Stubborn mildew or musty smell from clothes is very frustrating. Fortunately, you may not need a specialized product to tackle the smell. All you need is simple household products like white vinegar and baking soda to treat musty laundry. However, be careful about the care label of garments. Delicate fabrics, elastic materials and certain finishes may not tolerate the same cleaning methods as everyday cotton clothing.Why do clothes develop a mildew smell?There are several common reasons clothes develop a musty or mildew-like odor. Moisture is one of the biggest factors. High humidity can create favorable conditions for mildew and odor-causing microorganisms. Clothes that remain wet for an extended period, including laundry forgotten inside the washer, can develop an unpleasant smell. Poor airflow can make the problem worse. Damp clothes stored in tightly packed closets, drawers or plastic bags have little opportunity to dry properly. Trapped moisture can contribute to mildew growth and persistent odors.The washing machine itself can also be responsible. If the inside of your washer has not been cleaned for a long time, detergent residue, moisture and other buildup can contribute to unpleasant smells that transfer to freshly washed clothes. Cleaning the washing machine approximately once a month can help keep it fresh, although the manufacturer's instructions should always take priority.How to remove mildew smell from clothesAccording to leading washing machine maker Whirlpool, if your clothes already have a musty smell, the following method can help. In a blog, the applicance maker has advised use of white vinegar and baking soda in the process.First you need to separate clothes with a mildew odor from the rest of the laundry. This prevents the smell from spreading to other garments during the wash.Next, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Apply the diluted solution to the areas where the mildew odor is strongest. Do not saturate the garment unnecessarily, particularly if the fabric is delicate. For more persistent odors, the garment can instead be soaked in the same one-part-vinegar-to-two-parts-water solution for about 30 minutes, provided the care label allows it, advised Whirlpool in a blog post.For a spray treatment, allow the diluted vinegar solution to sit for about 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse the garment thoroughly to remove the vinegar before putting it into the washing machine. This step is important because vinegar should not be added directly to the washer. Its acidity may damage certain machine components over time, according to the care guidance provided for this method.Once the vinegar has been rinsed out, wash the garment using your normal laundry detergent. You can add approximately ½ cup of baking soda to the wash to help neutralize unpleasant odors. Baking soda is commonly used as a laundry deodorizer, but it is still sensible to spot-test it first, particularly when dealing with delicate or specialty fabrics.Choose the water temperature and wash cycle recommended on the garment's care label. Do not automatically use the hottest setting simply because the clothing smells of mildew. The correct temperature depends on the fabric, and excessive heat can damage some garments.Do not put the clothes away while they are even slightly damp. If possible, hang them outdoors in sunlight. Thorough drying can help remove lingering musty odors, while sunlight can also provide additional help against microorganisms on fabrics. If the smell remains after the first treatment, the process may need to be repeated.Once the garments are completely dry, store them somewhere with good airflow and low humidity. Avoid packing damp clothes into plastic bags, tightly filled drawers or overcrowded closets. Preventing moisture from becoming trapped is one of the simplest ways to reduce the chances of the mildew smell returning.Can vinegar remove mildew smells from clothes?White vinegar can help with musty odors, but it should be used as a pre-treatment rather than poured directly into the washing machine. For a relatively mild odor, spray a solution made from one part white vinegar and two parts water onto the affected area. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse the garment before washing it normally.For tougher odors, soak the garment for 30-minute in the same diluted solution if the garment's care instructions permit it. Also, avoid using vinegar on fabrics that may be damaged by acidic treatments, and always check the care label first.Does baking soda get rid of mildew smells?Baking soda can help neutralize unpleasant odors and is commonly used as a laundry deodorizer. Adding about half a cup to a regular wash, along with your usual detergent, may help with clothes that have developed a musty smell. As with any laundry treatment, however, check the garment's care instructions first. A small spot test is particularly useful for delicate or unusual fabrics.What if the clothes have already been dried?A mildew smell does not necessarily disappear simply because the clothing has been dried. For clothes that still smell musty after drying, you can try soaking them for about 30 minutes in a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water, provided the garment can safely tolerate the treatment.Rinse the clothes thoroughly and then wash them using the hottest water permitted by the care label. For persistent mildew-related problems, an appropriate oxygen-based laundry product may also be considered if it is safe for the fabric. After washing, dry the clothing completely, preferably outdoors if conditions allow. If the odor remains, repeating the treatment may be necessary.How to prevent mildew smells from returningThough using baking soda and vinegar you can remove the odor, the smell can return if you do not follow certain precautions.For instance, do not keep wet clothes for a long time inside washing machines. Also, before storing clothes make sure they are completely dry.Keep ample space in closets and drawers; do not just dump clothes inside them. Never store damp clothes in plastic bags.Another important aspect is to clean washing machines regularly as per the manufacturer's instructions. Check the washer's door seal, detergent compartments and other areas where moisture or residue can accumulate.