Introduction
One of the worst things that can happen to your clothes is getting mildew. It can leave a pungent smell, which is challenging to eliminate, leaving you with a pile of unusable clothes. But don’t worry; this article aims to provide you with tips and solutions for removing mildew smell from clothes.
10 Simple Tricks to Get Rid of Mildew Smell from Clothes
The following are ten tricks that can help you eliminate mildew smell from clothes:
1. Vinegar solution and essential oils
Make a solution using equal parts of water and white vinegar, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. To use, spray the mixture on your clothes, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
2. Baking soda
Add one cup of baking soda to your laundry, and let it sit for an hour before washing.
3. DIY remedies for removing mildew smell
You can make a DIY solution of equal parts of water and vodka and spray it directly on the clothes. Alternatively, you can mix lemon juice and salt, apply it on the mildew stains and leave for 15 minutes before washing.
4. Sun drying
Hang your clothes outside to air them out and leave them in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun helps kill mildew spores and bacteria.
5. Essential oils
Choose your favorite scented essential oil, mix a few drops with equal parts of water, and spray the clothes before and after washing.
6. Cedar chips or lavender sachets
Place a few cedar chips or lavender sachets in your closet or drawers to keep mildew at bay. Their fresh scent helps eliminate the musty smell.
7. Drying under the sun
After washing, hang your clothes outside, and let them dry out under the sun. This solution works best on dry and sunny days.
8. Vinegar and baking soda
Create a paste using equal parts of baking soda and vinegar. Apply it to the stinky parts of your clothes and let it sit for about an hour before washing.
9. Hot water and detergent
Wash your clothes in hot water using detergent. High temperatures, above 60°C, help kill mildew spores.
10. Borax
Soak your clothes in a solution with five cups of water and half a cup of borax for about 30 minutes before washing.
The Ultimate Guide to Removing Mildew Smell from Your Wardrobe
Prevention is better than cure, and the following are tips that can help prevent mildew and eliminate the smell from your wardrobe:
1. Proper storage and washing techniques
Ensure you keep your clothes dry and clean before storing them to prevent mildew growth. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low, and air out your wardrobe regularly.
2. Best laundry detergent for removing mildew smell
Some detergents contain anti-microbial agents and enzymes that kill mildew spores and prevent their growth. Look for detergents with plant-based or natural ingredients and avoid fabric softeners.
3. Tips for airing out your closet or wardrobe space
Leave the door of your wardrobe open for a few hours a day to promote ventilation, and place air purifiers inside the closet, which helps absorb odors and moisture.
5 Common Household Items That Fight Against Mildew
The following are household items that effectively eliminate mildew smell:
1. Lemon juice
The acidic property in lemon juice helps eliminate mildew smell. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water, spray the solution on your clothes and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
2. Hydrogen peroxide
Mix three parts of water, one part of hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of essential oil. Spray the solution onto the mildew stains on your clothes, let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
3. Sunlight
Sunlight is one of nature’s most effective mildew eliminators. Hang your clothes outside for a few hours, preferably on a sunny day, to get rid of the odor.
4. Baking soda
Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water, apply it to the mildew stains, and let it sit for half an hour before washing.
5. Vinegar
Use vinegar to kill the mildew spores and eliminate the smell. Mix a cup of vinegar with water, soak your clothes in the solution for an hour before washing.
The Best Mildew Removers on the Market
The two best mildew removers on the market are:
1. OdoBan
OdoBan is a disinfectant and odor eliminator that kills mildew and mold spores on contact. Mix the solution with water and use it to clean your clothes, carpet, and upholstery.
2. Clorox bleach
Clorox bleach kills mildew spores and leaves your clothes smelling fresh. To use, mix half a cup of bleach with water and presoak your whites for 30 minutes before washing.
How to Eliminate Mildew Smells From Clothes Using Natural Remedies
The following are natural remedies that help eliminate mildew smell from your clothes:
1. Tea tree oil
Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with half a cup of white vinegar and water, and pour it into the fabric softener dispenser. The tea tree oil helps kill spores and bacteria, leaving your clothes smelling fresh.
2. Lavender and peppermint
Mix a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil with a cup of baking soda, sprinkle the mixture onto your clothes and let it sit overnight before washing.
Conclusion
Mildew odor on your clothes can be frustrating, but with the tips and solutions listed in this article, you no longer have to throw away your favorite outfit. Experiment with different methods to see which works best for you and ensure you store and wash your clothes properly to avoid mildew growth.
