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
Before you reach for heavy-duty cleaners or oxygen bleaches, proper pre-treatment is crucial. This step can significantly improve your chances of completely removing the stain.
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.
Why OxiClean Works:
OxiClean is an oxygen-based cleaner (sodium percarbonate) that releases oxygen when mixed with water. This reaction breaks down organic material, including mildew, mold spores, and the musty compounds they leave behind. Unlike bleach, it's non-chlorine, color-safe for most fabrics, and less harsh on skin and materials.
How to Prevent Mold Smells 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.