Mildew smells in clothes can be frustrating and hard to get rid of. This guide shows you five simple methods to remove these stubborn odors from your clothing. These proven techniques use common household items that are safe and effective. From vinegar soaks to natural sunlight, each method targets the source of the smell. These methods work just as well as top cleaning services.
White Vinegar Soak
White vinegar works great for removing mildew smells from clothes. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a large bowl or tub. Put your smelly clothes in the solution and make sure they’re completely covered. Let the clothes soak for at least one hour, or leave them overnight if the smell is really bad. After soaking, rinse the clothes well with cold water to wash away the vinegar. Then wash the items normally with your regular laundry soap. This method is safe for most fabrics and works well.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda paste is another great way to fight mildew smells in clothing. Mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Put the paste right on the smelly parts of your clothes, covering all the affected areas. Let the paste sit on the fabric for at least 30 minutes so it can work on the odor. After waiting, rinse the clothes well with cold water to remove all the baking soda. Finally, wash the clothes as usual with detergent. This natural method is gentle but effective for refreshing your clothing.
Lemon Juice Spray
A lemon juice spray is a fresh and natural way to remove mildew odors from clothes. Here’s how to use this method:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine equal parts fresh lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray Liberally: Spray the mixture generously on the affected clothing, making sure the solution covers the fabric well
- Let Sit: Allow the lemon juice spray to sit on the clothing for at least 30 minutes to work on the mildew smell.
- Air Dry: After waiting, wash the clothing normally and air dry in direct sunlight for best results
Sunlight Air-Dry
Direct sunlight is one of nature’s best ways to remove mildew smells from clothes. Find a sunny spot outdoors where you can hang or lay your clothes flat. Make sure the clothing is spread out evenly so all parts get sunlight. The sun’s UV rays kill mildew spores that cause the bad smell, and also dry out any remaining moisture. Leave your clothes in the sunlight for several hours, turning them over if needed, so all areas get sun exposure. This free method works especially well when combined with other treatments.
Essential Oil Refresh
Essential oils add pleasant scents to your clothes while fighting mildew odors. These oils smell good and have natural properties that kill germs and mildew. Here are four ways to use essential oils on your clothing:
- Choose the Right Essential Oil: Pick oils like tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon that fight germs and smell fresh.
- Create a DIY Spray: Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle for an easy clothing refresher.
- Add Oils to Laundry: Put a few drops of essential oils in your laundry detergent before washing to give your clothes a nice scent.
- DIY Dryer Sheets: Make your dryer sheets by adding essential oils to a cloth and putting it in the dryer with your clothes for fresh-smelling results
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