Banish Musty Smells Fast: How to Get Musty Smell Out of Clothes Naturally

We’ve all experienced it, opening your wardrobe or laundry basket only to be hit with that unmistakable musty smell. Whether its leftover dampness, mildew creeping in from poor ventilation, or just clothes forgotten in the machine, musty odours can quickly become a problem.

Luckily, there’s a simple, sustainable solution. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get musty smell out of clothes using natural cleaning methods and Bio-D’s non-toxic, refillable products. You’ll not only refresh your fabrics but also reduce your environmental impact in the process.

Why Do Clothes Smell Musty?

Musty smells are typically caused by:

• Damp conditions – wet clothes left too long in the machine, on the line, or in a pile
• Poor ventilation – closed wardrobes or drawers that trap moisture
• Mildew or mould spores – particularly common on natural fibres
• Build-up of detergent residue – especially in synthetic fabrics

These odours don’t just linger, they can embed into fibres and cause long-term damage if left untreated.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Musty Smells from Clothes

1. Soak in Bio-D Laundry Bleach

Start by giving musty clothes a deep clean with a soak. Bio-D’s Laundry Bleach is a natural, Fragrance Free oxygen bleach that’s effective at eliminating bacteria and odour without harsh chemicals.

How to use it:

• Dissolve 1 tablespoon of Bio-D Laundry Bleach per litre of warm water (check the garment’s care label first).
• Soak affected items for at least 1–2 hours.
• For stubborn smells, leave overnight.
• Rinse thoroughly before washing as normal.

Bio-D Laundry Bleach is suitable for white and colourfast laundry and is chlorine-free, making it safer for you and the planet.

2. Wash with Hot Water (If Fabric Allows)

Heat helps to neutralise odour causing bacteria and mildew spores. If your garment care label allows it, wash on a higher temperature setting.

Pair the hot wash with Bio-D’s Laundry Liquid, available in Fragrance Free or scented with essential oils (such as Lavender or Juniper or Cotton Fresh).

Why Bio-D Laundry Liquid is ideal:

• Free from petrochemicals
• Kind to sensitive skin and delicate fabrics
• Available in convenient 1L bottles or 5L/20L refill containers

Add Bio-D Laundry Bleach directly into the detergent drawer alongside the Laundry Liquid for a powerful stain and odour fighting combo.

3. Always Use an Extra Rinse Cycle

An extra rinse helps ensure all detergent and odour particles are fully removed, especially important when dealing with musty clothes.

Over time, build-up from conventional detergents can trap bacteria in the fibres, worsening the smell. Bio-D’s formulations are designed to rinse cleanly, but an additional rinse can make all the difference in stubborn cases.

You can also add a splash of Bio-D Fabric Conditioner, made with naturally derived ingredients, to soften fabric and add a gentle, plant-based scent.

Available scents:

• Lavender
• Juniper
• Cotton Fresh
• Fragrance-Free (for sensitive skin)

And yes, you can refill it too.

4. Dry Thoroughly in Fresh Air or Ventilated Spaces

One of the biggest contributors to recurring musty smells is improper drying. Whether it’s the British weather or a lack of indoor airflow, drying clothes in damp conditions traps mildew and prolongs that stale scent.

Tips for proper drying:

• Hang clothes outdoors in sunlight—UV rays help to neutralise bacteria
• Indoors? Use a dehumidifier or ensure windows are open
• Avoid piling damp laundry together
• Don’t store clothes until they’re dry
• Could also use a heated dryer as some of these cost just a few pence per hour to run

If you’re air drying inside, turn clothes regularly and place them near a window or heating source for best results.

Preventing Musty Smells in the Future

Once you’ve dealt with the smell, here’s how to stop it coming back:

✔ Don’t leave clothes in the machine after a wash, transfer them to the line or airer as soon as possible
✔ Wash gym kits and PE clothes regularly, even if they seem fine
✔ Store clothes in a dry, ventilated area, add cedar balls or natural sachets for extra freshness
✔ Use Bio-D’s full laundry range for a natural, consistent clean
✔ Refill your favourites to save money and cut down on waste

Why Choose Bio-D for Your Laundry Routine?

At Bio-D, we’ve been making plant-powered cleaning products for over 30 years. All our laundry items are:

✅ Vegan & cruelty-free
✅ Suitable for sensitive skin
✅ Made in the UK
✅ Available in bulk 5L or 20L refills

By switching to Bio-D, you’re not just banishing musty smells, you’re choosing to clean without compromise.

Build Your Natural Laundry Kit Today

Ready to give your laundry a fresh start? Here’s what you need:

Bio-D Laundry Bleach – for deep-clean soaks
Bio-D Laundry Liquid – for everyday washing
Bio-D Fabric Conditioner – to soften and refresh

Refill sizes – to cut waste and stay stocked up

By using Bio-D products, you’re not only removing unwanted odours, but you’re also actively supporting a cleaner, greener future for your home and the environment.Bottom of Form