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How to Remove Musty Smell & Mold Stains from Towels and Sheets
Musty-smelling towels and sheets can make even freshly washed laundry seem unclean. Whether you're dealing with mold and mildew stains, lingering odors, or both, the right laundry products and techniques can help restore freshness, remove discoloration, and keep your linens looking and smelling their best.
Why towels & sheets develop a musty smell and mold stains
Towels and sheets can develop a musty smell and mold or mildew stains when they stay damp for too long. Leaving laundry in the washer, storing linens before they're fully dry, or keeping them in humid environments can create conditions that lead to discoloration and lingering odors. While stains and smells often appear together, they may require different solutions depending on whether you're trying to restore the fabric's appearance or eliminate trapped odors.
What you need
Laundry detergent
How to remove mold & mildew stains from bleach-safe towels & sheets
Check care labels
Before laundering, confirm that the towels or sheets are bleach safe. If you're unsure, use as directed to test a hidden area first.
Machine wash
Wash the towels and sheets in the hottest water recommended using detergent and ⅓ cup of Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach. This method is effective for removing mold stains from fabric and eliminating stubborn mildew smells.
Air dry and inspect
Allow items to air dry completely and check for remaining discoloration. Repeat as needed for stubborn mold and mildew stains.
How to remove musty smells from towels & sheets
Even after stains are gone, towels and sheets can retain a musty odor. Use Clorox FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover to help eliminate trapped odors and leave fabrics smelling fresh.
Load washing machine
Place the musty towels or sheets in the washing machine.
Add Clorox FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover.
Add into the fabric softener dispenser or add it during the rinse cycle.
Machine wash and air dry
Wash with your preferred detergent, then air dry or machine dry completely before storing.
Repeat if needed
For persistent odors, repeat the process before returning items to storage or regular use.
TipSimply add Clorox FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover to the fabric softener compartment of your washer (or directly into the rinse cycle wash) to refresh your machine.
Does bleach remove mold stains on towels?
Yes, when used in the laundry wash of bleach-safe towels with water and detergent according to the product label, Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach can help remove mold stains on white, bleach-safe towels when used according to the label directions label. Wash the towels using the hottest water recommended on the care label and add bleach as directed to help remove mold stains, eliminate musty odors, and sanitize. For colored or non-bleach-safe towels, follow the care label and use a cleaning method that's appropriate for the fabric. If mold stains remains after washing or the towel has extensive mold damage, it may need to be replaced.
Clorox products vs. natural household ingredients: which cleans better?
| Cleaner | Best For | Disinfects? | Sanitizes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach | Removing mold stains and mildew odors from white, bleach-safe towels and sheets | No | Yes |
| Clorox FreshGuard™ Laundry Odor Remover | Fights up to 100% of musty odors at the source and refreshes washing machine | No | Yes |
| White vinegar | Helping reduce light mildew odors and dissolve mineral buildup during the wash cycle | No | No |
| Baking soda | Helping absorb lingering mildew odors and boost deodorizing during laundering | No | No |
| Hydrogen peroxide (3%) | Spot treating mold stains on some colorfast fabrics before laundering (test in an inconspicuous area first) | Partial | Partial |
Tips for using bleach to remove mold stains
- Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy bleach dilution chart.
- Use freshly mixed solutions. Bleach degrades over time when diluted.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner; doing so can create dangerous fumes.
- Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.
What to avoid when removing mold stains from clothes and sheets
- Don't leave damp laundry sitting – wash and dry it promptly.
- Don't use high heat until mold stains are completely removed.
- Don't overload the washer, which can prevent thorough cleaning.
- Don't store towels or sheets while damp, as mildew can return.
- Don't ignore lingering odors – rewash if mildew smell remains before drying.