Mildew can spoil favorite clothes with its unpleasant odor. This article offers quick home remedies using common household items to eliminate mildew smell.
Mildew is a fungus that thrives in damp environments, easily spreading to clothes if not dried promptly (Sarah Johnson, textile expert).
A camping trip leaves clothes smelling of mildew?
Soak them in vinegar for an hour, rinse, then hang out to dry in the sun. A study in the Journal of Textile Industry supports baking soda as an alternative. Sprinkle it on clothes before washing.
These eco-friendly solutions are more affordable and less harmful to the environment than commercial detergents or professional services. Prevention is best – regularly check and dry clothes promptly, advises Johnson.
Vinegar and sunshine effectively eliminate mildew smell from clothes. Baking soda is also effective when sprinkled on clothes before washing.
Q: Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?
A: While bleach eliminates mildew stains, it may damage certain fabrics and should be used with caution. Vinegar is a safer and more versatile option.
Q: How long does it take for the mildew smell to disappear after treating my clothes?
A: The timeframe depends on the severity of the mildew odor. Mild cases may show improvement within hours; severe cases could require up to 48 hours.