How to Remove Mold from Clothes: A Complete Guide

  • Riya Yadav
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How to Remove Mold from Clothes
How to Remove Mold from Clothes

Table of Contents

Introduction: How to remove mold from clothes

Mold on clothes can create unpleasant smells, cause allergies and even permanently damage clothes if untreated. The spores can grow in warm and moist conditions which makes a laundry basket, closet, or damp storage a hot spot for mold. Luckily, with the right techniques with us on how to remove mold from clothes, you can prevent it from recurring. This article discusses different methods that consist of home remedies and commercial solutions to remove mold from clothes.

What Causes Mold on Clothes?

Easily high humidity along with poor air circulation aid in mold growth. Wear and tear, poor closet ventilation, indoors with high humidity and room leaks are the main factors that encourage mold. Additionally, leaving clothes in washing machines for long makes them damp, while sweaty clothes stored in closed spaces encourages mold growth further.

Natural fabrics like cotton and linen tend to wear out quicker than their synthetic alternatives because of mold spores. Mold will inevitably emit discolored fabric, foul smell and deterioration.

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How to Identify Mold on Clothes

The most tell-tale sign that clothes have mold on them is the smell. Musty, sour and strong odors are hallmarks of the fungus.

In terms of aesthetics, black, green, white and grey spots along with fuzzy patches are the things to watch out for as well. The afflicted cloth has areas that may feel sticky or rigid.

If you see any of these signs that something is wrong, take action immediately. Mold spreads rapidly and becomes increasingly difficult to remove over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Mold from Clothes

  1. Set Aside The Moldy Clothes

Take out the contaminated clothes and segregate them from the rest of the laundry. Wash your hands, or put on examination gloves and a face mask if the mold contamination looks serious. 

  1. Softly Brush Dry Mold Remnants (Optional Step)

If the mold is dry, take the item outside and gently brush off surface mold using a soft brush. You should never do this indoors; it’s hazardous to your household members with respiratory problems or children, as dry spores mold in the air. 

  1. Pre-Treat With Vinegar Or Baking Soda

Both white vinegar and baking soda are natural mold killers and deodorants.

Vinegar Method:

  • Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar.

  • Spray directly on the moldy areas.

  • Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Applying Baking Soda Paste: 

  • Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.

  • Apply it to the moldy spots and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.

  • Let it rest for 30–60 minutes.

4. Soak in Hot Water (if fabric allows)

If your clothes can tolerate hot water:

  • Check the care label first.
  • Fill a bucket with hot water and add 1 cup of white vinegar or ½ cup of baking soda.
  • Soak the clothes for 1-2 hours.
  • Loosens stains and odor while killing mold spores.

5. Machine Wash with Additives

Run a wash cycle with the hottest water suitable for the fabric’s care. Add additional mold-killing measures by using: 

– 1 cup white vinegar during the rinse cycle, or 

– ½ cup baking soda along with detergent, or 

– 1 cup of borax (in more severe cases).

Make sure to use a strong detergent and the longest cycle possible.

6. Sun-Dry Whenever Possible

UV rays disinfect and eliminate any remaining traces of mold odor, so sunlight is a natural mold killer. Remember to dry the clothes outdoors in direct sunlight after washing.

If sun-drying isn’t feasible, the garment can be placed in a dryer set on high heat, but only if the garment can tolerate it.

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Alternative Mold Removal Methods

In the case that home techniques do not work or the mold is particularly difficult to remove, consider these solutions:

1. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)

It needs to be applied to stained areas then scrubbed after 10 minutes. It works best on white or lightly colored garments.

2. Borax

Mold will be eradicated when using borax. It is a natural cleaner and mineral. For best results, add ½ cup of borax into a bucket of hot water and then add to the wash cycle.

3. Commercial Mold Removers

Commercial mold removers are products that should be purchased in shops in such cases. Always ensure to do a patch test first before picking a product with a “safe for fabrics” label.

Tips for Mold Removal by Fabric Type

 

Fabric Type

Recommended Method

Cotton

Vinegar + hot wash

Wool

Cold wash + vinegar soak (test first)

Synthetics

Baking soda + sun-dry

Delicates (Silk, Lace)

Spot-treat with diluted vinegar or consult a dry cleane

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How to Remove Mold Stains from Clothes

Sometimes the mold may be killed, however the stains are still present. To resolve this issue use the following steps:

  • Combine salt and lemon juice to create a paste.
  • Gently rub the paste against the stain.
  • Opt for sunbathing the fabric for natural bleaching.
  • Rinse completely one hour after.

Using oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is alternatively an option as it can safely remove the stain while maintaining the color of the fabric.

What Not to Do

  • Do not use bleach on colored clothes unless it’s labeled color-safe.
  • Disregarding care labels is not advisable. Always abide by fabric care instructions.
  • Storing damp clothes is not an option as it is an open invitation for mold growth.

How to Prevent Mold on Clothes

While removing mold from clothes is helpful, preventing it is easier. Follow these steps to prevent mold from growing on clothes:

  • Always dry clothes immediately after washing.
  • Use a dehumidifier to deal with moisture in the air.
  • Open windows in the closets and laundry spaces to lower humidity levels.
  • Use silica gel or charcoal bags as moisture absorbers to store clothes.
  • Vinegar or a specialized machine cleaner should be used to deep clean the washing machine on monthly intervals.

When to Discard Moldy Clothes?

  1. ‘Fabric disintegration’
  2. Unremovable stains.
  3. Odor still persists after numerous cleaning attempts.

Conclusion

Mold on clothes doesn’t have to mean the end for your favorite outfits. Household remedies such as vinegar and baking soda plus the correct manner of washing them leaves no trace of mold that we have listed above in our article on how to remove mold from clothes . Maintain clothes washed, clean, dry, and store them in well-ventilated places. When in doubt, it is always smart to speak to a cleaner, especially one that deals with fragile or expensive pieces. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.

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