Removing Mildew Smell from Oven Mitt: Tips & Advice

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and suggestions related to removing mildew smells from oven mitts, particularly focusing on a cranberry oven mitt that one participant purchased as a gift. Participants share their personal experiences with washing and drying the mitt, as well as various methods they have tried or recommend for addressing the odor issue.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of washing a cranberry oven mitt that developed a mildew smell after being dried, despite following washing and drying procedures.
  • Another participant suggests soaking the mitt in vinegar as a potential solution for the odor.
  • One participant mentions having to run their mitt through the dryer multiple times to ensure it was completely dry, while expressing dissatisfaction with its size.
  • Another participant advises getting a new mitt and emphasizes the importance of thorough drying.
  • One participant notes the inconvenience of drying time and mentions that they inform customers about the need for extended drying to avoid surprises.
  • Another participant expresses intent to try the vinegar method and considers contacting customer service if the smell persists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various methods for removing the mildew smell, with some participants suggesting vinegar while others emphasize thorough drying. No clear consensus emerges on a single solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with the cranberry oven mitt, highlighting issues related to size and odor, and the challenges of ensuring proper cleaning and drying.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in discussing care tips for oven mitts and addressing odor issues may find this thread relevant.

christy_c
christy_c
Messages
184
Help! I purchased the cranberry oven mitt as a gift for my Mom. She wasn't happy with the size - thought it was too big for her hand - so I brought it home to wash it thinking that it would shrink a little. Well, the size is perfect now, but it stinks!! You know, that yucky mildew smell? I put it in the dryer on low for quite a while (can't remember how long, but probably at least an hour). When I took it out, it smelled awful. I took it straight from the washer to the dryer & immediately took it out when the dryer went off, so it's not like it was sitting around airdrying or anything. I've tried soaking it for awhile in a detergent/water mixture, washed & dried it again, and it still smells awful! Any advice? I hate to throw it away, but I don't know what else to do!
 
try soaking it in some vinegar maybe
 
I had to run mine through the dryer several times before it finally got dry. Mine is still huge though, didn't shrink enough for me. I like the thickness of this mitt, just wish it fit.
 
Get a new one from HO and wash then DRY DRY DRY!!
 
Even though I love the thickness of the oven mitt, the length of time to get them to dry totally is a pain....when I sell these, I try to remember to tell people to plan on putting it thru the dryer twice, this way they aren't surprised.

I think the other post suggesting a vinegar wash (or something else like oxy-clean) may be needed to get your mom's mitt back to smelling good.

(This is why I really liked the siicone oven mitt when we had it ...always clean and ready to go....)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks for all your posts. I'm going to try the vinegar & hope it gets rid of the smell. If not, I'll call HO & see if they'll do anything. Thanks!! :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes mildew smell in oven mitts?

Mildew smell in oven mitts is typically caused by moisture that gets trapped in the fabric, creating an environment for mold and mildew to grow. This can happen if the mitts are not dried properly after washing or if they are stored in a damp area.

How can I remove the mildew smell from my oven mitts?

To remove mildew smell, you can soak the oven mitts in a mixture of water and white vinegar for about 30 minutes. After soaking, wash them in the washing machine with a regular detergent and let them air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

Can I use bleach to eliminate mildew smell from oven mitts?

While bleach can kill mildew, it is not recommended for oven mitts as it can damage the fabric and reduce their heat resistance. Instead, opt for vinegar or baking soda, which are gentler alternatives that can effectively remove odors without harming the material.

Are there any preventive measures to avoid mildew smell in oven mitts?

To prevent mildew smell, always ensure that oven mitts are thoroughly dried after use and washing. Store them in a cool, dry place, and consider using a fabric spray designed to combat odors. Regularly washing them can also help keep them fresh.

What if the mildew smell persists after washing?

If the mildew smell persists, try repeating the vinegar soak and wash process. Additionally, you can sprinkle baking soda on the mitts and let them sit overnight before washing again. If the smell still lingers, it may be time to consider replacing the oven mitts.

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