Hang the clothing outside for several hours to freshen up the garments. Repeat the process as necessary to remove all traces of odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More from the clothing.
A dry cleaning service is also an option to remove any musty odors from your clothing. Dry cleaners utilize powerful, deodorizing chemicals during their cleaning process.
Removing Musty Odors from the Washing Machine
A washing machine that harbors moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More will leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More to newly washed laundry smelling foul. If your washer is newer, use the tub clean feature to automatically sanitize the machine. In instances where the washing machine is an older model, run an empty cycle with bleach under the hot water setting to destroy the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More.
Once the machine has run its course, leave the lid open to dry the inside tub. It is recommended that you leave the washing machine lid open after every wash to prevent moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More from growing inside the damp recesses.
Eliminating Moldy Smell from Closet
Prevent mustiness in your winter clothing by storing them completely dry. Whether due to weather or sweat, damp clothing that is haphazardly thrown into a closet can start to release pungent odors.
Keep your closet clean and prevent musty smells from permeating your clothing.
Here’s how to eliminate musty smells from clothes stored in the closet:
- Eliminate musty odors from clothing by first emptying out the closet completely.
- Any clothing items you store in the closet must be washed and dried thoroughly prior to restocking the closet.
- Wipe down the closet doors and walls with the natural deodorizer, vinegar.
- Mix bleach and hot water into a spray bottle and spray onto any traces of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More or mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More to rid the premises of the fungiFungi are a group of organisms, including mold, mildew, and ... More.
- Allow the space to air dry 100 percent before returning your clean clothes to the closet compartments.
When you pack clothes after each season, remember to always ensure the garments and shoes are entirely clean and dry before placing them in the dark, unventilated spaces of your closet. This practical step will safeguard the clothes from mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, and musty odors all season long. Also, consider using charcoal bags to absorb excess moisture and remove the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More problem in the closet during the rainy season.
Removing Musty Smells from Clothes Professionally
When musty odors pervade your living space and constantly return even after you’ve taken steps to remove the stench, call a professional odor removal service. RestorationMaster in Minneapolis is equipped with powerful hydroxyl technology that destroys odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More particles.
Stubborn odors can be dislodged with advanced equipment and state-of-the-art techniques. Whether the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More in your home is due to sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More issues, water damage, pet smells, cigarette odors, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More or mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth, water damage, the presence of wild animals (like skunks or squirrels) or fire and smoke, RestorationMaster in Minneapolis will send a team of trained technicians to completely deodorize your home.
RestorationMaster in Minneapolis’s odor elimination process includes removal of the source of the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More, the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More itself, deodorization of furniture, carpets, upholstery, and additional porousPorous describes a material that contains small openings or ... More surfaces, and the sealing of porousPorous describes a material that contains small openings or ... More surfaces.
RestorationMaster in Minneapolis, reliably serves Minneapolis, MN as well as Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, and surrounding communities of homes and businesses.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
