Home Cleaning Quick Fixes for Mildew Smell in Clothes Without a Wash

Quick Fixes for Mildew Smell in Clothes Without a Wash

By Sophia W. Martin
3.2K views 1 min read

Weโ€™ve all been there: you open your closet or gym bag only to be greeted by that unmistakable musty, mildew smell. It happens when clothes get damp, whether from sweat, humidity, or being left in a pile for too long. 

The good news is that you donโ€™t always need to throw them in the washing machine to freshen them up. If you’re wondering how to remove mildew smell from clothes without washing, you’re in the right place!ย 

With a few simple tricks, you can eliminate that unpleasant odor and bring your clothes back to life without needing a full laundry cycle.

Why Do Clothes Smell Like Mildew?

Mildew thrives in damp, humid environments, so mildew can grow on the fabric when clothes are exposed to moisture and not dried properly. Whether itโ€™s leaving wet clothes in a pile, forgetting them in the washer, or storing them in a humid space, the result is often that characteristic musty odor.ย 

The smell can linger, even when the clothes are technically dry, making it necessary to freshen them up without necessarily washing them again.

Related Post: Reliable Methods to Remove Mildew Smell After Rain in Your House

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Mildew Smell from Clothes Without Washing

To remove mildew smell from clothes without washing, try air-drying the garments in fresh air and sunlight, use baking soda or vinegar to absorb the odor, or apply essential oils for a fresh scent.ย 

These methods will help eliminate musty smells and freshen your clothes quickly. So try these easy and effective methods to freshen them up.

Step 1: Air Out the Clothes in Fresh Air and Sunlight

One of the easiest and most natural ways to get rid of a mildew smell from clothes is to air them out in fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties, and fresh air helps to dissipate the musty odor.

  • Hang clothes outside: If possible, hang your clothes outside on a clothesline or drying rack. Direct sunlight helps kill mildew spores, while the fresh air will help lift the odor away.
  • Let them sit for several hours: Allow the clothes to air out for several hours or, if possible, leave them outside all day. The longer theyโ€™re exposed to fresh air and sunlight, the better the results.
  • Flip clothes if needed: If you’re dealing with thicker fabrics, flip the clothes halfway through the day to ensure both sides get proper exposure to sunlight and air.

Airing out clothes is one of the simplest ways to eliminate mildew smells without washing them, and itโ€™s particularly effective on mildly musty garments.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda to Absorb the Odor

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can absorb mildew smells from clothes, even without a wash. Itโ€™s gentle on fabrics and works well for refreshing garments that canโ€™t be washed frequently, like jackets or wool sweaters.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the fabric: Lay the clothes flat and sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the areas where the mildew smell is strongest. You can also place a small container of baking soda inside a garment bag or drawer if airing out is not an option.
  • Let it sit for a few hours: Allow the baking soda to sit on the fabric for several hours, preferably overnight. It will absorb the mildew odor during this time.
  • Shake off or vacuum the baking soda: After letting the baking soda do its job, shake off the excess or use a handheld vacuum to remove it completely from the fabric.

Baking soda is an excellent solution for clothes that canโ€™t be washed often, and it can quickly neutralize musty odors.

Step 3: Try a Vinegar Spray

White vinegar is a powerful natural deodorizer that neutralizes odors, including mildew. Itโ€™s safe for most fabrics and wonโ€™t leave behind any strong vinegar smell once it dries.

  • Create a vinegar spray solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar naturally kills mold spores and neutralizes mildew odors.
  • Lightly spray the clothes: Lightly mist the clothes with the vinegar solution, focusing on the areas where the smell is most noticeable. Avoid soaking the fabricโ€”just a light mist will do the trick.
  • Let the clothes air out: Hang the clothes in a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors) and let them air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as the clothes dry, leaving them fresh and free from mildew odor.

Vinegar is a great natural alternative to harsh chemicals and can be used to remove mildew smells without the need for a washing machine.

Step 4: Use Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent

If youโ€™re looking for a quick way to cover up the mildew smell with a more pleasant scent, essential oils can do the trick. Not only do they smell great, but some essential oils also have natural antibacterial properties that can help eliminate mildew odors.

  • Create an essential oil spray: In a spray bottle, mix water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus. These oils have refreshing scents and can help combat musty smells.
  • Lightly spray the clothes: Lightly mist the essential oil spray onto your clothes, focusing on areas where the smell is most noticeable. Be careful not to oversaturate the fabric.
  • Air out the clothes: After spraying, allow the clothes to air dry in a well-ventilated area. This will help disperse the mildew smell and leave behind a pleasant scent.

Essential oils are an easy way to refresh your clothes quickly, especially if youโ€™re in a rush and need a fast solution.

Step 5: Use Activated Charcoal to Absorb Odors

Activated charcoal is a powerful odor absorber that can remove stubborn smells from clothes without washing. Itโ€™s especially useful for clothes stored in musty environments like closets or drawers.

  • Place activated charcoal in the closet or drawer: Put small bags of activated charcoal inside your closet, dresser, or garment bags where your musty clothes are stored. The charcoal will absorb the mildew smell over time.
  • Leave the charcoal in place for a few days: Let the activated charcoal sit for several days to allow it to absorb the musty odors from the clothes.
  • Replace as needed: If the mildew smell persists, replace the charcoal bags with fresh ones and continue to use them until the smell is gone.

Activated charcoal is a great option for long-term odor control, and it works quietly in the background to absorb unpleasant smells from your clothes.

Step 6: Use Dryer Sheets for a Quick Fix

If you’re in a hurry and need to freshen up your clothes quickly, dryer sheets can be a simple temporary fix. They wonโ€™t eliminate the mildew smell entirely, but they will mask it long enough to get you through the day.

  • Place dryer sheets between garments: If youโ€™re storing musty clothes in a closet or drawer, place dryer sheets between the garments to infuse them with a fresh scent.
  • Toss clothes in the dryer: If possible, toss your clothes in the dryer with a dryer sheet for 10-15 minutes on a low or no-heat setting. The dryer sheet will help reduce the musty smell and leave your clothes smelling fresher.

While dryer sheets are more of a quick-fix solution, theyโ€™re handy when you need to mask odors temporarily.

Essential Tips to Prevent Mildew Smell in Clothes for Future

After successfully removing the mildew smell from your clothes, itโ€™s important to prevent it from coming back. Here are a few tips to help you keep your clothes fresh and mildew-free:

Store Clothes Properly

Always store your clothes in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in damp or humid environments, and make sure theyโ€™re completely dry before putting them away.

Use Moisture Absorbers

Place moisture absorbers like silica gel packs or activated charcoal in your closet or storage areas to prevent excess humidity and moisture buildup.

Donโ€™t Leave Wet Clothes Piled Up

Avoid leaving wet or damp clothes in piles, gym bags, or laundry baskets for too long, as this can quickly lead to mildew growth.

Air Out Clothes Regularly

Even if you havenโ€™t worn certain clothes in a while, airing them out every so often can help keep them smelling fresh and free from musty odors.

End Note

Removing mildew smell from clothes without washing is entirely possible with a few simple, natural methods. By airing out the clothes in fresh air and sunlight, using baking soda or vinegar, or applying essential oils for a fresh scent, you can quickly eliminate musty odors and keep your clothes smelling clean. 

With these easy steps, youโ€™ll be able to say goodbye to mildew smells and hello to clothes that smell fresh and cleanโ€”without washing them!

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