How to Get Mildew Stains Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric

You left clothes damp and mildew grew on them. Maybe you forgot a load in the washer, or clothes sat in a damp basement. Mildew leaves dark stains and a musty smell that seems impossible to remove. But mildew stains can be removed with the right products. Here’s how to get mildew stains out of clothes without damage.

A mildew stain on clothes is a fungal stain caused by mold growing on damp fabric. Mildew thrives in warm, humid environments and feeds on organic matter in fabric. Removing mildew requires killing the fungus (vinegar), breaking down the stain (oxygen bleach), and removing the odor (baking soda). The key is to act quickly and use the right products.

To get mildew stains out of clothes, soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes, apply Dawn dish soap, scrub with a toothbrush, apply oxygen bleach, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with baking soda, add vinegar to the rinse, and check before drying. Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes, don’t use cold water, and don’t put mildew-stained clothes in the dryer.

Step-by-Step: Removing Mildew Stains from Clothes

Step 1: Take Clothes Outside

Take mildew-stained clothes outside to prevent spreading spores indoors. Brush off loose mildew with a soft brush.

Step 2: Soak in White Vinegar

Soak the stained clothes in white vinegar for 30 minutes. Vinegar kills the mildew fungus and breaks down the stain. Use full strength vinegar for heavy stains.

Step 3: Apply Dish Soap

Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap to the stain. Work it in gently. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Scrub with a Toothbrush

Scrub the mildew stain with an old toothbrush. Work from the outside in.

Step 5: Apply Oxygen Bleach

Dissolve 1 scoop of oxygen bleach in hot water. Soak the stained clothes for 1 to 2 hours. Oxygen bleach breaks down the mildew stain without damaging color.

Step 6: Apply OxiClean

Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Apply Baking Soda Paste

Make a paste of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and water. Apply to the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Baking soda absorbs the musty odor.

Step 8: Wash in Hot Water

Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water. Add 1 cup of baking soda and 1 scoop of oxygen bleach.

Step 9: Add Vinegar to the Rinse

Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar kills remaining mildew spores and removes the musty odor.

Step 10: Add Lysol for Disinfecting

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for extra disinfecting.

Step 11: Check Before Drying

If the mildew stain remains, treat again and re-wash. Don’t put mildew-stained clothes in the dryer. Dry in the sun if possible, as sunlight kills mildew.

For Stubborn Mildew Stains

Use Chlorine Bleach (For White Cotton Only)

Use chlorine bleach for all-white cotton items. Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes or synthetic fabrics. Add 1 cup of chlorine bleach to the wash.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide (For White Clothes)

Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the mildew stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Don’t use on colored clothes.

Use Lemon Juice and Sunlight

Apply lemon juice to the mildew stain. Place the clothes in direct sunlight for 2 to 3 hours. The acid in lemon juice and UV light kill mildew.

Use Borax

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

Use Shout Foam

Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Use Amodex

Apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. Work it in, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash.

Clean the Machine Monthly

Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly to prevent mildew in the machine.

How to Prevent Mildew on Clothes

Don’t Leave Wet Clothes in the Washer

Move clothes from the washer to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle ends. Leaving wet clothes causes mildew.

Dry Clothes Completely

Dry clothes completely before storing. Damp clothes grow mildew in storage.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Store clothes in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Don’t store in damp basements or humid areas.

Use a Dehumidifier

Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to reduce humidity and prevent mildew.

Leave Closet Doors Open

Leave closet doors open occasionally to allow airflow and prevent mildew.

Don’t Overcrowd Closets

Overcrowding prevents airflow and traps moisture. Leave space between clothes.

What Not to Do

Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes. Chlorine bleach strips color. Use oxygen bleach.

Don’t use cold water. Cold water doesn’t kill mildew. Use hot water.

Don’t put mildew-stained clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat sets the stain. Dry in the sun if possible.

Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on colored clothes. It can lighten colors. Use on white clothes only.

Don’t brush mildew indoors. Brushing spreads spores. Take clothes outside first.

Don’t ignore the musty smell. The smell means mildew is present. Treat immediately.

FAQ

How do you get mildew stains out of clothes? Soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes, apply Dawn dish soap for 15 minutes, scrub, soak in oxygen bleach for 1 to 2 hours, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with baking soda, add vinegar to the rinse, and dry in the sun.

Does vinegar kill mildew on clothes? Yes. White vinegar kills the mildew fungus and breaks down the stain. Soak mildew-stained clothes in vinegar for 30 minutes before washing.

Does oxygen bleach remove mildew stains? Yes. Oxygen bleach breaks down mildew stains without damaging color. Dissolve 1 scoop in hot water, soak for 1 to 2 hours, and wash in hot water.

Can you use chlorine bleach on mildew stains? Use chlorine bleach only on all-white cotton items. Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes or synthetic fabrics. Use oxygen bleach instead.

Can you put mildew-stained clothes in the dryer? No. Dryer heat sets the stain. Dry in the sun if possible, as sunlight kills mildew.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Mildew from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Mildew Stain Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Mildew Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. OxiClean. “Stain Removal Guide.” oxiclean.com.