How to Remove Mold Stains from Fabric Without Damaging the Fabric

You found mold stains on fabric. Maybe clothes were left damp too long, or stored in a humid place. The black or green spots seem impossible to remove, but mold stains can be removed from most washable fabrics. The key is killing the mold and lifting the stain. Here’s how to remove mold stains from fabric without damage.

A mold stain on fabric is a discoloration caused by mold spores growing on damp fabric and leaving pigments that bond with fibers. Mold stains are both a biological issue (living mold) and a stain issue (pigment). Removing mold requires killing the mold with vinegar or oxygen bleach, then lifting the pigment with OxiClean or oxygen bleach.

To remove mold stains from fabric, brush off loose mold outside, soak in vinegar and water for 30 minutes, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with oxygen bleach, add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, and dry in the sun. For stubborn stains, use OxiClean. Don’t brush mold indoors, don’t use cold water, and don’t put mold-stained fabric in the dryer.

Step-by-Step: Removing Mold Stains from Fabric

Step 1: Brush Off Loose Mold

Take the fabric outside and brush off loose mold with a soft brush. Don’t brush mold indoors because the spores can spread.

Step 2: Soak in Vinegar

Fill a tub with hot water and add 2 cups of white vinegar. Submerge the fabric and soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Vinegar kills mold and bacteria.

Step 3: Apply OxiClean

Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes. The enzymes help break down the mold pigment.

Step 4: Wash in Hot Water

Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water. Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and 1 scoop of oxygen bleach.

Step 5: Add Lysol to the Rinse

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse. Lysol kills mold and bacteria.

Step 6: Dry in the Sun

Sunlight kills mold and helps break down the pigment. Hang the fabric in direct sunlight for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 7: Check the Stain

If the stain remains, treat again and re-wash. Don’t put mold-stained fabric in the dryer.

For White Clothes with Mold Stains

Step 1: Follow Steps 1 to 3 Above

Step 2: Apply Oxygen Bleach Paste

Make a paste of oxygen bleach powder and water. Apply to the mold stains, let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stains. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Don’t use on colored fabric.

Step 4: Wash in Hot Water

Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water. Add 1 scoop of oxygen bleach.

Step 5: Dry in the Sun

For Stubborn Mold Stains

Use Dawn Dish Soap

Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap to the mold stains. Work it in, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wash.

Use Shout Foam

Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam to the mold stains. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Use Amodex

For persistent mold stains, apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. Work it in, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash.

Use Chlorine Bleach (For White Cotton Only)

For stubborn mold on white cotton, use half a cup of chlorine bleach. Dilute before adding. Don’t use on colored clothes or synthetics.

How to Prevent Mold Stains

Don’t Leave Clothes Damp

Transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer or clothesline within 2 hours. Don’t leave damp clothes in a pile.

Dry Clothes Completely

Make sure clothes are completely dry before storing. Don’t store damp clothes.

Ventilate Storage Areas

Keep storage areas well-ventilated. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas.

Use Baking Soda in Storage

Add an open box of baking soda to storage areas to absorb moisture.

Clean the Machine Monthly

Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly.

Use Lysol for Damp Loads

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for loads that might sit damp.

What Not to Do

Don’t brush mold indoors. Mold spores spread indoors. Brush off outside.

Don’t use cold water. Cold water doesn’t kill mold. Use hot water.

Don’t put mold-stained fabric in the dryer. Dryer heat can set the mold pigment. Air dry in the sun first.

Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes. Use oxygen bleach.

Don’t use chlorine bleach on synthetics. It can damage polyester and nylon.

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

Don’t ignore the washing machine. A dirty machine causes mold. Clean monthly with affresh.

FAQ

How do you remove mold stains from fabric? Brush off loose mold outside, soak in vinegar and water for 30 minutes, spray with OxiClean, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with oxygen bleach, add Lysol to the rinse, and dry in the sun.

Does vinegar remove mold stains from fabric? Yes. Soak in hot water with 2 cups of vinegar for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Vinegar kills mold and bacteria. For stubborn stains, follow with oxygen bleach.

Does oxygen bleach remove mold stains? Yes. Add 1 scoop to the wash or make a paste for tough stains. Oxygen bleach kills mold and lifts the pigment.

Can you put mold-stained fabric in the dryer? No. Dryer heat can set the mold pigment. Air dry in the sun first.

How do you prevent mold stains on clothes? Don’t leave clothes damp, dry completely before storing, ventilate storage areas, use baking soda in storage, clean the machine monthly, and use Lysol for damp loads.

References

1. Tide. “How to Remove Mold from Clothes.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Mold Stain Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Mold Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Lysol. “Laundry Sanitizer Guide.” lysol.com.