Can oxiclean get mildew smell out of clothes?

Author: Adell Bahringer  |  Last update: Monday, December 29, 2025

Get mold odors out of clothes Mix a full scoop per gallon of water. Soak 3-6 hours. Depending on the severity of the odor, some odors may require more time to soak. For best results soak 6 hours.

Does OxiClean remove mildew smell from clothes?

OxiClean Laundry and Home Sanitizer

If the garments smell just a little musty and/or you see small patch of mildew forming, a standard washing might be enough to reverse the damage. Add a scoop of OxiClean to your washing machine along with your normal detergent.

How to get bad mildew smell out of clothes?

  • Wash with Vinegar: - Add 1 cup of white vinegar to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. Vinegar helps neutralize odors and can eliminate mold and mildew.
  • Baking Soda: - Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your wash cycle.
  • Hot Water: - If the fabric allows, wash your clothes in hot

What is the best laundry detergent to get rid of mildew smell?

You can still get those unpleasant smells out of your clothes. Zinna says all you need is a heavy-duty laundry detergent. Look for options like Tide Hygienic Clean or other brands containing ingredients made to trap dirt and oil so they won't get re-deposited on clothes.

Does OxiClean get rid of bad smells?

Yes, regular OxiClean can help remove odors from fabrics and surfaces. It contains active oxygen and other cleaning agents that work to break down stains and neutralize smells. To effectively remove odors, you can add OxiClean to your laundry or use it as a pre-soak solution for items that need extra attention.

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When should you not use OxiClean?

Use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover powder for versatile applications. Can I use OxiClean™ Max Force™ Laundry Stain Remover Spray on wool or silk items? OxiClean™ MaxForce™ is not designed to be used on dry clean only fabrics and should not be used on wool or silk items.

How do you get rid of really bad smells on clothes?

Removing odours from clothing: Here's how to do it
  1. Fresh or hot air. Fresh air is always good for removing odours from clothing. ...
  2. Steam. Steam has a similar effect to hot or fresh air. ...
  3. Cold. You can also remove bad smells from clothing effectively by using cold temperatures. ...
  4. White vinegar. ...
  5. Sodium bicarbonate.

What can I put in my washer to get rid of mildew smell?

Appliance. “To get the most out of this method, pour a quart of white vinegar into the washer tub with 1 cup of baking soda, and use a stiff nylon brush to scrub the interior,” says Shimek. “Then run a wash cycle on the hottest temperature and heaviest laundry load settings.”

What is the best odor eliminator for mildew?

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas generously and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, blot the area with a clean cloth or sponge. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, and it will take the mildew smell with it.

Why do my clothes smell like mildew after drying?

This is happens when clothes are left damp for extended periods or when they're dried in a tumble dryer or clothesline with bad ventilation. The trapped moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, adding to the musty smell. To prevent this, it's important to ensure that your clothes are dried thoroughly.

How do you get mildew out of clothes that have been dried?

White vinegar is suitable for disinfecting and cleaning stubborn mold stains like white mold or green mold. First, spray undiluted white vinegar onto the mold-infected areas. To make a vinegar solution, mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Soak your clothes in the solution for 30 minutes before washing them.

Can you mix vinegar and laundry detergent?

Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.

What can I spray on my clothes for mildew smell?

Spray worn clothing or used towels with OdoBan® before tossing in the hamper. Mildew can grow quickly in the right environment, and this will help halt mildew growth and the resulting musty smell. Wash your clothes and towels more often.

How do you get persistent mildew smell out of clothes?

Add 1 cup of white vinegar to your machine's detergent cup or mix a cup of white vinegar with ½ cup water and then add to the washer — no need to add a detergent. Hot water combined with vinegar will break up any bacteria accumulated on your clothes. As a result, the funky musty smell will go away.

Can you mix OxiClean and vinegar?

Don't mix OxiClean with vinegar.

Mixing OxiClean and vinegar is not safe. OxiClean breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, which forms peracetic acid when combined with vinegar.

Does OxiClean remove pee smell?

Oxyclean is a good product to remove the urine and fecal odors from the home.

What neutralizes mildew smell?

Create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Pour it into a spray bottle and lightly mist the musty-smelling areas of the clothes. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the fabric for about 15 minutes to help neutralize the odor.

Does mildew smell eventually disappear?

Once the mold is discovered and remediated, the odors will likely go away.

What is the best detergent to get rid of mildew smell?

Simple Steps to Remove Musty Smells

Achieve the best results with Tide Ultra Oxi Power Pods with Odor Eliminators as an in-wash booster. Simply add it to your wash along with Tide PODS® laundry detergent in either standard or high-efficiency washers. Use Downy Unstopables for freshness.

How do you get mildew out of clothes in the washing machine?

Choose the hottest setting on your washing machine. Most mold spores will die at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), so cold and warm water cycles won't work. Add laundry detergent (regular detergent is fine). Add any other disinfectants, like vinegar, bleach or baking soda.

How do I get rid of the horrible smell in my washing machine?

Baking soda and vinegar:

For both top-load and front-load washers, start by adding 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into the washer drum. Then, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Run a hot wash cycle without any laundry.

Does OxiClean remove odors?

OxiClean™ products are powerful odor removers to get rid of smells effectively.

Is it okay to wear clothes that smell like mildew?

Is it safe to wear clothes that smell like mildew? Wearing musty clothes can trigger allergies and respiratory issues due to the mould spores. It is best to wash them thoroughly until the scent is gone before donning them again.

What is the best odor eliminator for clothes?

For our best value option, we suggest OxiClean Odor Blasters Stain & Odor Remover. Because it's hypoallergenic and sensitive-skin friendly, it'll clean your load effectively without sacrificing your skin to harmful ingredients.

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