Why Does My Shirt Smell Like Mildew? Troubleshooting Guide

A musty odor in clothing can be a bothersome occurrence. Because I’ve always wondered, “Why does my shirt stink?”

It’s definitely mildew growing on it, which is the simplest and most obvious answer. Mold development is commonly referred to as “mildew” in everyday speech.

In addition to being unsightly, mildew can harm human health in a number of ways. That’s why you need to get rid of them as soon as possible.

This article will teach you how to get rid of the musty odor caused by mildew on your garments.

What Causes Shirts To Smell Like Mildew?

White, yellow, or gray-colored mildew is a form of fungus known as a mold. Fungi spread in the air and can contaminate surfaces like fabrics, wood, paper, and walls as well as regions with a lot of water.

Shirts and other materials take on a musty smell when mildew or mold grows on them. Mildew can grow on moist clothing stored in regions with poor airflow.

When there is an abundance of moisture and moderate temperatures (above 650F), mildew spores are able to flourish and germinate.

Your washing machine or dryer may be plagued with mildew if you notice a strong odor in your clothing. Here’s some advice on how to rid your dryer of that musty mildew smell.

Keep an eye out for any signs of mildew infestation in your closet and drawers, too!

Is It Okay To Wear Shirts That Smell Like Mildew?

Shirts that have a mildew odor should not be worn. In the absence of visible mildew spots, it is likely that mildew has already begun to grow on the surface of the item.

Itching, rashes, and even poisoning can all be side effects of wearing clothes that have mildew on them. If mildew spores are inhaled, they can induce allergic reactions and other respiratory problems, such as wheezing or coughing, nose and throat discomfort, and sinus congestion.

Even if you don’t mind the musty odor, mildews can permanently alter the color of your clothing or even cause it to deteriorate.

How Do You Get Mildew Smell Out Of Shirts?

To remove the smell of mildew from clothing, you must first remove the fungus that causes it.

There is no need to throw away your shirt if it has mildew stains, because you can still save it. Here are some tips for removing mildew from shirts.

Wash shirts with fungicides

Mildew spores can be killed by using household fungicides like vinegar, bleach, or borax in the washing machine.

As a rule, it’s okay to use vinegar in clothing. Apply a solution of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar: 1 part water) to the mildew stain.

Bleach is another option for killing mildew spores. Fungicides like this one can be extremely powerful, but the fabric of your shirt may be compromised as a result.

As a mildew and odor remover, borax is quite effective. To remove mildew stains from shirts, simply mix the product with water as directed on the container label.

Dry clothes in the sun

Temperatures of 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 71 degrees Celsius) destroy mildews. Light from the sun provides heat, but it’s also a cheap supply of UV radiation that can eliminate mildew.

To dry your garments and eliminate mildew spores, place them outside in the sun.

How To Prevent Growth Of Mildews In Clothes

To avoid a recurrence of the mildew problem, you must take steps to prevent it from returning. Keeping mildew from growing on your garments is easy if you follow these simple guidelines.

1. Check areas in your house with mildew infestation

Finding the source of the pollution is the first step in preventing mildew growth on clothing. Look for evidence of mildew growth in your washing machine, dryer, closet, and drawers, and treat them with the fungicides recommended previously.

2. Keep storage clean

Clothes must be kept in clean areas at all times. Mildew spores carried by airborne dirt might grow unchecked on your clothing.

3. Avoid dampness

Mildew thrives in moist conditions. On moist surfaces, mildew spores from the air can quickly germinate.

Dehumidifiers and silica gels in your closet might help keep the air in your room dry.

4. Keep good air circulation

Stacking your garments properly necessitates ensuring that there is adequate airflow. Damp and musty odors can quickly build up in poorly ventilated storage facilities.

Avoid stuffing your closet or drawers to the brim with your wardrobe. Dry air will be able to get into the storage area this way.

What causes mildew smells in clothes?

Mildew and musty smells can occur in clothes in even the most fastidious of households. Zinna says, “Laundry odor can be caused by a variety of sources including forgetting wet clothes in the washing machine, a dirty washing machine, hard water, or leftover body soils on clothes.” According to Zinna, that last one is particularly important. She adds, “Invisible body soils are one of the leading causes of laundry odor. Our bodies are in constant contact with clothes, towels, and other fabrics that trap our body soils over time, causing that stinky and musty smell.” In fact, she says, up to 70% of soils on your towels are invisible body soils and dirt. Another culprit? Leaving clothes too long in the hamper, especially if they’re damp.

How do you get musty, mildew smells out of clothes?

Even the most meticulous households can experience mildew and musty odors in their clothing. Zinna says, “Laundry odor can be caused by a variety of sources including forgetting wet clothes in the washing machine, a dirty washing machine, hard water, or leftover body soils on clothes.” According to Zinna, that last one is particularly important. She adds, “Invisible body soils are one of the leading causes of laundry odor. Our bodies are in constant contact with clothes, towels, and other fabrics that trap our body soils over time, causing that stinky and musty smell.” In fact, she says, up to 70% of soils on your towels are invisible body soils and dirt. Another culprit? Leaving clothes too long in the hamper, especially if they’re damp.

Even the most meticulous homes can experience mildew and musty odors in their clothes. There are many causes of laundry odor, including forgetting wet items in the washing machine, a dirty washing machine, harsh water, or residual body stains on clothes. Last but not least, according to Zinna, it’s extremely significant “Invisible body stains are one of the primary contributors of laundry odor,” she continues. Toxic odors are caused by our bodies constantly coming into contact with clothing, towels, and other textiles that collect our bodily waste over time. In fact, she claims that up to 70% of the soils on your towels are invisible bodily filth and soil. Is there a third culprit? Waiting too long to remove wet clothing from the hamper.

How can you prevent mildew smells in clothes?

Keeping up with your laundry is the most obvious approach to keep it fresh and free of musty odors. The hamper should not become clogged up with soiled and wet garments and towels. When the washing machine is done, make sure to take your clothing from it.

The door of your washing machine should be left open a small amount so that it can dry out. The gasket (the inner rubber seal) should be wiped clean after each usage to avoid standing water.

Once a month, it’s a good idea to clean out your stinking washer and dryer. If your washing machine has a cleaning cycle, be sure to read the instructions that came with it. If your machine doesn’t have a cycle for this, she recommends using soapy water to clean the rubber seal on the inside. In addition, she suggests removing the dispenser tray and giving it a hot water rinse. As a last point, she advises that Tide Washing Machine Cleaner can be used on a regular basis to maintain the cleanliness of your washing machine.

Why does my washing smell? 10 Common reasons your clothes smell after washing

1. Your washing machine needs a clean

Stagnant water, limescale, germs or mold, and clogged filters are all common problems with washing machines.

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When it comes to deep cleaning a washing machine, there’s typically no need to call a repair agency; we teach you how in our comprehensive guide to washing machine cleaning.

2. You’ve used too much (or too little) laundry detergent

Are you faithfully measuring the amount of detergent you use, or do you just chuck a glug in and hope for the best? Excess detergent won’t rinse away properly and can remain trapped in the fabric, encouraging waterlogging and mould growth. On the other hand, too little detergent means you won’t get the clothes clean. Make careful you read the directions on the detergent packet or container. They’ll often focus on a 6kg or 7kg load, so if you have a larger machine, you may need to add a bit more soap powder or liquid. When washing a small amount of laundry, you may not require as much detergent as if you were doing a full load.

Do you measure your detergent accurately or do you just squirt it in and cross your fingers? A buildup of detergent in the cloth might lead to waterlogging and mold growth if it isn’t properly rinsed. On the other hand, too little detergent means you won’t get the clothing clean. It’s important to read any directions that come with the detergent. They’ll frequently focus on a 6kg or 7kg load, so if you have a larger machine, you may need to add a bit more soap powder or liquid. It’s also possible that you may not require as much detergent if the load is little.

3. Your washing machine makes your clothes smell because you’ve overloaded the machine

Using a glug of detergent and crossing your fingers isn’t the greatest way to go about it. To avoid waterlogging and mold formation, excess detergent should be rinsed away thoroughly and not left behind in the cloth. It’s also a bad idea to use too little detergent because you won’t be able to clean your items properly. Make careful you read the directions on the detergent packet or bottle before using it. Since most machines are designed to handle a load of 6 or 7 kg, you may need to increase the amount of soap powder or liquid you use if your machine is larger. The amount of detergent you use will depend on the size of the load you are washing.

If the washing machine isn’t making your clothing smell, it’s possible that you’re not allowing it to do its job properly. In an effort to reduce the number of trips, it may be tempting to overfill the container, but try to avoid the urge (unless you want to walk around smelling like gone off milk).

4. Your clothes smell damp after washing because they have been in the machine too long

It is possible that your clothing smell moist after being washed because you need to take them out of the machine sooner rather than later.

The stronger the fragrance will become the longer you keep them in the machine. You can use the ‘delay start’ function on your washing machine so that the wash can be completed at a more convenient time for you.

5. It’s taking too long to dry your clothes

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of the wet smell in your clothing? It is imperative that you dry them as quickly as possible. The smell of dampness and mustiness might develop if clothes are left to dry naturally without sufficient heat.

Investing in a dehumidifier may be necessary if your laundry smells terrible after drying indoors. Your home will feel warmer as a result of all the water that won’t be in the air, which can cause damp issues and make your home feel cooler.

In addition, if you use a tumble dryer, be careful not to overload it and line up items of similar weight to dry.

6. You’re not letting them dry properly

Dry clothes thoroughly before removing them from the dryer or hanging them on the line. That may require you to set your dryer to ‘extra dry’ mode.

Don’t let your ironing pile get out of hand if you prefer to iron your garments while they’re still damp, rather than putting it off until later.

7. Your clothes have been put away damp

Laundry drying time is once again an issue. Towels and sheets that have been stored wet will have an unpleasant odor by the time you need to use them.

8. They need room to breathe

If air can’t circulate around clothes, they’re going to start smelling musty quicker. If you can, hang them rather than fold them. It’s best to allow some space between each one.

When folding, try not to overfill your drawers, which may necessitate a bit of a purge.

9. They’ve been stored for too long

Clothes that haven’t been worn in a long may begin to smell musty. Hang them outside for a few hours to give them a fresh lease of life. Sunlight and a gentle breeze might often be sufficient to remove the mildew smell. Even if it’s raining, a little bit of fresh air may do wonders.

Try washing them in the washing machine with some fabric conditioner if that doesn’t work.

The next time you’re putting away your winter things in the attic for the summer, put in a little fragrant lavender bag to keep them smelling fresh.

10. Your clothes need a hotter wash

It may be time for a deep clean if your garments still smell after you’ve followed the advice above.

Lower temperatures are better in protecting clothes from damage, but they are less effective at eliminating sweaty odors. To get the best results, use the highest temperature recommended by the clothing label on a long wash cycle.

A few teaspoons of white vinegar can also be added to the detergent drawer for additional cleaning power. You don’t have to worry about your clothes smelling like a fish and chip shop after using this product.

When washing at 30oC or 40oC, Persil, a powerful detergent developed for lower temperatures, is a good choice.

Conclusion

Your shirt will have a musty odor if it is infested with mildew. Whenever you detect a mildew odor or spot mildew stains on your clothing, you need to get rid of them immediately.

To get rid of the smell of mildew in shirts and prevent the growth of this fungus in clothing, follow the instructions provided. The answer to your query, “Why does my shirt smell like mildew?” has just been supplied to you.