Mildew is a fungus on clothes, visible as white, gray spots. Mildew changes the way clothes look and leaves a musty smell in the laundry. Homeowners tend to get worried about the issue because, among multiple daily chores, mildew adds to the burden. The reason for mildew could be damp and warm conditions. For example, sweaty clothes left unwashed in the laundry or washed clothes left in the washing machine for too long. It’s important to understand the issue and look for a solution. This blog covers it all.
What is Mildew?
Mildew is a white powdery growth on damp fabrics, and even in corners prone to moisture and poorly ventilated areas. It leaves a musty odor and can cause an allergy, especially to those prone to allergy. The only saving grace is that, unlike mold, it is less harmful and can be cleaned easily.
How to Identify Mildew on Clothes?
Mildew can be easily identified by its musty smell on the clothes. Mildew growth can be seen on the clothes in the form of gray or white powdery growth. At times, mildew may not be visible, but the musty odor is a sign of its growth on clothes.
What Causes Mildew on Clothes?
Identifying the reason that causes mildew on clothes can help prevent the recurrence of the problem. Here are the reasons for mildew growth on clothes.
High Level of Humidity and Moisture Content
High levels of humidity give the best platform for mildew growth. Mildew growth can be seen on clothes left in the washer for too long, resulting in an unpleasant smell. It happens because clothes are exposed to moisture for a prolonged period in the washer.
Lack of Ventilation
Lack of airflow leads to mildew growth on clothes and causes a musty odor, too. Improper ventilation in the closet traps moisture when clothes are stored in tightly packed closets, plastic bags, and drawers. Mildew growth can also happen when damp or dirty clothes are stored.
Dirty Washer
Dirty washers could also be one of the reasons for mildew growth on clothes. When clothes are washed in machines with a dirty washer, the chances for mildew growth are high. The best preventive measure is to clean the machine once a month or as instructed by the manufacturer.
Ways to Prevent Mildew Growth on Clothes
There’s a common saying that “Prevention is better than cure”, so opting for certain preventive measures to keep a check on mildew growth is the smartest way. Here are some of the preventive tips to avoid mildew growth on clothes.
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Once the washing cycle is completed, empty the washing machine.
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After taking out the clothes from the washer, either dry them in the dryer or hang them to dry on the washing line. Don’t forget to check the care label on the clothes.
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Avoid collecting sweaty or damp clothes in the laundry basket. Let dry clothes like towels, gymwear, and swimwear dry before putting them in the laundry basket.
Method to Remove Mildew Stains and Odor From Clothes
Despite considering all the precautionary measures to prevent mildew growth, if you see the growth, try to get rid of the stain and the smell from the clothes. Here are the ways.
Step 1: Method for Dry-Clean Clothes Only
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If clothes are dry-clean only, first brush away powdery residue from both sides of the clothes and put them in a plastic or cotton bag to ensure they don’t spread to other clothes. Then, take the cloth to the dry cleaner and show the mildew stain to the cleaner.
Step 2: Method for Clothes That Can Be Washed at Home
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Using high-quality liquid detergent, pre-treat stained clothes for 15 minutes.
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Wash the pre-treated clothes in hot water, but only after checking the care label.
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For white clothes, add chlorine bleach and wash on a 100% cotton fabric washing cycle to disinfect clothes and kill fungal spores.
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For synthetic or colored clothes, use pine oil.
Step 3: Check for Stains on Clothes
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If stains persist on clothes even after disinfecting them, use oxygen bleach on colored or white fabric to remove stains from the clothes.
| Some Tips | Oxygen bleach will only remove stains and not mildew spores. |
Step 4: Soak Clothes in Oxygen Bleach Solution
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Soak stained clothes in an oxygen bleach solution for a minimum of eight hours or overnight. However, follow the package directions before preparing the solution.
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Check for stains again and wash clothes as you normally do.
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If stains are still seen, prepare a fresh oxygen bleach solution and repeat the process.
Step 5: Use Vinegar to Remove Mildew Odor
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White distilled vinegar is an effective way to get rid of mildew smell. Vinegar is acidic, so it works well to remove musty odor.
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Pour one or two cups of vinegar into the washer drum without adding detergent and run the hottest washing cycle.
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Once the washing cycle ends, dry the items on high heat immediately.
Conclusion
Mildew on clothes is a fungal growth that can be prevented with some easy tips after identifying the reasons that cause mildew buildup. It can be removed easily from the clothes using the right method. Hence, don’t stress about noticing mildew growth on clothes.
