Okay, confession time: I used to leave wet clothes in the washer overnight. Big mistake.
One day, I opened the machine and got hit with a musty, mildew-y smell that made me cringe.
Since then, I’ve learned a few smart tricks to get rid of that odor — and prevent it from coming back.
🧴 Why Clothes Get That Gross Smell
Turns out, musty smells come from mold spores or trapped moisture — not just dirt.
I learned this the hard way after storing some sweaters in a damp basement closet. Yuck.
🧼 My Go-To Fixes
Step 1: Air Them Out
Now I take clothes outside first thing if they smell musty. Just hanging them in the sun helps neutralize the odor.
Step 2: Baking Soda Wash
I mix baking soda with regular detergent — and wow, it really lifts the smell.
Step 3: Vinegar Rinse
White vinegar became my best friend. I pour a bit into the rinse cycle — it kills bacteria and leaves clothes smelling fresh.
Step 4: Activated Charcoal Bags
I bought a couple of activated charcoal bags and placed them in my drawers — they really help absorb lingering smells.
🧹 Bonus Tips from Personal Experience
- Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer — air them out ASAP
- Store off-season clothes in breathable bags , not plastic bins
- Use cedar sachets — they smell amazing and keep mold away
❓ FAQ – Things I Wondered Too
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes! I sometimes use lemon slices in the rinse cycle — smells amazing.
Do I need to rewash after airing them out?
Sometimes just airing is enough — but I often rewash anyway just to be safe.
Will this work for delicate fabrics?
Yes — just avoid hot water and aggressive scrubbing.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Getting rid of musty smells doesn’t require fancy products — just a few smart habits.
Try one of these methods next time you notice a weird smell — and keep your clothes fresh and clean.
👉 Ever had a musty clothing disaster? Tell us how you fixed it — I’ve definitely been there!
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