How to Remove Mold Smells From Towels & Clothing
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Moldy-smelling laundry is more than just a nuisance-it's often a sign that your clothes have been sitting damp for too long, creating the perfect environment for mildew and bacteria. If your clothes come out of storage or the washing machine with that musty odor, don't panic. One of the most effective solutions is something you can find in most laundry aisles: OxiClean.
This oxygen-based cleaner is powerful, fabric-safe (on most materials), and excellent at breaking down organic buildup-including the compounds causing that moldy smell. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to using it correctly.
What You’ll need:
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Powdered oxygen bleach (e.g., OxiClean) for odor removal
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Warm water
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A clean basin, sink, or tub
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Access to a washing machine
SKIP TO:
Step-by-Step Guide: Using OxiClean to Remove Mold Odors From Clothing
Step 1: Prepare the Soak
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Fill a large sink, bucket, or bathtub with enough warm water to fully submerge the smelly clothing.
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Dissolve one full scoop of OxiClean per gallon of water. Stir to ensure it fully dissolves.
Step 2: Submerge and Soak
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Add your clothing to the solution.
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Let it soak for at least 4-6 hours. For severe odors, leave it overnight (up to 12 hours).
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Ensure the fabric stays fully immersed by gently pressing it down occasionally.
Step 3: Wash Normally
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After soaking, remove the clothing and gently wring out excess water. -
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Place it in your washing machine and run a normal or heavy-duty cycle, using your regular detergent.
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Optional: add another scoop of OxiClean to the drum for extra odor-fighting power. Select "soak" setting on your washer, if using more OxiClean.
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly
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Always dry clothes completely. If possible, dry outdoors in direct sunlight.
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If using a dryer, use the highest heat setting that's safe for the fabric.
Step 5: Repeat if Necessary
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If the mold smell has been building up over a long period, one treatment might not be enough. In that case, repeat the OxiClean soak and wash process until the odor is completely gone. Deep-set mold spores can take more than one cycle to fully break down, especially in thicker fabrics like towels or denim.
The Science Behind Why This Method Works:
Mold odors can linger because odor-causing compounds and microscopic residues can become trapped deep within fabric fibers. Simply washing the clothing may not remove everything, especially when the odor has had time to become embedded in the material.
OxiClean contains oxygen-based cleaning agents that release oxygen when dissolved in water. This reaction helps break down organic material, including mildew, mold-related residues, and the musty compounds they leave behind. The warm water also helps the cleaning solution penetrate deeper into the fabric fibers.
The extended soaking time is important because it gives the cleaning solution much more time to work its way into the fibers than a normal wash cycle. Once the odor-causing residues have been loosened and broken down, the washing machine can flush them away with detergent and water.
Drying the clothing thoroughly is also important. Moisture can allow remaining microorganisms and odor-causing residues to persist, while sunlight provides additional drying and exposure to UV light. For stubborn, long-standing odors, multiple soak-and-wash treatments may be necessary, particularly with thick or absorbent fabrics that can hold onto odors more readily.
How to Prevent Mold and Musty Odors in Clothing
Mold odors grow when moisture, warmth, and poor airflow combine. Keeping mold at bay is all about breaking that cycle with smart laundry habits.
1. Never Leave Wet Clothes Sitting
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Mold can begin to grow in as little as 12-24 hours.
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Always transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer immediately.
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If line-drying, ensure clothes are in a breezy, well-ventilated area.
2. Use the Right Detergent
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Some detergents leave behind residue that holds odor.
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Choose a high-efficiency, fragrance-free detergent that rinses clean.
3. Clean Your Washing Machine
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Especially for front-load washers, monthly cleaning helps prevent mildew buildup.
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Run a hot wash cycle with vinegar or a washer cleaner to remove residue and bacteria.
5. Wash Frequently-Wet Items More Often
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Items like towels, gym clothes, dishcloths, and bathing suits are often damp and stay warm for hours.
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Wash them more frequently than regular clothes-ideally after every 1-2 uses-to keep mold and odor-causing bacteria from taking hold.
6. Be Extra Vigilant in Humid Climates
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If you live in a humid region, your clothes are more likely to develop mold smells—even if they seem dry.
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Moisture in the air can settle into fabric fibers and encourage mold growth.
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Be prepared to use OxiClean treatments more regularly to keep clothes clean, fresh, and odor free.