How to Remove Mould Stains from Clothes: What Works and What Makes It Worse
How to Remove Mould Stains 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 gray spots with a musty smell. That’s mould. Mould on clothes is a fungal growth that can permanently stain fabric if not treated. But mouldy clothes can be saved. The key is killing the mould 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.
Mould stains on clothes are black, green, or gray spots caused by fungal growth that bonds with fabric fibers. Mould grows in warm, moist conditions when clothes are left damp. Removing mould stains requires killing the spores with vinegar, then removing the stains with oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
To remove mould stains 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 mouldy clothes in the dryer.
What Works
Step 1: Take Clothes Outside
Take the mouldy clothes outside. Don’t shake them indoors, as mould 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 mouldy clothes and soak for 30 minutes. The vinegar kills the mould spores and neutralizes odors.
Step 3: Pre-Treat Visible Mould Spots
For visible black or gray spots, apply one of these treatments:
OxiClean Max Force Spray: OxiClean Max Force Spray contains enzymes that break down mould stains. Spray each spot, let it sit for 10 minutes.
Hydrogen peroxide (white clothes only): Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to mould 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 mould 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 mould spots remain, treat again and re-wash.
Step 8: For Stubborn Mould 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 mould or dissolve the stains. Use hot water for mouldy clothes.
Putting mouldy clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat can set mould 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 mouldy clothes indoors. Take them outside to brush off spores. Brushing indoors spreads spores.
Using fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps moisture, which promotes mould growth.
Ignoring the washing machine. A dirty machine can transfer mould to clothes. Clean monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.
Mould 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 Mould 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 mould stains 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 mouldy clothes in the dryer.
Does vinegar kill mould on clothes? Yes. White vinegar kills most mould spores. Soak mouldy 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 mouldy clothes? Yes, most mouldy 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 mouldy clothes in the dryer? Don’t put mouldy clothes in the dryer until all mould is gone. Dryer heat can set mould stains permanently. Always dry in the sun and check first.
Does hot water kill mould on clothes? Yes. Hot water (120 to 140F) kills most mould spores and helps dissolve stains. Wash mouldy clothes in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Mould from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Get Mould Out of Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Mould Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- OxiClean. “Mould Stain Removal Guide.” oxiclean.com.
