How to Remove Mold From Clothes

Mold thrives in warm, damp places – so if you leave wet towels in the laundry hamper or wet clothes hanging around in your closet, they can create the ideal breeding ground for mold.

Thankfully, there are a few methods available for removing mold from clothing. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the most efficient techniques to get rid of that pesky growth!

1. Bleach

Mold can be a severe issue for clothes exposed to it. It feeds off organic material like cotton fabric and causes your clothes to smell unpleasant.

Mold can also pose a health hazard, producing toxic spores that could cause respiratory issues and allergies. To avoid these reactions, it’s essential to remove mold from clothing as soon as possible.

The initial step to eliminating mold is pre-treating the stain with bleach. This can be done manually or in a washing machine.

Bleach is an indispensable disinfectant that kills many bacteria, viruses, mildew, and algae. It has become one of the most widespread and cost-effective cleaning products around.

Mildew can be removed from clothes in the washing machine, but it should only be used cautiously. Bleach may discolor or fade colors in some fabrics, so check the care label for instructions before using bleach on your clothing.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar has been a staple ingredient in household recipes for centuries. It adds flavor, and vinegar also acts as an effective preservative and cleaner.

Mold is a fungus that can grow on clothing, shoes, and other textiles, leaving them vulnerable to staining, smell, and damage. It starts as microscopic spores which travel through the air before attaching themselves to wet surfaces.

These spots appear as grey, white, black, or green spots that may be “fuzzy” or slimy. Additionally, they often emit a musty or earthy odor.

Clothes with mold not only look and smell bad, but they may also lead to health issues like asthma or allergic reactions. That is why it is so important to remove them as soon as possible once they begin growing.

3. Baking Soda

Mold can be a hassle when it gets on clothing, but fortunately, there are easy solutions to remove it with everyday household products you likely already have in your home.

Baking soda is an ideal solution for ridding your clothes of mold. Its natural antifungal properties will kill the mold and prevent it from growing further.

Baking soda not only kills mold, but it deodorizes clothes and eliminates musty odors as well. Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry wash cycle and regular detergent for mold removal.

To prevent mold from returning in the future, it’s essential to properly dry your clothing after washing them. This means hanging them outside in the sun instead of in a dryer. Furthermore, avoid storing clothing in humid environments and not leaving damp piles for too long.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a non-toxic solution to eliminating mold from clothing and preventing its return. It works by sucking up harmful spores before they can grow or spread.

Mix one cup of water with a teaspoon of tea tree oil and spray on the mold. Allow to sit for an hour, then wipe away residue.

Country Living magazine reports that this mixture will kill and prevent most spores from returning.

You may add a few drops of clove oil to your spray solution for additional antifungal benefits.

Tea tree oil has long been used for treating various ailments, such as fungal infections, skin and scalp conditions, and respiratory problems like colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Though it can irritate some people if applied topically after diluting, it should never be swallowed due to its poisonous nature.