How to Get a Musty Smell Out of Clothes

Typically, you’ll find you have smelly clothes after washing because there’s still some moisture in the fabric that can’t escape. Reasons for this include:

- Leaving damp laundry in the machine. Smelly laundry is often down to wet washing being left to sit in the washing machine or tumble dryer.

- Storing damp clothes in humid/dark/enclosed places. Even if they’re dry, when clothes have been stuffed in drawers/wardrobes for a long time without being worn, aired and washed, they can smell musty too.

- Using a dirty machine. If your washing smells musty when dry and you’ve aired it thoroughly, then it could be down to your washing machine or tumble dryer containing mildew or mould.

Now you know the reasons behind smelly washing, you can take steps to avoid it happening. Stop clothes smelling musty by following these tips on how to make laundry smell good using either Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Gel or Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power Powder for colours, and Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Gel for whites:

- Remove from washing machine straight away. Don’t let your clothes sit damp.
- Dry immediately. Since light and heat help stop mould growing, drying your washing in the sun can help keep clothes smelling fresh (turn garments inside out, to avoid fading).
- Store dry clothes with space to air. Don’t put away until completely dry, and then make sure you don’t overstuff your drawers and wardrobe, so there’s room for air to circulate around your clothes.
- Keep your machine clean. Run your washing machine empty on a hot wash with detergent to help remove smells. When not in use, leave the door open, so it can air out.
With these hacks for getting rid of musty smells in clothes (and preventing them in the first place) you can enjoy that fresh laundry scent every time.

- Please refer to the packaging for specific product usage and advice.
- KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS. Store the product only in the original container and always fasten the lid.
- Do not expose product to direct sunlight.
- Before use check for colour fastness by testing a hidden area of the fabric, rug or carpet.
- For best results it may be necessary to repeat parts of the process.