How to Get Rid of Musty Smell from Clothes (5 Methods That Work)
Five proven methods to remove musty odors from clothes, from pantry staples to professional cleaning, plus what causes the smell in the first place.
What Causes That Musty Smell
Musty odor in clothes is caused by mildew, a type of mold that grows on fabric in warm, damp, or poorly ventilated conditions. Clothes left in the washer too long, stored in humid closets, or packed in airtight containers are the most common victims. The smell is not just unpleasant. It means mold spores are actively growing on the fibers, and standard washing alone often does not eliminate them completely.
Method 1: White Vinegar Soak
Add one cup of white vinegar to a basin of cold water and soak the garment for 30 minutes before washing as normal. Vinegar is mildly acidic, which disrupts mold growth and neutralizes odors without bleaching or damaging most fabrics. Do not mix vinegar with bleach. For machine-washable items, you can add the vinegar directly to the rinse cycle.
Method 2: Baking Soda Treatment
For garments that can be machine washed, add half a cup of baking soda along with your regular detergent. For dry clean only items, place the garment in a sealed bag with two tablespoons of baking soda for 24 hours. Baking soda absorbs odors rather than masking them, making it effective for mild to moderate musty smells. Shake the garment thoroughly afterward.
Method 3: Sunlight and Fresh Air
Ultraviolet light from the sun naturally kills mold spores and bacteria. Hang the affected garment outside in direct sunlight for several hours. This method is free, chemical-free, and surprisingly effective for mild odors. However, avoid prolonged sun exposure for colored or delicate fabrics, as UV light can also cause fading. Turn dark garments inside out before hanging.
Method 4: Vodka Spray
Fill a spray bottle with plain, unflavored vodka and lightly mist the garment. The alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria as it evaporates and leaves no scent behind. This is a trick borrowed from theater costume departments, where garments cannot be washed between performances. It works well for fabrics you cannot easily wash, like blazers, vintage pieces, and costumes.
Method 5: Professional Cleaning (When Home Methods Fail)
If you have tried the methods above and the smell persists, the mildew has likely penetrated deeper into the fabric than surface treatments can reach. Professional dry cleaning solvents penetrate fabric fibers more thoroughly than water-based methods and eliminate mold spores that home techniques miss. This is especially important for structured garments, lined jackets, and anything with padding or interlining that traps moisture.
Musty smells are stubborn, but they are almost always fixable when treated properly. If your home efforts are not working, Baroni Cleaners can help. Our PERC-free cleaning process eliminates mold and mildew odors from all types of fabrics, and we offer free pickup and delivery in Irvine so you do not even need to make a trip. Call us at (949) 316-4276 or schedule online.
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