How do I remove the musty smell from my sheets?

E Dinwiddie
by E Dinwiddie

I need help for my musty sheets! They are too expensive to toss but I can't sleep with the musty smell. I have tried vinegar in my wash cycle, I have tried bleach in my wash cycle and I have tried baking soda in my wash cycle!! HELP!

  6 answers
  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Nov 21, 2018

    Let them soak in a mixture of water, lemon juice and baking soda. Then run through the washer. Finally, hang them outside in the sunshine to dry.

  • Lucy Marie Bernier Lucy Marie Bernier on Nov 21, 2018

    Put dryer sheets in the dryer. Take a cup of water from washer smell it to see if it’s in the water. Check the water lines to make sure they are not clogged up with gunk,

  • 17335038 17335038 on Nov 21, 2018

    Unfortunately, despite your best efforts to keep washing the sheets, much of the odour taken on by fabric is due to how and where the linens are stored.


    After washing, where are the linens put before being put on to the beds? For best results with keeping them fresh smelling, store where they will be exposed to as much circulating air as possible, in breathable enclosures (not plastic, or stuffy closets) and not near anything else that may already have musty odour.

  • Hart Hart on Nov 22, 2018

    Put a can of Coca-Cola not Pepsi in the wash and the smell will be gone

  • Pat Pat on Nov 22, 2018

    Could it be your mattress?

  • Oliva Oliva on Nov 22, 2018

    Your washer and dryer may need cleaned on the drum and under the gaskets. Clean with mild soap, wipe with vinegar, let dry, with the compartment drawer and washer drawer propped open at least 8 inches, when not in use.

    Fabric softener can cause a film to accumulate on your dryer. It can also cause a black slime to develop in your fabric softener compartment. Remove the outer piece that has dividers for bleach/fabric softener, etc., and thoroughly clean all sections, including the lower base. Dry with a soft cloth, using Q-Tips if needed for crevices.

    If the fabric softener was to blame, switch to "Felted wool" dryer balls in the dryer (use 4-6).