how to help remove mildew smell

Mildew smell is often caused by moisture that builds up on surfaces or materials like towels, fabrics, walls, or damp areas in the home. These odors can develop over time, especially when items do not fully dry between uses. To get rid of mildew smell, clean affected surfaces, treat fabrics where odor can linger, and maintain freshness in the air.

Why does mildew smell linger?

Mildew odors are commonly associated with damp environments where moisture is present. This moisture can allow odor-causing molecules to develop and persist on materials like fabric, wood, and other porous surfaces.

Mildew odors are often more noticeable on items that stay damp and do not fully dry between uses. Over time, these odor-causing molecules can build up and remain trapped in materials, where they may continue to release back into the air, especially when disturbed or when humidity levels change.

How to Help Remove Mildew Smell: Step by Step

Step 1: Dry damp materials and surfaces
Focus on drying damp materials and surfaces, especially items like musty towels, rugs, wet laundry, or fabrics that may not fully dry between uses. Reducing moisture at the source helps limit the conditions that allow mildew odors to develop.

Step 2: Clean hard surfaces
Wipe down countertops, floors, walls, and other hard surfaces to remove buildup that may contribute to odor. Cleaning helps reduce the source of lingering smell and can help if your house smells like mildew or you notice a humidity smell in enclosed areas.

Step 3: Treat soft surfaces where odor can linger
Mildew odors can become trapped in fabrics like towels, rugs, upholstery, and clothing. If an item can’t be washed or isn’t washer-safe, use a fabric refresher spray designed for soft surfaces, following label directions, to help reduce odors in these materials.

Products like Febreze Fabric Refresher are designed with odor-fighting technology to help fight odor-causing molecules rather than simply masking smell.

This step can help if you need to:

• • Fight and remove musty smell from furniture
• • Freshen a musty closet smell
• • Fight and remove musty smell from furniture
• • Treat damp fabric that has developed a lingering odor

Fresh tip: Make sure treated fabrics are fully dry before reuse, as moisture can contribute to odors returning.

Step 4: Maintain freshness in the air
Use a continuous air solution, such as a Febreze Plug device or Febreze Plug Scent Booster, to help maintain freshness over time. These products are designed to continuously release scent to help reduce noticeable odors and keep your space smelling fresh.

This is especially helpful in areas prone to moisture, where musty air or a humid room smell can return over time.

How to help prevent mildew smell in the future

To help keep mildew smell from coming back:

• • Allow damp items to fully dry before reusing
• • Regularly clean fabrics and surfaces
• • Avoid leaving moisture on materials for extended periods
• • Treat soft surfaces with a fabric refresher spray as needed
• • Keep rooms ventilated when possible
• • Use both surface and air solutions to help fight odor over time

Frequently asked questions

What causes mildew smell?

Mildew smell is typically caused by excess moisture on surfaces or materials, which creates conditions where microorganisms can grow and break down organic matter such as body oils, dirt, or residues. This process releases odor-causing molecules that can linger on surfaces and become trapped in fabrics.

Is mildew smell the same as mold?

Mildew odor is often associated with damp conditions and can occur with or without visible mold. Moisture is the main factor that contributes to these smells. If mold is present, it’s important to consult a professional to resolve the underlying cause. Febreze products are designed to help reduce odors, but they do not address mold.

Why does mildew smell get stronger over time?

Odor-causing molecules can build up on damp materials and become more noticeable as they accumulate or when humidity levels increase. That’s why a musty basement smell or damp house smell can seem stronger after a rainy day or in a closed-up room.

Do air fresheners eliminate mildew smell or just mask it?

Different products work in different ways. Some primarily add fragrance, while others are designed to fight odor at the source. Febreze products use odor-fighting technology designed to help reduce odor-causing molecules and provide longer-lasting freshness.

Why does mildew smell come back?

Mildew odors can return when excess moisture remains on surfaces, in fabrics, or in other materials. Odor causing molecules may stay trapped and release back into the air over time, especially when humidity rises or the area becomes damp again.

Since mildew odors are often linked to moisture, it’s important to identify and address the source of dampness. Febreze products are designed to help reduce odors, but they are not intended to treat mold, mildew, or underlying moisture issues. If you notice visible mold, recurring mildew smells, water damage, or ongoing dampness, consider consulting a qualified professional to inspect and address the source of the problem.

References & additional information

Mildew odors are often linked to excess moisture on surfaces and materials, which can allow odor-causing molecules to develop and become trapped in fabrics and porous surfaces. These odors can persist over time and may become more noticeable when humidity levels change. Addressing both moisture and odor can help create a fresher environment.

For more information on indoor air and moisture in the home, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality

For guidance on mold, moisture, and remediation, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/mold

For details on Febreze ingredients, safety standards, and how our products are designed, visit the Febreze Safety & Ingredients page: https://www.febreze.com/en-us/safety-and-ingredients