Remove Mold from Clothes: What Works and What Makes It Worse
Remove Mold from Clothes: What Works and What Makes It Worse
You left clothes in a damp pile or in the washer for too long, and now they have black or green spots with a musty smell. That’s mold. Mold on clothes is a fungal growth that can permanently stain fabric if not treated. But moldy clothes can be saved. The key is killing the mold spores and removing the stains with the right products and methods. Some treatments work well. Others can damage the fabric. Here’s what works and what makes it worse.
Mold on clothes is a fungal growth that develops on damp fabric in warm, humid conditions. Mold appears as black, green, or gray spots with a musty odor. Removing mold requires killing the spores with vinegar, then removing the stains with oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
To remove mold 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 moldy clothes in the dryer.
What Works
Step 1: Take Clothes Outside
Take the moldy clothes outside. Don’t shake them indoors, as mold 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 moldy clothes and soak for 30 minutes. The vinegar kills the mold spores and neutralizes odors.
Step 3: Pre-Treat Visible Mold Spots
For visible black or green spots, apply one of these treatments:
OxiClean Max Force Spray: OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down mold stains. Spray each spot, let it sit for 10 minutes.
Hydrogen peroxide (white clothes only): Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to mold 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 mold 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 mold spots remain, treat again and re-wash.
Step 8: For Stubborn Mold 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.
What Makes It Worse
Using cold water. Cold water doesn’t kill mold or dissolve the stains. Use hot water for moldy clothes.
Putting moldy clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat can set mold stains permanently. Always dry in the sun and check first.
Using chlorine bleach on colors. Chlorine bleach strips color. Use oxygen bleach or vinegar instead.
Mixing chlorine bleach and vinegar. Mixing them creates toxic chlorine gas. Never combine them.
Taking moldy clothes indoors. Take them outside to brush off spores. Brushing indoors spreads spores.
Using fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps moisture, which promotes mold growth.
Ignoring the washing machine. A dirty machine can transfer mold to clothes. Clean monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.
Mold 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 |
How to Prevent Mold 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 damp clothes to dry.
Dry clothes completely before storing.
Store in a dry place.
Use baking soda in the closet. Place an open container to absorb moisture.
Use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. Add to the rinse to kill bacteria.
Leave the washer door open.
FAQ
How do you remove mold 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 moldy clothes in the dryer.
Does vinegar kill mold on clothes? Yes. White vinegar kills most mold spores. Soak moldy 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 moldy clothes? Yes, most moldy clothes 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 moldy clothes in the dryer? Don’t put moldy clothes in the dryer until all mold is gone. Dryer heat can set mold stains permanently. Always dry in the sun and check first.
Does hot water kill mold on clothes? Yes. Hot water (120 to 140F) kills most mold spores and helps dissolve stains. Wash moldy clothes in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Mold from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Get Mold Out of Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Mold Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- OxiClean. “Mold Stain Removal Guide.” oxiclean.com.
