How to Get Mold Smell Out of Jackets

A jacket may develop a musty odor when stored in a humid attic or basement or when worn in wet weather and stored in a poorly ventilated closet. This musty odor is caused by mildew, a type of mold that thrives in dark, damp, warm areas with little or no air circulation. In addition to its unpleasant odor, mildew can discolor or eat small holes in fabric. Storing absorbent silica gel with your jackets can prevent mildew in the future. If some damage has already been done, you can remove odors with a few home remedies.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Salt

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Brush any existing mold off your jacket with a bristle brush and leave it in the sun to dry out.

   • 2

     Take a non-washable jacket to the dry cleaners to have odors removed.

   • 3

     Wash the jacket according to the directions on the label, using your normal laundry detergent and hot water if possible. Add ¾ cup white vinegar to the wash water for additional odor control. Remove the jacket from the wash promptly and let it dry in the sun.

   • 4

     Mix a solution of lemon juice and salt and apply it to the source of odors. Allow the solution to sink in for 10 minutes, then rinse. Dry the jacket in the sun.