Q&A for How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 28 Helpful 66
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 25
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 32 Helpful 42
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 17
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 28 Helpful 21
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 25 Helpful 14
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 6
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2