Has your comforter been in the storage for a while and was wet from a leak? Learn how to get mildew smell out of comforter so you can once again use it as if it’s new.
A mildew smell is a result of mildew spores settling on surfaces including your comforter. It is very important to consider protecting it from any damage as you work your way towards a thorough mildew removal.
What You’ll Need
- A bowl or any container you can use when mixing ingredients
- An old soft-bristled brush
- Tennis balls
- Lemon juice
- Table salt
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- Mild laundry detergent
Removing The Mildew Smell From Your Comforter
To get rid of the musty mildew smell on your comforter, you just need to follow five simple steps. Make sure to prepare the materials beforehand and have the comforter that you’ll clean ready.
Step #1. Make the lemon paste
To make the paste, mix the lemon juice with table salt in a bowl. Continue adding the ingredients until you reach the consistency of a paste that is not too thin and is slightly thick.
Step #2. Apply the lemon paste to the comforter
Using the old soft-bristled toothbrush, apply the lemon paste onto the mildew stains on the comforter. Make sure to apply on every spot for a spotless and fresh comforter.
Afterward, lay a clean and big piece of cloth in an area where there is direct sunlight. Place the comforter over it and let the lemon paste dry.
Step #3. Brush the lemon paste off the comforter
Once the lemon paste is dry, grab the old toothbrush once again. Use it to brush off the paste from the comforter.
Remember to use gentle motions to avoid damaging the material. Do it thoroughly making sure no paste is left.
Step #4. Wash the comforter
The next thing you have to do for more effective cleaning is to run the comforter in a large capacity washing machine. Use warm water and a mild laundry detergent.
Add 1 cup of white vinegar to kill all the remaining mildew spores. It will also get rid of the musty smell on your comforter.
If in case your washing machine also smells musty, here is an article on how to get rid of mildew smell in the washing machine that you can read.
Step #5. Dry the comforter with the tennis balls
Put your freshly washed comforter in a dryer together with a few clean tennis balls. These balls will keep the comforter from clumping up in the dryer.
Run the dryer making sure that all the water was drained. You can also try hanging the comforter outside to air dry or under the sun for more thorough drying.
Tips
You can also try laying your comforter outside and sprinkle it with diluted white vinegar and let it dry. This technique will kill all the mold spores and will get rid of any nasty smell.
Another trick you can do to remove the stinky odors is using the mighty baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of the ingredient over the musty-smelling comforter.
Leave it on the fabric overnight to absorb all the odors. Vacuum or shake off the baking soda from the comforter the next day.
When it comes to washing your comforter, it is better to do it once a month. It will prevent damage and will also keep it mildew-free.
Remember that the general remedy of using bleach to treat mildew can damage your comforter. It is very essential to avoid using it.
If you are not confident in dealing with mildew yourself, go ask for professional help to do the job.
For tips on how to get mildew smell out of mattress, check out this helpful guide.
Preventing mildew
There is no better way to deal with mildew than to prevent it from developing. There are a lot of basic ways to do this.
Do your best to ensure that your comforter is always kept dry and clean. As much as possible, avoid eating and drinking near it so you can avoid spilling your favorite food and drinks into your comforter.
If a spill unfortunately happens, clean it up immediately. Then, wash the comforter and run it a dry cycle to get rid of all the moisture.
When storing your comforter, place it in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture that may cause the growth of mildew. Never store your comforter in a plastic bag.
Plastic bags do not allow air to penetrate inside promoting the development of mildew. If a breathable storage bag is not available, wrap your comforter in clean and dry cotton towels before storing.
You can also use any old cotton clothing. Cotton allows good airflow which is very effective in preventing mildew buildup.
Conclusion
Mildew, together with the other fungi, are truly such troublemakers. They are just not the type you would want to deal with especially in your home.
Now that the process of how to get mildew smell out of comforter has come to light, enjoying fresh-smelling bedding is nowhere out of reach.