Wash immediately if possible; don’t let mildew sit longer
Take clothes outside and brush off visible mildew
Pre-treat with white vinegar (soak 30–60 minutes)
Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric
Add 1 cup white vinegar to the wash cycle
If odor remains, soak 1–2 hours in oxygen bleach solution (follow label for amount)
Wash again with oxygen bleach added (follow label)
For white or colorfast items, use chlorine bleach only if the care label allows
For stubborn odors, use a baking soda soak (1/2 cup per gallon of warm water) for 1–2 hours, then wash
Dry in direct sunlight if possible; avoid using a dryer until the smell is gone
If the smell persists after washing, repeat the oxygen bleach soak and wash
For items that can’t be washed, air out thoroughly and use an enzyme laundry odor remover per label; repeat if needed