How to Get Mold Out of Fabric Without Damaging It
How to Get Mold Out of Fabric Without Damaging It
You left fabric in a damp place and now it has black or green spots with a musty smell. That’s mold. Mold on fabric is a fungal growth that can permanently stain and weaken fibers if not treated. But fabric with mold can be saved. The key is killing the mold spores and removing the stains with the right products and methods. Here’s how to get mold out of fabric without damage.
Mold on fabric is a fungal growth that develops on damp material in warm, humid conditions. Mold appears as black, green, or gray spots with a musty odor. Removing mold from fabric requires killing the spores with vinegar, then removing the stains with oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
To get mold out of fabric, take it 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 fabric in the dryer.
Step-by-Step: Getting Mold Out of Fabric
Step 1: Take Fabric Outside
Take the moldy fabric outside. Don’t shake it 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 fabric 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:
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 fabric only): Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to mold spots. Don’t use on colored fabric.
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 fabric before putting it 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.
Mold on Different Fabric Types
| 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 |
| Linen | Vinegar + oxygen bleach | Chlorine bleach on colors |
| Upholstery | Vinegar + baking soda paste | Soaking (may damage foam) |
| Canvas | Vinegar + oxygen bleach | Cold water |
What Not to Do
Don’t use cold water. Cold water doesn’t kill mold or dissolve the stains. Use hot water for moldy fabric.
Don’t put moldy fabric in the dryer. Dryer heat can set mold 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 moldy fabric indoors. Take it outside to brush off spores.
Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps moisture, which promotes mold growth.
Don’t ignore the washing machine. A dirty machine can transfer mold to fabric. Clean monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.
How to Prevent Mold on Fabric
Don’t leave damp fabric in a pile. Hang or spread to dry.
Dry fabric completely before storing.
Store in a dry place.
Use baking soda in storage areas. 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 get mold out of fabric? Take fabric 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 fabric in the dryer.
Does vinegar kill mold on fabric? Yes. White vinegar kills most mold spores. Soak moldy fabric 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 fabric with mold? Yes, most fabric with mold 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 fabric in the dryer? Don’t put moldy fabric 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 fabric? Yes. Hot water (120 to 140F) kills most mold spores and helps dissolve stains. Wash moldy fabric in the hottest water safe for the material.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Mold from Fabric.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Get Mold Out of Fabric.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Mold Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- OxiClean. “Mold Stain Removal Guide.” oxiclean.com.
