How to Remove Mildew from Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric

You left a pile of damp clothes in a bag for a few days and now they have small black spots and a strong musty smell. That’s mildew: mold that has grown on the fabric in damp conditions. Mildew is more than just a smell. The black spots are mold colonies that have bonded with the fabric fibers. If left untreated, mildew can permanently stain and weaken the fabric. But with the right treatment, mildew can be removed from most washable fabrics. Here’s how.

Mildew on clothes is mold growth that appears as black, gray, or green spots with a musty odor. Mildew grows on fabric in damp, warm conditions. The mold bonds with the fibers and produces odor compounds. Removing mildew requires killing the mold spores and removing the stains.

To remove mildew from clothes, wash with 1 cup of white vinegar and enzyme detergent in hot water, add half a cup of baking soda for extra deodorizing, and dry in the sun. For stubborn mildew stains, use oxygen bleach. Don’t use cold water, don’t use fabric softener, and don’t put mildewed clothes in the dryer until the stains are gone.

Step-by-Step: Mildew Removal

Step 1: Take the Clothes Outside

Take the mildewed clothes outside and brush off any loose mold spores with a soft brush. Don’t do this indoors, as the spores will spread through your home.

Step 2: Pre-Treat with Vinegar

Soak the mildewed clothes in a mixture of 1 cup of white vinegar and cold water for 30 minutes. The vinegar kills the mold spores and starts breaking down the stains.

Step 3: Wash with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Wash the clothes in hot water with:

• 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle
• 1 cup of white vinegar (added to the drum)
• Half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda (added to the dispenser)

The hot water kills the mold, the vinegar neutralizes odors, and the baking soda absorbs odors and helps lift the stains.

Step 4: Check for Stains

After washing, check the clothes for remaining mildew stains. If the stains are gone, dry as usual. If stains remain, move to the next step.

Step 5: Treat Stubborn Stains with Oxygen Bleach

For stubborn mildew stains that remain after washing, apply oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate). Add 1 scoop to the wash cycle and wash in hot water. Oxygen bleach kills mold and removes stains without the harshness of chlorine bleach. Safe for most colored fabrics.

Step 6: For White Cotton, Use Chlorine Bleach

For stubborn mildew on white cotton and linen, add 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach to the wash cycle. Chlorine bleach is the strongest mold killer and stain remover. Don’t use it on colored fabrics or synthetics.

Step 7: Dry in the Sun

Dry the clothes in direct sunlight if possible. UV rays kill remaining mold spores and help bleach out the stains. If you can’t dry outside, dry in the dryer on high heat (only after the stains are gone).

For Stubborn or Severe Mildew

If the mildew has been on the clothes for a long time or covers a large area, try these stronger treatments:

OxiClean Max Force Spray: OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down mold. Spray the stains, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash in hot water with enzyme detergent and oxygen bleach.

Borax: Add half a cup of borax to the wash cycle. Borax is a natural mineral that kills mold and removes odors.

Hydrogen peroxide: Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the mildew stains with a cotton ball. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash. Test on an inconspicuous area first, as peroxide can lighten some fabrics.

Mildew on Different Fabrics

Fabric	Best Treatment	What to Avoid
White cotton	Vinegar + chlorine bleach + sun	Cold water
Colored cotton	Vinegar + oxygen bleach + sun	Chlorine bleach
Polyester	Vinegar + oxygen bleach	Chlorine bleach
Towels	Vinegar + baking soda + hot water	Fabric softener
Wool	Vinegar (gentle), professional cleaning	Hot water, chlorine bleach
Silk	Professional cleaning	All home treatments

How to Prevent Mildew on Clothes

Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer. Transfer to the dryer or a drying rack within 2 hours.

Dry clothes completely before storing. Even slightly damp clothes will grow mold in storage.

Don’t store in damp areas. Avoid basements, garages, and other humid areas.

Use breathable storage. Don’t store clothes in airtight plastic. Use fabric bins or cardboard for natural fibers.

Clean your washing machine monthly. A dirty machine transfers mold to clothes. Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.

Leave the washer door open. After each wash, leave the door open to let the drum dry.

Use the right amount of detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold. Use 2 tablespoons per load.

FAQ

How do you remove mildew from clothes? Brush off loose spores outside, soak in vinegar and water for 30 minutes, wash in hot water with 1 cup of vinegar, baking soda, and enzyme detergent, then dry in the sun. For stubborn stains, use oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach (white cotton only).

Does vinegar kill mildew on clothes? Yes. White vinegar kills mold spores and neutralizes the odor compounds that cause the musty smell. Add 1 cup to the wash cycle and wash in hot water with enzyme detergent.

Does baking soda remove mildew from clothes? Yes. Baking soda absorbs odors and helps lift mildew stains. Add half a cup to the wash cycle along with vinegar and detergent.

Can you remove mildew stains from clothes? Yes. Wash with vinegar and enzyme detergent in hot water. For stubborn stains, use oxygen bleach (safe for colors) or chlorine bleach (white cotton only). Dry in the sun, as UV rays help bleach out the stains.

Can you put mildewed clothes in the dryer? Don’t put mildewed clothes in the dryer until the stains are gone. Dryer heat can set the mildew stains permanently. Dry in the sun first, then check.

How do you prevent mildew on clothes? Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer, dry clothes completely before storing, don’t store in damp areas, use breathable storage, clean your washing machine monthly, leave the washer door open, and use the right amount of detergent.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Mildew from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Remove Mildew from Clothes.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “How to Remove Mildew Stains.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. CDC. “Mold Cleanup Guide.” cdc.gov.