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In certain situations, a washing machine can help banish mildew, but if it falls short, you’ll need to put in a bit of hard work. rbkomar / Getty ImagesMildew is more than just an annoyance — it’s unpleasant, offensive, and can pose a risk to your health. It’s a form of mold, a fungus that thrives in damp environments such as dresser drawers, garment bags, and behind your closet doors.
But have you figured out how to get mildew smell out of clothes once it has set deep into the fabric? While it can be a challenging task, this fungus (and its stubborn, musty scent) can be defeated.
What Is Mildew?
Mildew is a form of fungus commonly found on various surfaces, especially damp fabrics and textiles. It typically appears as white or grayish patches and gives off a distinct musty odor, most noticeable in enclosed, humid spaces or places where wet clothes are stored.
The musty scent is a frequent household issue, particularly in laundry settings where clothes haven’t been dried thoroughly. Mildew on natural fibers can also cause the fabric to degrade. The persistent smells associated with mildew are often hard to remove, lingering even after a regular wash cycle.
Aside from its unpleasant odor, mildew can also present health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals, due to the spores it releases.
How to Get Mildew Out of Clothes
Here are four methods to restore a fresh scent to your clothes after they've fallen victim to mildew.
1. Table Salt and Lemon
One of the simplest solutions to tackle mildew stains is by using common ingredients from your kitchen pantry — specifically, table salt and a lemon.
- Mix lemon juice with salt to form a thick paste.
- Gently rub the paste onto the areas of clothing affected by mildew.
- Allow the garments to dry quickly in direct sunlight.
- If the stain remains, repeat the process until the mildew is completely removed.
2. Water and Vinegar
Water and vinegar provide another effective method for eliminating mildew from clothes. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water, apply the solution to the affected areas to tackle light stains. For more stubborn marks, try using full-strength vinegar.
3. Borax
Made up of boron, sodium, oxygen, and water, borax is a natural mineral that’s often used to combat mildew.
- Mix 8.5 cups (2 liters) of water with 2 cups (473 mL) of borax.
- Apply the mixture to the mildewed areas on your clothing.
- Let the garments soak in the solution until the mildew stains are gone — this may take several hours.
- Once the stains are removed, rinse the clothing thoroughly and dry promptly.
4. Bleach
Bleach is another option for removing mildew stains, but be cautious when using it; if not handled properly, its strong chemicals can damage fabrics.
For washable fabrics, begin by applying a small amount of powdered detergent to the mildew stains. If the care tags allow, wash the clothes in hot water and add 1/2 cup (118 mL) of chlorine bleach.
When the clothing labels advise against bleach and hot water, soak the garments in a mixture of 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 vanish within about 30 minutes.
Can Mildewed Clothes Make You Sick?
Prolonged exposure to mildew can lead to more than just a runny nose.
Brand X Pictures/ThinkstockExtended exposure to mold and mildew can have severe effects on your health and overall well-being. Many people experience immediate symptoms after coming into contact with spores, especially when they settle on clothing near the mouth and nose.
While it's impossible to completely eliminate mold and mildew from both indoor and outdoor environments, it's crucial to regularly check clothing for stains and remove them when possible. Handling or inhaling mold and mildew can lead to a variety of health problems for both allergic and nonallergic individuals — whether the spores are alive or dead.
Symptoms can include throat irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing, and even bloody noses. Eyes may become watery and red, and skin might react with hives or rashes.
Who Is at the Greatest Risk?
Those at higher risk for health problems caused by mildew include infants, young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Anyone with a history of respiratory issues should avoid damp areas, as these are prime breeding grounds for mold and mildew, particularly those suffering from chronic lung conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Health complications from mold and mildew typically arise when individuals inhale significant amounts of spores. A 2004 study by the Institute of Medicine found a potential link between mold exposure and issues in the upper respiratory system.
Asthma sufferers exposed to mold spores seemed to experience worsening symptoms, while even healthy individuals in moldy environments exhibited coughing and wheezing. The Institute of Medicine also reported limited evidence linking mold exposure to respiratory illnesses in otherwise healthy children.
Additional Tips for Preventing and Removing Mildew
There’s no denying that mildew is incredibly persistent, but there are ways to remove it from clothing and stop it from returning.
- High heat is often used to eliminate mildew from garments, but exposing clothes to intense sunlight or excessive heat can damage fibers and cause them to fade over time. Always check clothing labels and follow the care instructions to ensure your garments last longer.
- Mildew thrives in damp environments such as basements, attics, and closed closets, so it’s important to keep clothing as dry and clean as possible. Dirty clothes or those with grease stains promote mildew growth, so avoid leaving laundry on the floor or in the washing machine.
- Never store damp or unwashed clothes in a wardrobe or closet without thoroughly washing and drying them first.
- Paradichlorobenzene crystals, commonly found in mothballs, are known to prevent mildew from forming in areas where clothes are stored, such as garment bags or sealed trunks. Place a few mothballs in these storage areas to help prevent mold growth.
- If mildew is present and you’re unsure whether to keep an item, it’s better to throw it out. No one wants to part with their favorite clothes, but your health should take priority when dealing with mold-infested garments.
One of the most effective ways to prevent mildew is by reducing excess moisture in your home. How well is your home ventilated? Activities like cooking and bathing release water vapor into the air, but proper ventilation ensures the moisture evaporates before it can lead to mildew growth.
To improve ventilation, regularly open windows on warm, dry days, and use fans to circulate air throughout your home. Open closet doors and invest in a dehumidifier to help improve airflow in rooms that need it.
Mildew's Preferred Fibers
Mildew thrives on natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, leather, and wool. In contrast, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon generally resist mildew growth.
