Mouldy smelling clothes (were left damp)

bigsmoke

Hi everyone

rather embarassingly, i've just discovered some damp clothes that were shoved in a carrier bag 'some time ago'. they smell really horrible and musty/mouldy.

i've put them through the wash at 60 degrees, with 2 lots of detergent in with them (persil non-bio) but they still smell really musty.

does anyone have any tips for getting rid of the smell? the clothes are in perfectly fine condition, if i could only get the stink out!

thank you to anyone who is able to help out!

BS

flea72

prob daft Q, but have you let them dry to see if they still smell? ive found clothes often come out of my machine smelling a bit mouldy, but once they dry, they smell fine

Flea

whatatwit

Put them out on the washing line (if you have one)
Doesn't matter if it's raining, the fresh air will help and if they get wet, well it's only like re-washing them.
I would turn them inside out, just so that the sun :rotfl: doesn't fade them. Might need to leave them out for a few days

phizzimum

do you have any biological washing detergent? even if it's something like vanish? I generally use non-bio due to DD's eczema, but I've found its worth having a bottle of cheap value biological liquid at the back of the cupboard for when the wash needs a bit of oomph!

Little_Mama

You could also try popping some white vinegar in with the wash as that seems to counter the smell of washing powder without leaving any nasty smell, it my work the same in this instance, then, as Whatawit suggested, pop them on the line for a few days.

LM

heatherw_01

Put them on a washing line for a day or so and then re-wash using fabric conditioner in the wash.

You could also try adding some soda crystals to the wash.

bigsmoke

brilliant - thanks for all of those suggestions!

unfortunately, i'm in a first floor flat so no washing line, but i could open the windows for a few hours in the evenings/weekend and hang them up near there?

i think my flatmate has some biological washing stuff so i'll try that first before going out and buying vinegar.

and yes, i've dried them but they still smell unfortunately. in fact, they've been hung up to dry in my room and the whole place smells a little musty, best hope i don't pull in the next few days eh?!

thank you so much - i knew this would be the right place to ask!! will let you know how i get on...

skintchick

I'd air them. Hang them on hangers from doorframes, with space around each item, and leave for a few days. If they still small then wash them again and dry in same way. That should get rid of it. If not you will have to chuck them.

siaoeh

haven't done this before, but how about pre-soaking it in a tub full of bicarb solution made with some hot water before washing it? since bicarb paste seems to work in lifting more odours this might work? another idea is to bury it amongst some charcoal and leave it for a bit before washing it? charcoal is pretty good in removing odours in general. though that might make it look pretty sooty! :-p in any case, good luck!

yorkshirecath

Add bicarbonate of soda to the wash and t will get rid of the smell

BARGAINHUNTER!

I have the same problem with my sons footie boots at the moment, they are only a few weeks old but they smell mouldy inside. Washing them in the machine isn't an option due to metal blades on bottom, can anyone recommend anything? I put them outside during the day for the past three days but smell still there!!