How to Get Mould Stains Out of Fabric Without Damaging It

You found mould stains on your fabric. Maybe clothes were left in the washer too long, or stored in a damp closet. Mould leaves dark spots that regular washing doesn’t remove. But mould stains can be removed from most washable fabrics. The key is killing the mould and removing the pigment with the right products. Here’s how to get mould stains out of fabric without damage.

Mould stains on fabric are dark spots caused by mould spores growing on fabric fibers in damp conditions. Mould feeds on organic matter (dirt, sweat, food) trapped in fabric. Removing mould stains requires killing the mould spores and removing the pigment they leave behind.

To get mould stains out of fabric, take the fabric outside to remove loose spores, soak in vinegar and water for 30 minutes, apply oxygen bleach for white fabric or OxiClean for colored fabric, wash with enzyme detergent in hot water, and dry in the sun. Don’t use chlorine bleach on colors, don’t use cold water, and don’t put mould-stained fabric in the dryer until the stain is gone.

Step-by-Step: Removing Mould Stains from Fabric

Step 1: Take Fabric Outside

Take the mouldy fabric outside and brush off loose spores with a soft brush. Don’t do this indoors, as spores can spread.

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. Vinegar kills most mould spores.

Step 3: Apply Oxygen Bleach (For White Fabric)

For white fabric, make a paste of oxygen bleach powder and water. Apply to the mould stains, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.

Step 4: Apply OxiClean (For Colored Fabric)

For colored fabric, spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Apply Baking Soda Paste (For Stubborn Stains)

Mix Arm and Hammer Baking Soda with water to form a paste. Apply to the stains, let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse.

Step 6: Wash in Hot Water

Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water. Add half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar to the wash.

Step 7: Add Lysol for Bacteria

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse.

Step 8: Dry in the Sun

Dry in direct sunlight. UV rays kill remaining mould spores and help remove the stain.

Step 9: Check Before Storing

Check that all mould stains are gone before storing.

Mould Stains on Different Fabrics

Fabric	Best Treatment	What to Avoid
White cotton	Vinegar soak + oxygen bleach + sun	Chlorine bleach on colors
Colored cotton	Vinegar soak + OxiClean + sun	Chlorine bleach
Polyester	Vinegar soak + OxiClean	Hot water above care label max
Denim	Vinegar soak + baking soda paste	Chlorine bleach
Towels	Vinegar soak + oxygen bleach + hot water	Fabric softener
Upholstery	Vinegar + blot + professional cleaning	Soaking
Silk	Professional cleaning	All home treatments
Wool	Professional cleaning	All home treatments

What Not to Do

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

Don’t use cold water. Cold water doesn’t kill mould spores. Use hot water for washing.

Don’t put mould-stained fabric in the dryer. Dryer heat can set the stain. Dry in the sun instead.

Don’t brush mould off indoors. Mould spores spread indoors. Take fabric outside first.

Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps mould.

Don’t store damp fabric. Damp fabric grows mould. Always dry completely before storing.

Don’t mix vinegar and chlorine bleach. Mixing them creates toxic chlorine gas.

Don’t give up after one treatment. Mould stains may need 2 to 3 treatments.

How to Prevent Mould on Fabric

Dry fabric completely before storing. Even slightly damp fabric can grow mould.

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements and hot attics.

Use breathable storage. Use fabric storage boxes, not plastic bins.

Add cedar or lavender. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets repel pests and absorb moisture.

Don’t leave wet fabric in the washer. Transfer to the dryer or hang within 30 minutes.

Clean the machine monthly. Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly.

Use Dawn Ultra Dish Soap for food stains. Food residue feeds mould.

FAQ

How do you get mould stains out of fabric? Take fabric outside to remove loose spores, soak in vinegar and water for 30 minutes, apply oxygen bleach for whites or OxiClean for colors, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water, and dry in the sun. Repeat if needed.

Does vinegar kill mould on fabric? Yes. White vinegar kills most mould spores. Soak mouldy fabric in warm water with 1 cup of vinegar for 30 minutes before washing.

Does oxygen bleach remove mould stains from fabric? Yes. Make a paste of oxygen bleach powder and water, apply to the mould stains, let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse, and wash with enzyme detergent in hot water. Dry in the sun.

Can you put mould-stained fabric in the dryer? Don’t put mould-stained fabric in the dryer until the stain is gone. Dryer heat can set the stain. Dry in direct sunlight instead.

How do you prevent mould on fabric? Dry fabric completely before storing, store in a cool dry place, use breathable fabric storage boxes, don’t leave wet fabric in the washer, and clean the machine monthly with affresh.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Mould Stains from Fabric.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Mould Stain Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Mould Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. CDC. “Mould Cleanup Guide.” cdc.gov.