How to Get Mildew Smells out of Laundry

You forgot about the load in the washing machine, and now you want to know how to get rid of mildew smells in the laundry? Don't feel bad — it happens to all of us.

Whether you fell asleep binge-watching Netflix or got distracted by some other chore, you're not the only one who's gone to throw another load in the machine only to find one already there, stinking up the place.

Follow these easy steps to get rid of mildew smell in the laundry and rest assured your clothes are truly clean when you're done.

How to Get Rid of Mildew Smells in the Laundry - Towel hanging out of front-loading washer

How to Get Rid of Mildew Smells in the Laundry

1. The vinegar cure

Leave the mildewed laundry in the washer and run the machine on the hottest setting to fill the washer's tub. Add 2 cups of white vinegar and pause the cycle to let the smelly laundry soak for an hour. Don't forget about it this time, of course. After an hour, add your usual amount of detergent and let the machine proceed to wash and dry.

2. The baking soda cure

Baking soda is a fantastic odor-neutralizer. It kills different species of mold and mildew than vinegar does. So, if your laundry still has a musty smell after using the vinegar method, repeat it but use 1 cup baking soda in place of the vinegar.

3. The Oxiclean cure

If you don't have an issue with using Oxiclean (and I don't), the oxygenated cleaning powder does a beautiful job killing mildew. Add one scoop to the load and wash it on the hottest setting the fabric can handle.

Once you've managed to get rid of mildew smells in the laundry, clean your washing machine thoroughly to kill any fungus in the gaskets and other areas, so future loads don't pick up that smell.

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Pin How to Get Rid of Mildew Smells in the Laundry

How to Get Mildew Smells out of Laundry