Remedies to Remove Mildew Smell From Clothes
- Bleach will make that mildew disappear.Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
Begin by washing mildew out of the affected clothing, and rub the affected areas with powdered detergent. Wash the clothing in the hottest water setting recommended on the clothing tag using 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach. If the clothing can't be washed in hot water or bleach, soak it in a solution that consists of 1/4 cup of oxygen bleach. Ensure the bleach is labeled for all fabrics, and use 1 gallon of warm water for about 30 minutes. You will then need to wash the clothing normally. - Lemons take the mildew out of clothing.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Lemons are one of the strongest food acids capable of getting rid of most household bacteria. The clothes have a nicer smell, and lemons are less expensive as opposed to bleach and vinegar. To get rid of mildew, mix lemon juice and salt together until it forms a paste. Rub the paste into the area that is affected with mildew. Dry the clothes in the sunlight, and repeat the process until evidence of mildew is gone. - Vinegar contains an acetic acid that kills mildew and also prevents future growth of mildew. Vinegar is inexpensive and does not contain any harsh chemicals. While the washing machine is filling with water, add 1/4 cup of vinegar before adding the clothing. Wash through a complete cycle, and repeat if the mildew is still present. If the mildew smell is light, you can wash the clothing with your regular laundry detergent and, in the final rinse cycle, add 1 cup of vinegar.
- Baking soda is a natural cleanser and a multi-purpose item. It is nontoxic and inexpensive, which makes it such a good item to keep around the house for many purposes. Baking soda can be used for cleaning various items, such as bathrooms, clothing and floors. It is also a smell eliminator and normally a necessary ingredient in most baking recipes. To get rid of mildew in clothing, try let the washing machine fill with water, and add 1 cup of baking soda before adding the clothing to the washer, which should eliminate the mildew odor and make your clothing brighter all at the same time.
