How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell

Mold and mildew are types of fungi that are commonly found in locations with warm, humid and moist conditions. Even though, both are types of fungi, mold is seen in different colors, like, black, green, blue and red, whereas, mildew is mostly found to be gray or white in color. In some locations, both are found to grow simultaneously. As mentioned above, areas with less air circulation, enough darkness and warm and moist conditions, are perfect for the growth of mildew. So, mildew is often found in basements, attics and crammed closets. Apart from the offending smell, mildew exposure may make you prone to allergic reactions, respiratory complaints and skin problems. So, it is always better to get rid of mildew smell and mildew, at the earliest.

Mildew Smell Removal

As stated above, getting rid of mildew smell from clothes as well as the interiors of your house is very important. Apart from producing a bad odor, mildew can also trigger allergies, respiratory infections and many other health problems.

From Clothes

Any type of moisture, be it from some wet or moist clothes or moisture from walls, may trigger mildew growth on clothes, kept in the closet. This can spread to other clothes and result in a musty mildew smell. If you leave it like that, the clothes may gradually get damaged due to mildew problem. In case of clothes, mildew smell can be due to mildew growth caused by improperly dried clothes, or by using a moldy washing machine or by keeping them in a moldy closet.

First of all, dry cloths with mildew smell in sunlight for a day. The next step is to wash them with a laundry detergent, as you do in case of normal clothes. It will be better to use a detergent that is meant for removing scents from clothes. Dry the clothes properly in sunlight. Once done, you can keep the clothes in the closet, along with dryer sheets in between. Dryer sheets will help in preventing mildew growth, but, you have to replace them with new ones, at regular intervals.

Another cause for mildew smell in clothes can be moldy washing machines. You can avoid this by keeping the lid of the machine open. In case of mildew smell in washing machine, add a cup of white vinegar into the machine and wash it down with warm water. You may also replace vinegar with a small amount of laundry detergent and a cup of bleach. In order to get rid of mildew smell in towels, you have to wash the towels in hot water added with a cup of white vinegar. Once done, repeat the washing, but, this time use laundry detergent and hot water. After that, dry them, before hanging in sunlight.

However, if the closet itself has mildew growth, then, there is no point in washing the clothes kept inside, unless and until, you clean the closet.

From Closet

A closet with mildew can cause mildew smell in the clothes, which may get damaged, if kept untouched for a long time. In such cases, you have to take out everything from the closet and clean it before keeping it inside. Meanwhile, you need to get rid of mildew and mildew smell from the closet too. First of all, try to find out the cause for the mildew growth. It can be a leaky ceiling or a moist cloth. Rectify the underlying cause, like, leaky ceiling and then, start with measures to get rid of mildew smell and mildew from the closet. Keep the doors of the closet open and run a dehumidifier inside it. Otherwise, switch on the fans. This will reduce the dampness inside the closet.

The next step is to wipe the interior surfaces of the closet with a solution made from equal amounts of white vinegar and warm water. Some people use water mixed with a few drops of bleach and some ordinary detergent. Wipe the surfaces with cold water once again. Keep the closet open for two to three days, so as to ensure that it is completely devoid of moisture and dampness, before placing the cleaned clothes and other things inside.

In case of carpets, floors and walls, regular cleaning and lots of air circulation with a good exposure to light, prevents mildew growth. It is always better to prevent mildew growth to get rid of mildew smell and other health risks associated with it.