How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes Without Washing

Your clothes smell musty but you can’t wash them right now. Maybe you’re traveling, maybe you don’t have access to a washer, or maybe the garment is dry-clean only. Musty smell is caused by bacteria and mould growing on fabric fibers. You can remove it without a full wash. Here’s how to remove musty smell from clothes without washing.

Musty smell in clothes is caused by bacteria and mould growing on fabric fibers in damp conditions. Musty smell comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by bacteria and mould. Removing musty smell without washing requires killing the bacteria, neutralizing the VOCs, and drying the fabric.

To remove musty smell from clothes without washing, spray with a vinegar and water solution, sprinkle with baking soda, hang in fresh air and sunlight, or use a vodka spray. For dry-clean-only garments, use a vodka spray or take to a professional cleaner. Don’t use perfume to mask the smell, don’t use heat, and don’t store damp clothes.

Method 1: Vinegar Spray (Best for Most Fabrics)

Step 1: Mix the Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Step 2: Spray the Clothes

Spray the clothes lightly. Don’t soak them. Focus on the areas that smell most musty.

Step 3: Hang in Fresh Air

Hang the clothes in a well-ventilated area or outside in fresh air. The vinegar smell will disappear as the clothes dry.

Step 4: Let Dry Completely

Let the clothes dry completely before wearing or storing.

Method 2: Baking Soda (Best for Absorbing Odors)

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Sprinkle Arm and Hammer Baking Soda on the clothes. Focus on the areas that smell most musty.

Step 2: Let It Sit for 30 Minutes to 1 Hour

Baking soda absorbs odors.

Step 3: Shake or Brush Off

Shake or brush off the baking soda. Use a soft brush for delicate fabrics.

Step 4: Hang in Fresh Air

Hang the clothes in a well-ventilated area to air out.

Method 3: Vodka Spray (Best for Dry-Clean-Only Garments)

Step 1: Pour Vodka into a Spray Bottle

Use cheap, high-proof vodka. Don’t use flavored vodka.

Step 2: Spray the Clothes

Spray the clothes lightly. Vodka kills bacteria and neutralizes odors.

Step 3: Hang in Fresh Air

Hang the clothes in a well-ventilated area. The alcohol evaporates quickly and takes the musty smell with it.

Step 4: Let Dry Completely

Method 4: Fresh Air and Sunlight (Best for All Fabrics)

Step 1: Hang Clothes Outside

Hang the clothes outside in fresh air and direct sunlight.

Step 2: Leave for 2 to 4 Hours

UV rays kill bacteria and mould. Fresh air removes odors.

Step 3: Turn Inside Out

Turn the clothes inside out halfway through to expose both sides to sunlight.

Note: Don’t leave dark colors in direct sunlight for more than 2 hours, as UV can fade them.

Method 5: Steam (Best for Wrinkle Removal and Deodorizing)

Step 1: Hang the Clothes

Hang the clothes on a hanger.

Step 2: Steam with a Garment Steamer

Use a garment steamer to steam the clothes. Steam kills bacteria and removes odors.

Step 3: Let Dry Completely

Method 6: Freezer (Best for Small Items)

Step 1: Put Clothes in a Plastic Bag

Put the musty clothes in a sealed plastic bag.

Step 2: Freeze for 24 Hours

Put the bag in the freezer for 24 hours. The cold kills bacteria.

Step 3: Remove and Air Out

Remove from the freezer, take out of the bag, and hang in fresh air.

What Not to Do

Don’t use perfume to mask the smell. Perfume mixes with musty smell and makes it worse. Remove the cause instead.

Don’t use heat. Heat from a dryer or iron can set musty smells. Use fresh air instead.

Don’t store damp clothes. Damp clothes grow more bacteria and mould. Always dry completely.

Don’t use chlorine bleach on colors. Use vinegar or baking soda instead.

Don’t soak dry-clean-only garments. Use a vodka spray or take to a professional cleaner.

Don’t leave dark colors in direct sunlight too long. UV can fade dark colors. Limit to 2 hours.

How to Prevent Musty Smell in Clothes

Dry clothes completely before storing. Even slightly damp clothes can grow bacteria.

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements and hot attics.

Use breathable storage. Use fabric storage boxes, not plastic bins.

Add cedar or lavender. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets absorb moisture and repel pests.

Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer. Transfer within 30 minutes.

Clean the machine monthly. Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.

Use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer when washing. Kills bacteria that cause odors.

Use Tide Free and Gentle. Enzyme detergent removes organic matter that feeds bacteria.

FAQ

How do you remove musty smell from clothes without washing? Spray with a vinegar and water solution, sprinkle with baking soda, hang in fresh air and sunlight, or use a vodka spray. For dry-clean-only garments, use a vodka spray or take to a professional cleaner.

Does vinegar remove musty smell from clothes without washing? Yes. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the clothes lightly and hang in fresh air. Vinegar kills bacteria and neutralizes the VOCs that cause musty smell. The vinegar smell disappears as clothes dry.

Does baking soda remove musty smell from clothes without washing? Yes. Sprinkle baking soda on the clothes, let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour, and shake or brush off. Baking soda absorbs odors.

Does vodka remove musty smell from clothes? Yes. High-proof vodka kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. Spray the clothes lightly and hang in fresh air. The alcohol evaporates quickly and takes the musty smell with it. This method is safe for dry-clean-only garments.

Does sunlight remove musty smell from clothes? Yes. UV rays kill bacteria and mould. Hang clothes outside in direct sunlight for 2 to 4 hours. Don’t leave dark colors in direct sunlight for more than 2 hours, as UV can fade them.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Odor Removal Without Washing.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Odor Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. University of Illinois Extension. “Clothing Care Guide.” extension.illinois.edu.