Q&A for How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes

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  • Question
    How do I wash mildewy clothes in a front loading washing machine?
    Community Answer
    Put the clothes in the washer with your usual detergent, set on hot wash. Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda in very hot water, then pause the machine and add the soda, or pour it through the liquid detergent dispenser. Launder as normal, and hang the clothes to dry in the sun if possible.
  • Question
    Will vinegar keep a vinegar smell after washing?
    Community Answer
    No. I wash my clothes with about a quarter to a third of a cup of white vinegar in the "Bleach" compartment of our front loading washing machine, along with a regular amount of detergent. No smell of vinegar at all.
  • Question
    For an HE washer and dryer, can you put baking soda or vinegar in them will they ruin it?
    Community Answer
    A cup of vinegar in with the wash helps the clothes to come out smell free, and as a bonus, the vinegar cuts any oil that is on the clothes. It also helps the moldy smell in the machine.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of musty smell on a wax jacket?
    Community Answer
    Ask a professional to wash and renew your wax jacket. Doing this will be sure to get rid of that musty smell, and will also make the jacket look new.
  • Question
    Can I spray my clothes with alcohol?
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't. The alcohol will eventually ruin the garment when it's exposed to heat (including body heat) and sun. Especially if it's vodka.
  • Question
    I've been looking for a no-rinse wash product, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Any suggestions?
    Community Answer
    Try hand-washing the item with detergent and baking soda, or just baking soda by itself. Then wash with a regular detergent.
  • Question
    How do I remove the scent of dryer sheets from clothing?
    Community Answer
    The next time you are drying the article of clothing, try to air dry it outside, or avoid dryer sheets if possible.
  • Question
    How do I remove a musty smell from a leather jacket?
    Community Answer
    I removed mold from a ski jacket and ski pants by putting them in the freezer for a couple of days. The cold kills the bacteria. It should work for most any item.
  • Question
    What can I do if I have washed my ultra suede coat twice trying to get the musty smell out, but it isn't working?
    Community Answer
    If it's inside a closet, dry baking soda or charcoal can help pull smells from items. It would probably help to have the item in the sunshine for a few hours too.
  • Question
    How can I remove the chlorine smell from my shirt?
    Community Answer
    Let the shirt soak in a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water for about 1/2 hour, then put it through the wash as normal.
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