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How to Remove Mildew Smell From Clothes

Do you want mildew smell-free clothes? Read more.

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How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes

Follow our tips to remove the damp smell from clothes and keep them beautifully fresh and fragrant.

When clothes smell damp, you know you've got a problem on your hands. Not only do you need to do something about the cause of the smell, but you also need to work out how to remove mildew smell from clothes.

We've taken on the challenge for you – all you need to do is keep reading to find out how to get rid of mildew smell in clothes and refresh your wardrobe.

In addition to washing your clothes with a fragrant detergent like Skip, try hanging a deodorizing sachet in your wardrobe or drawers to keep stored clothes smelling fresh.

How to Remove Damp Smell From Clothes

Clothes can start to smell damp and musty for all sorts of reasons. Knowing how to get mildew smell out of clothes means finding the cause of the problem, so here are a few possible solutions that could help with removing mildew odour from clothes in your wardrobe and drawers.

  • Try not to leave wet clothes sitting in the washing machine for too long before hanging them out to dry.

  • Want to get mildew smell out of clothes? Only put clothes away when they’re completely dry.

  • Removing mildew odour from clothes may be as simple as changing where you store your clothes. Put freshly washed garments away in a dry, clean environment.

  • Ever wondered how to get mildew smell out of clothes when they come out of the machine smelling damp? Your washing machine might need a clean – try adding a cup of white vinegar to the drum and running an empty hot cycle.

  • Using too much detergent can result in build-ups and blockages that prevent your clothes from being cleaned properly.

Of all the things you want to get rid of, the mildew smell out of clothes is certainly up there! Now you've found the source (or even if you haven’t), here’s how to remove the damp smell from clothes.

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The Fastest Way to Get Rid of Mildew Smell

The fastest way to get rid of mildew smell in clothes is to rewash your clothes on the hottest cycle allowed by the garment care label. When rewashing your clothes isn't an option, you can try:

  • Adding distilled white vinegar – A bit of vinegar in your soap tray will do just the trick.

  • Soaking your clothes in an oxygen bleach solution – This is an active ingredient in many detergents designed for both white and coloured clothes. Always be sure to read the safety and user instructions on the bottle.

  • Using a commercial odour removal product – Be sure to read the label and test the product on an inconspicuous part of the garment first. 

  • Line drying clothes the right way – Leave plenty of space between garments to ensure air can circulate and dry your clothes thoroughly.

  • Hanging a deodorising sachet in your wardrobe – Deodorising sachets naturally eliminate odours and gets rid of the bacteria that can cause mildew.

There are many different ways to get that unpleasant mildew smell out of clothes, so next time your clothes smell a bit damp, simply turn to these top tips from the experts!

Plus, if you have trouble with mould and mildew elsewhere in your home, have a look at this simple way to deal with it:

  • Take appropriate action to prevent future problems

  • Remove the damp smell by rewashing your clothes on a hot wash and adding white vinegar to the soap tray

  • Try not to leave damp washing in the machine for too long

  • Leave plenty of space between garments when line drying

  • Clean your washing machine regularly

For more laundry care tips, visit Skip today.

Originally published