How to Remove Mildew from Clothes and Prevent It from Coming Back

Have you ever left damp clothes in the washer overnight or forgotten to hang them after rain? That musty, unpleasant odor you smell later is a sign of mildew. Not only does mildew make clothes smell bad, but it can also leave stains and weaken fabric fibers over time.

Don’t worry—mildew is a common laundry issue, and with the right steps, you can remove it and prevent it from coming back.

What Is Mildew on Clothes?

Mildew is a type of fungus that grows in warm, damp, and poorly ventilated areas. When it develops on clothes, it can appear as:

• White, gray, or green spots on fabric
• A strong, musty smell that doesn’t go away after a normal wash
• Stiffness in the fabric if mildew growth is severe

Unlike simple dirt or sweat stains, mildew can spread quickly and become harder to treat the longer it stays on your clothes.

Why Does Mildew Form on Clothes?

Understanding the cause of mildew helps you prevent it. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Leaving wet clothes in the washer too long
• Storing damp laundry in closets or drawers
• Drying clothes in humid, poorly ventilated rooms
• Sweaty gym clothes left in a bag for days

Basically, anywhere moisture lingers, mildew can thrive.

How to Remove Mildew from Clothes

If you’ve spotted mildew on your clothes, don’t panic—here’s how you can treat it effectively.

1. Brush Off Loose Mildew

Take the affected clothing outdoors and brush away any visible mildew. Doing this outside prevents spores from spreading inside your home.

2. Pre-Soak with Vinegar or Baking Soda

Soak the clothes in one of these natural solutions:

• Vinegar Solution: 1 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 bucket of water.
• Baking Soda Solution: ½ cup of baking soda dissolved in warm water.

Both help neutralize odors and kill mildew spores naturally.

3. Wash with Hot Water (If Safe for Fabric)

Check the care label first. If the fabric allows, wash in hot water with your regular detergent plus 1 cup of vinegar. For delicate fabrics, use cold water with gentle detergent.

4. Use a Specialized Mildew Remover (Optional)

For stubborn cases, laundry-safe mildew removers or oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach, unless fabric allows) can work wonders.

5. Dry Clothes in Direct Sunlight

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Dry your clothes under the sun if possible—it helps kill any remaining mildew spores and eliminates odors.

6. Repeat If Needed

Sometimes mildew doesn’t go away after the first wash. If the smell or stains remain, repeat the soaking and washing process.

Real Simple – “How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell in Laundry for Good”

This guide is highly relevant, widely trusted, and updated last month (August 2025). It offers practical, effective methods such as soaking clothes in vinegar solutions, using chlorine bleach for whites, borax, pine oil, oxygen bleach for stains, and laundry sanitizers—all tailored for mildew removal. 

For proven and up-to-date techniques, check out Real Simple’s detailed guide on removing mildew smells from laundry.

How to Prevent Mildew in Clothes

Removing mildew is one thing, but preventing it saves you a lot of trouble. Here are some tips:

• Don’t leave damp clothes in the washer – Transfer them to the dryer or hang them immediately.
• Ensure proper ventilation – Avoid storing clothes in sealed, damp spaces. Use a dehumidifier if needed.
• Store clothes only when completely dry – Even slightly damp fabric can grow mildew in storage.
• Avoid overstuffing hampers – Air circulation prevents moisture buildup.
• Schedule regular laundry pickup and delivery – Services like Clean Avenue help prevent clothes from piling up and sitting damp for too long.

Can Professional Laundry Services Help?

Yes! If mildew has already set in or if you want to avoid it altogether, a professional laundry service can help. At Clean Avenue Laundry, we:

• Use commercial-grade equipment and detergents designed to eliminate mildew.
• Ensure proper drying techniques so your clothes never return damp.
• Provide pickup and delivery so your laundry doesn’t sit around at home waiting to be washed.

Final Thoughts

Mildew in clothes is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your favorite garments. With quick action and preventive habits, you can keep your clothes fresh, clean, and long-lasting.

👉 Don’t want to deal with mildew yourself? Let Clean Avenue Laundry handle it. We specialize in professional laundry care with pickup and delivery right at your doorstep.

📲 Schedule your next laundry pickup today at www.cleanavenuenyc.com or call us at 855-801-8214.

Your clothes deserve the best care—without the mildew smell!