How to Remove Fungus from Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric

You left clothes in a damp pile or in the washer for too long, and now they have black, green, or gray spots with a musty smell. That’s fungus (mold or mildew). Fungus on clothes is a fungal growth that can permanently stain fabric if not treated. But clothes with fungus can be saved. The key is killing the fungal spores and removing the stains with the right products and methods. Here’s how to remove fungus from clothes.

Fungus on clothes is a fungal growth (mold or mildew) that develops on damp fabric in warm, humid conditions. Fungus appears as black, green, or gray spots with a musty odor. Removing fungus requires killing the spores with vinegar, then removing the stains with oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

To remove fungus from clothes, take them outside and brush off loose spores, soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes, wash in hot water with enzyme detergent and oxygen bleach, and dry in the sun. For stubborn stains, use OxiClean or hydrogen peroxide. Don’t use cold water, don’t use chlorine bleach on colors, and don’t put fungus-covered clothes in the dryer.

Step-by-Step: Removing Fungus from Clothes

Step 1: Take Clothes Outside

Take the fungus-covered clothes outside. Don’t shake them indoors, as spores can spread. Brush off loose spores with a soft brush.

Step 2: Pre-Soak in Vinegar

Fill a tub with warm water and add 1 cup of white vinegar. Submerge the clothes and soak for 30 minutes. The vinegar kills the fungal spores and neutralizes odors.

Step 3: Pre-Treat Visible Fungus Spots

For visible black, green, or gray spots:

OxiClean Max Force Spray: OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down fungus stains. Spray each spot, let it sit for 10 minutes.

Hydrogen peroxide (white clothes only): Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to fungus spots. Don’t use on colored clothes.

Baking soda paste: Mix Arm and Hammer Baking Soda with water to form a paste. Apply to spots, let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Wash in Hot Water

Wash with Tide Free and Gentle and 1 to 2 scoops of oxygen bleach in hot water. Add half a cup of baking soda for extra deodorizing.

Step 5: Add Vinegar to the Rinse

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove any remaining odors.

Step 6: Dry in the Sun

Dry in direct sunlight. UV rays kill remaining fungal spores and act as a natural bleaching agent.

Step 7: Check Before Drying in the Dryer

Check the clothes before putting them in the dryer. If fungus spots remain, treat again and re-wash.

Step 8: For Stubborn Fungus on White Cotton, Use Chlorine Bleach

Soak in a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of warm water for 15 minutes. Then wash in hot water with enzyme detergent.

Fungus on Different Fabrics

Fabric	Best Treatment	What to Avoid
White cotton	Vinegar + oxygen bleach + hydrogen peroxide	Cold water
Colored cotton	Vinegar + oxygen bleach	Chlorine bleach
Polyester	Vinegar + OxiClean	Chlorine bleach
Denim	Vinegar + oxygen bleach	Chlorine bleach
Silk	Professional cleaning	All home treatments
Wool	Professional cleaning	All home treatments

What Not to Do

Don’t use cold water. Cold water doesn’t kill fungus or dissolve the stains. Use hot water.

Don’t put fungus-covered clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat can set fungus stains permanently. Always dry in the sun and check first.

Don’t use chlorine bleach on colors. Chlorine bleach strips color. Use oxygen bleach or vinegar instead.

Don’t mix chlorine bleach and vinegar. Mixing them creates toxic chlorine gas. Never combine them.

Don’t take fungus-covered clothes indoors. Take them outside to brush off spores.

Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps moisture, which promotes fungus growth.

Don’t ignore the washing machine. A dirty machine can transfer fungus to clothes. Clean monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.

How to Prevent Fungus on Clothes

Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer. Transfer within 2 hours.

Don’t leave damp clothes in a pile. Hang or spread to dry.

Dry clothes completely before storing.

Store in a dry place.

Use baking soda in the closet.

Use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. Add to the rinse to kill bacteria.

Leave the washer door open.

FAQ

How do you remove fungus from clothes? Take clothes outside and brush off spores, soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes, pre-treat visible spots with OxiClean or hydrogen peroxide, wash in hot water with enzyme detergent and oxygen bleach, and dry in the sun. Don’t put fungus-covered clothes in the dryer.

Does vinegar kill fungus on clothes? Yes. White vinegar kills most fungal spores. Soak clothes in warm water with 1 cup of vinegar for 30 minutes, then wash in hot water with enzyme detergent and oxygen bleach.

Can you save clothes with fungus? Yes, most clothes with fungus can be saved if treated promptly. Brush off spores outside, soak in vinegar, pre-treat spots, wash in hot water with oxygen bleach, and dry in the sun.

Can you put fungus-covered clothes in the dryer? Don’t put fungus-covered clothes in the dryer until all fungus is gone. Dryer heat can set fungus stains permanently. Always dry in the sun and check first.

Does hot water kill fungus on clothes? Yes. Hot water (120 to 140F) kills most fungal spores and helps dissolve stains. Wash fungus-covered clothes in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Mold from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Get Fungus Out of Clothes.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Mold Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. OxiClean. “Mold Stain Removal Guide.” oxiclean.com.