Laundry can get gross.
At some point, your fabrics—clothes, linens, or towels—will develop that unmistakable musty odor that makes you want to toss everything in the trash.
The primary culprits? Mold and mildew. Their microscopic spores thrive in dark, damp environments, meaning your laundry pile and washing machine are often magnets for growth.
While the high heat of a standard wash cycle can eliminate the immediate issue, that doesn’t mean the underlying problem is solved. Fabrics can react differently to mold and mildew, meaning that spores and odors may persist even after you’ve removed the visible growth.
Looking to treat your clothes while keeping the problem from reoccurring? We’ve got you.
How mildew affects different fabrics, and how to handle it to prevent damage.
First, it’s important to know which items are most at risk. That’s where understanding fabric composition can be helpful.
-
High-risk fabrics: Cellulose-based materials like cotton, linen, silk, and wool are the most problem-prone. These are natural, plant-derived fabrics that absorb moisture and act as a food source (literally) for microorganisms. Once those spores have taken root, they’ll be a self-perpetuating problem until treated.
-
Low-risk fabrics: Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are naturally more resistant to mildew and mold growth because they’re less susceptible to moisture retention.
How to treat mildew growth on clothing.
When treating fabrics, your first instinct might be to reach for the strongest products available. But that’s not actually necessary. Some of the most effective solutions are already in your home, and they can actually be just as powerful as chemical treatments.
-
A mixture of fresh lemon juice and table salt as an effective spot treatment.
- Mix lemon juice and salt into a thick paste, apply liberally on affected spots, and lay the garment in direct sunlight. The lemon’s citric acid acts as a natural bleaching and antibacterial agent, while the salt helps scrub out the more persistent stains. Please note: because of lemon’s bleaching properties, it’s best to use this treatment on white or cream-colored fabrics only.
-
Soak affected areas with distilled white vinegar for mildew odor removal.
- Combine equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, then fully submerge your garment. Once the material has been soaked, wring it out and wash normally. Vinegar has multiple benefits, making this method particularly effective: its acetic acid naturally inhibits mildew growth, and it’s a powerful deodorizer able to tackle even the most stubborn smells. For more challenging stains or persistent odors, increase the vinegar concentration in your solution.
-
Make a borax and water mixture for topical application.
- Borax is a powerful, naturally occurring mineral compound that effectively tackles tough problems. It raises surface alkalinity, creating an environment that prevents mold growth and eliminates existing spores. To treat, mix one cup of borax into one gallon of water. For a targeted application, spread the solution directly on affected areas using a brush or sponge; for full coverage, mist the entire surface thoroughly. Let air dry and then launder the item as normal to remove any remaining odors.
-
Use bleach for items that need more comprehensive mildew removal.
- Bleach’s active ingredient kills spores responsible for growth and sanitizes fabrics. For white clothes, add a capful of bleach directly to the wash cycle and run with hot water. There are bleaches designed for colored clothes, too (just check the labels to ensure you’re using oxygenated or non-chlorine bleach) but always spot test for colorfastness just to be safe.
Treating mildew and mold growth on outdoor items.
Because most outdoor fabrics are made with synthetic fabrics and designed to withstand extreme conditions, they’re ideal candidates for stronger treatments. Start by brushing away any surface dirt, then check if your items—like seat cushions or umbrella covers—are removable.
Choose your cleaning method: machine-washable items can be laundered on a delicate cycle with a small amount of bleach and air-dried in sunlight, while non-removable fabrics can be deep-cleaned by saturating with a diluted bleach solution. When treating fixed cushions or non-machine-washable items, create a ten-to-one mixture with water and bleach, apply thoroughly, and allow the fabric to soak for up to ten minutes before rinsing with a garden hose—taking care to avoid runoff near gardens or grass.
Drying these items in direct sunlight doesn’t just sanitize the fabric; it helps maintain structural integrity by avoiding a high-heat tumble cycle in your machine.
Important care tips for fabric when removing mold or mildew.
Before starting any removal process, take a moment to check your fabric care labels and spot test for colorfastness. Delicate fabrics require extra caution; repeatedly harsh treatments, like multiple bleach applications, can significantly weaken fibers.
Essential habits to prevent mildew growth in your washing machine.
We promise, they’re all simple.
While it might seem counterintuitive, your washing machine can actually be a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria if not properly maintained. A few quick, effective strategies can stop that from ever happening.
-
Leave the washing machine door open in between uses.
-
-
Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp environments, making your washing machine’s drum a potential hotspot for growth. Combat that by leaving the machine door open after each use to promote air circulation and eliminate the moisture that fuels mold and mildew development.
-
-
Transfer wet laundry to the dryer immediately.
-
As soon as your wash cycle completes, toss those wet clothes in the dryer. Leaving wet laundry sitting in the machine encourages spore growth and unpleasant odors, meaning you’ll likely end up just having to rewash that entire load.
-
Wipe down your machine’s gasket once a month.
-
The rubber gasket (that watertight seal inside your machine’s door) can be a flashpoint for mold and mildew. Constantly damp from preventing water leaks, it requires regular cleaning. Use a brush or microfiber cloth to scrub the gasket thoroughly, then allow it to dry. If you’re cleaning with chlorinated bleach, run an empty rinse cycle afterward to prevent potential staining of future laundry loads.
-
Treat the inside of your machine with a cleaner.
-
Use natural cleaning sprays designed to combat odors from mold and mildew. Azuna’s cleaning sprays and concentrates use pure tea tree oil to effectively target and eliminate those smells—just spray the interior and let dry. No complicated process required.
How to prevent future mold and mildew growth with long-term fabric care.
Prevention is always better than cure. By managing humidity and following a few care tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold and mildew in your fabrics.
-
Dry your clothes thoroughly.
-
Resist the urge to stash slightly damp clothing in drawers or closets. Even a small amount of moisture can trigger a spread of mold or mildew growth across multiple items. If you don’t have time for another full drying cycle, hang the item on a drying rack or a hanger in a well-ventilated area.
-
-
Use storage options that are more breathable.
-
Choose breathable storage options for extra linens, off-season clothing, and winter gear. Garment bags work well, but you can also wrap items in a cotton pillowcase or bedsheet and secure the opening with clothespins. For airtight storage, leave a bit of breathing room and consider adding a natural desiccant sachet filled with rice or bentonite clay to absorb excess moisture.
-
-
Get those items off the floor.
-
(We’re talking to ourselves, too.) But it’s not just about organization. Clothes and linens left on the floor can trap moisture, which promotes rapid mildew growth. That’s why a damp towel left crumpled after a shower can start to smell by the next day—the spores spread quickly. Use shelves, dresser drawers, and hangers to promote airflow and prevent odors. Those will also keep your items wrinkle-free and protected from any potential spills or leaks.
-
