How can I get mildew out of clothes? I can still smell the mildew after washing them twice...?

Answer 1

If they aren't suitable to be bleached, try pre-soaking them with lots of white vinegar in the water. The acidity seems to knock out the mildew. Then wash with detergent, give it two rinses (what the heck, you've already washed 'em 3 or 4 times!) and make sure to get them totally dry.

Answer 2

You didn't say how they became mildewy smelling. New washers have a tendency to produce stinky clothes that vinegar, baking soda, chlorine bleach can't remove.

http://masterhandyman.com/columndetails.cfm?pubdate=20070609 and http://smellywasher.com/

explain the problem and offer a solution.

If you have an older machine and have this problem and chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach (Chlorox II) hasn't helped, can you hang the clothes outside in direct sunlight? That might help.

Another thought is hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This is used to remove skunk odor from dogs, it might help the clothes........just how much it would take and even if it still works when diluted in water is a concern. I've never tried it on clothes, but can speak highly of it on dogs.

Answer 3

arm & hammer laundry detergent with baking soda, or add baking soda to your wash with your usual detergent, or use amonia. dry clothing completely and promptly....