How to Get Rid of Mildew from Anything

To get rid of mildew, spray the affected surface with white vinegar (or, on non-porous surfaces, a diluted bleach solution), let it sit at least 30 minutes, then scrub and dry thoroughly — since mildew only thrives where it’s damp, keeping the area dry is what stops it returning. For grout, a hydrogen-peroxide-and-baking-soda paste works well. The single most important safety rule: never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, which creates toxic gas. Here’s how to clear mildew from showers, walls, fabrics, and machines, and keep it gone.

What is mildew?

Mildew and mold are both fungi. Mildew is a surface mold that grows in a flat pattern — usually small black or white dots with a powdery or downy texture. It shows up as:

• White powdery mildew
• White downy mildew
• Black mildew (technically a surface mold — more below)
• Pink “mildew” (Rhodotorula, a red yeast common on shower curtains)

For this guide we include a few things that aren’t technically mildew but get called that.

Supplies you’ll need

Critical safety note: never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide — these combinations release toxic chlorine or chloramine gas. Choose one product per job, rinse a surface fully before switching cleaners, work with ventilation, and wear gloves.

How to get rid of mildew in the shower

Showers and tubs are mildew’s favorite damp habitat.

Step 1: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. (Alternatively use a bleach-and-water solution OR a commercial mildew cleaner — but only one, never combined.)
Step 2: Spray tile or porcelain tub and shower walls and leave at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Step 4: Wipe and dry treated areas with paper towel or a clean sponge.
Step 5: For mildew still in the grout, make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, apply, leave 10 minutes, and scrub with a soft brush.

How to get rid of mildew on walls

Step 1: Mix 1 part dish soap, 10 parts bleach, and 20 parts water. (Use this bleach solution on its own — never add vinegar or ammonia.)
Step 2: Test on a small hidden area and wait 10 minutes to check it won’t discolor the paint (especially on dark walls).
Step 3: Spray the affected area starting at the bottom, to avoid spreading spores.
Step 4: Let it air dry rather than wiping.
Step 5: For remaining stains, spot-apply more solution and scrub gently.

The video below shows removing mildew from walls and ceilings.

How to get rid of mildew smell

The musty smell can linger in carpets and rugs, basements, bathrooms, and washers and dryers. To clear it:

• Spray plain white vinegar on the area and let it air dry — its acidity neutralizes the odor.
• Use activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb smells — e.g. sprinkle baking soda on carpet, let it sit, then vacuum it up.

Mildew smell in clothes

Clothes left damp in the washer pick up a musty smell. First deodorize the washing machine (below), then rewash the clothes with a cup of white vinegar added to the cycle.

Mildew smell in the washing machine

Step 1: Wipe the machine down with a sponge and dish soap, getting into crevices and dispensers.
Step 2: Add 2 cups of bleach (front-loader) or 4 cups (top-loader) and run the hottest cycle; pause once filled, let it sit 30 minutes, finish the cycle, then run a full rinse cycle. Let the machine drain and rinse completely before the next step — no bleach should remain.
Step 3: Separately, in a now bleach-free machine, add 2 cups of white vinegar (front-loader) or 4 cups (top-loader) and run another hot cycle. (Keep the baking soda and vinegar steps apart from the bleach cycle entirely — they must never overlap.)
Step 4: Run a final rinse and leave the machine open to air dry.

What is black mildew?

There’s a common belief that “black mildew” is especially dangerous. In reality, surface mildew can darken over time, but it isn’t the same as the black mold people worry about — and even for that mold, the idea that it’s uniquely “toxic” isn’t well supported by current evidence. What’s true of any mold:

• Black mildew grows only on the surface, while deeper mold can penetrate materials and be harder to remove.
• It’s unsightly and can stain paint and grout.
• It can trigger allergies and breathing irritation, so it’s worth removing regardless.

Remove it with the methods above. For stubborn stains on light walls or grout, use a vinegar solution first, then a baking-soda-and-vinegar paste or (separately) bleach. For any extensive infestation — more than about 10 square feet — the EPA recommends calling a professional.

How to prevent mildew from returning

1. Run the bathroom fan for 30 minutes after a shower to dry the air.
2. Keep a vinegar-water spray in the shower and mist the walls and tub after use.
3. In humid climates, run a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
4. Leave the washing machine door open between loads.
5. Clean the washing machine monthly using the method above.
6. Use baking soda or carpet powder to absorb moisture and odor.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mildew is unpleasant but manageable, usually with natural products like vinegar and baking soda. If you use bleach or a commercial remover, ventilate well, wear gloves, and never mix it with other cleaners. Above all, keep mildew-prone areas dry — that’s what keeps it from coming back.