On a knitting list it was suggested to use the cheapest brand of vodka from the grocery store. Mix 1/2 vodka and 1/2 water to get the mildew smell out.
I tried it on a 100 year old wool afghan which had been stored in a trunk in my patio room. I could see the mildew on the wool. Nothing to lose -- so I hung it on the line in my backyard and spritzed with vodka/water mixture and let it dry.
Also sprayed mixture into the trunk and left it open and in the sun to dry.
Both fine now, no smell, no mildew.
Pat
The Mythbusters tested vodka to remove tobacco smoke and it worked rather well. :)