Clothes left in a closet, storage unit, or a garage for a while can start smelling musty or moldy—and may even start growing a thin layer of mildew on them.
You don’t have to throw these clothes away, though you may want to toss clothes that are truly mold-covered, which is rare.
Mildew is much more common, and it (and the smell it leaves behind) can be gotten rid of.
Here’s how to do so easily and effectively:
Cleaning Musty or Moldy Clothes
- Wash with Vinegar: Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to a washing machine load without detergent and wash the musty or moldy clothes in hot water, if the fabric allows for that, or warm/cold if needed. Sorting them by wash type will get you the best results, as hot water is the best way to do this. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and it can help kill mold spores.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is another natural choice for cleaning mold and mildew smells out of clothing. Make a paste with baking soda and hot water, saturate the clothing with the mixture in a bathtub or large bucket, and let it sit for 30-40 minutes. Then, wash the clothes as usual, without vinegar, but with detergent.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry your clothes in a dryer, then hang them up in the sun for a few to 20 minutes.. Sunlight (and fresh air) helps kill or remove any remaining mold spores and mildew smell.
Preventing Musty or Moldy Clothes
You can also prevent your clothes from smelling like mildew in the first place, if you prepare your closet or storage unit for longer-term storage. Unlike your washing options (above), in prevention, you can use as many of the following choices as you think are needed, for example, spacing out clothes and controlling humidity, and hanging deodorizers. The more the better, if it seems necessary, as temperatures and air flow will vary greatly, depending on how long your clothes will be in storage for.
- Control Closet Humidity: Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers to keep humidity levels low in your closet and home.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure your closet has good air circulation. You can leave the closet door open periodically or install a vent or louvered doors to improve airflow.
- Use Closet Deodorizers: Products like silica gel packets or activated charcoal can absorb excess moisture and prevent odors.
- Keep It Clean: Regularly clean your closet, removing dust and ensuring that no damp items are stored inside.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give your clothes room to breathe by not overcrowding your closet. This helps improve air circulation and reduces moisture retention.
- Store Only Fully Dry Clothes: Make sure all clothing is completely dry before putting it away. Use breathable garment bags for storage if necessary.
Mold Solutions Can Help More
If the clothes in your closet are constantly smelling like mold or mildew, there may be a bigger mold problem than expected.
Please see this “case study” on how mold grew in one Tampa Bay resident’s closet and how we were able to handle it for them:
Cowhide Footstool Cross-Contaminates Beach Home, Spawns Mold Bloom: “The closet was Ground Zero. It was like a full mold-bloom in that particular closet.”
If you suspect a bigger problem in your home, we offer Free Environmental Consultations and can help you determine the cause of and correct any mold problem.
