How to Get Rid of Musty Smell in Clothes

You pull your clothes out of the washer expecting that fresh-laundry smell, and instead you get... something musty. Maybe sour. Definitely not fresh.

It's frustrating, but it's fixable. Here's what causes that smell and how to eliminate it for good.

Why Do Clothes Smell Musty?

Mildew and bacteria. The musty smell is caused by microorganisms—mildew, bacteria, or both. These grow when moisture gets trapped in fabric and can't dry properly.

Common causes:

• Leaving wet clothes in the washer too long before drying
• Storing clothes while still damp
• Using too much detergent (residue traps moisture and bacteria)
• Not drying clothes completely
• Washing machine itself has mold or mildew buildup

The Solution: White Vinegar

Here's the most effective fix—and it's probably already in your kitchen.

White vinegar breaks down the odor-causing residue and kills bacteria. Unlike more detergent (which actually makes the problem worse), vinegar cuts through buildup and leaves clothes genuinely clean.

How to use it:

1. Wash your clothes with your regular amount of detergent
2. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle
3. Dry completely on appropriate heat

For severe odors, you can add the vinegar directly to the wash cycle instead.

Don't worry—your clothes won't smell like vinegar. The scent dissipates completely during drying.

Alternative: Baking Soda

Baking soda also neutralizes odors and can be used instead of or alongside vinegar.

How to use it:

1. Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly to the drum with your clothes
2. Run a normal wash cycle
3. Dry completely

For extra power, use both: baking soda in the wash cycle, vinegar in the rinse.

For Really Stubborn Odors

Some smells are deeply set—gym clothes, towels left in a gym bag, items forgotten in the washer for days. These need more aggressive treatment.

The soak method:

1. Fill a sink or tub with warm water
2. Add 1 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda
3. Submerge the smelly items and let soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour
4. Wash as normal with regular detergent
5. Dry completely

The hot water treatment (for appropriate fabrics):

Hot water kills bacteria more effectively than cold. For cotton towels, sheets, and sturdy fabrics:

1. Wash on the hottest setting the fabric allows
2. Add 1/2 cup vinegar
3. Use less detergent than usual
4. Dry on high heat

Why Using More Detergent Doesn't Work

This is counterintuitive, but too much detergent causes odors—it doesn't fix them.

When you use more soap than needed, it doesn't all rinse out. The residue stays in your clothes and creates a film. That film traps moisture and becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria and mildew that cause musty smells.

Use the recommended amount or even slightly less. Modern detergents are concentrated. More isn't better.

Is Your Washing Machine the Problem?

Sometimes the smell isn't in your clothes—it's in your machine. Front-load washers in particular can develop mold around the door gasket.

Signs your washer needs cleaning:

• Visible black spots around the door seal
• Musty smell inside the drum
• Clothes smell bad even when washed immediately after loading

If you're using a laundromat, this isn't your problem to solve—but it's worth mentioning if you notice a machine that seems off. At The Wash House, we clean and service our machines regularly so you don't have to worry about inheriting someone else's mildew.

Preventing Musty Smells in the Future

• Transfer clothes promptly. Move wet laundry to the dryer within 30 minutes.
• Dry completely. Never fold or put away clothes that feel even slightly damp.
• Don't overload. Overstuffed machines don't clean or rinse properly.
• Use less detergent. Seriously.
• Store dry clothes in ventilated spaces. Don't seal freshly laundered clothes in plastic bags.

Frequently Asked Questions