How to Get Rid of Stinky Odors When you Forget About Clothes in the Washer.

Removing the Smell of Mildew from Clothing

Did you forget you put a load of clothes in the washer the other day? Then completely forgot about them? Don’t feel too bad. You’re not alone we’ve all done it at one time or another.

The unfortunate thing about leaving wet clothes in the washing machine too long is they can acquire a musty, mildewy smell and that smell will permeate most washable fabrics – and it doesn’t go away easily – no matter how many scented sheets you toss in the dryer.

Chances are when to take the clothes out of the dryer; your laundry will still smell like mildew, even with all those dryer sheets.

Here are a few tips to help remove the mildew smell from your fabrics:

Remove the Stinky Clothes Odor Using White Vinegar

If you are looking for something more natural with fewer chemicals to remove the stink and odor, try using white vinegar. I love vinegar and keep loads in my pantry, it’s so versatile.

The amount of vinegar you use depends on the strength of the mildew smell – the worse the smell the more vinegar you are going to want to use. Start by using 1/2 cup for a normal load of clothes and increasing the amount to 1 cup for stronger smells.

Add the vinegar as the water is filling then add your laundry detergent and then add the clothes. Wash on a shorter cycle.

Not only can the vinegar help remove the stink, it will help soften your clothes as well.

Naturally Remove Odors with Baking Soda

Baking soda is another household item most of us already have in the kitchen. It’s a great deodorizer and another item I keep lots of in my pantry.

If the mildew smell is still lingering on your clothes after washing with the white vinegar, wash your clothes again using 1 cup baking soda. This should cut through the smell and brighten your clothes at the same time.

20 Mule Team Borax

Another option that can help remove odors is to add 20 Mule Team Borax in addition to your regular detergent. Borax can deodorize and freshen your laundry, just add 1/2 cup or follow the instructions on the back of the box.

The best way to prevent your clothes from smelling like mold or mildew is to transfer them to the dryer as soon as possible.

Before putting your clothes in the dryer, smell them for freshness! Repeat the steps above as necessary.