Handling Mildew vs. Mold on Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
Handling Mildew vs. Mold on Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
You want to know the difference between mildew and mold on clothes and how to remove both. Mildew and mold are both types of fungi that grow on clothes in damp conditions, but they look different and need slightly different treatments. Here’s how to handle mildew vs. mold on clothes without damaging the fabric.
Mildew is a surface fungus that appears as white, gray, or yellow patches on clothes. Mold is a deeper fungus that appears as black, green, or brown spots that penetrate the fabric. Mildew is easier to remove because it stays on the surface, while mold is harder to remove because it penetrates the fibers. The key to removing both is using vinegar, oxygen bleach, hot water, and sunlight.
To remove mildew from clothes, soak in vinegar for 30 minutes, apply baking soda paste, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with OxiClean, and dry in the sun. To remove mold from clothes, soak in vinegar for 1 hour, apply OxiClean, apply baking soda paste, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with OxiClean and Lysol, and dry in the sun. Don’t use cold water, don’t put moldy clothes in the dryer, and don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes.
Mildew vs. Mold: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Mildew | Mold |
|---|---|---|
| Color | White, gray, yellow | Black, green, brown |
| Appearance | Flat, powdery | Raised, fuzzy |
| Depth | Surface only | Penetrates fabric |
| Smell | Musty | Musty, stronger |
| Removal | Easier | Harder |
| Treatment | Vinegar, baking soda, hot wash | Vinegar, OxiClean, hot wash, Lysol |
How to Remove Mildew from Clothes
Step 1: Take Clothes Outside
Take mildew-stained clothes outside to shake off loose spores. Don’t do this indoors.
Step 2: Soak in White Vinegar
Soak the clothes in white vinegar for 30 minutes. Vinegar kills mildew spores.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and water. Apply to the mildew stains. Let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush.
Step 4: Apply Dish Soap
Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap to the stains. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Wash in Hot Water
Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water. Add half a cup of baking soda and 1 scoop of OxiClean to the wash.
Step 6: Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser for the rinse.
Step 7: Dry in the Sun
Dry the clothes in direct sunlight. UV rays kill mildew and remove odors.
How to Remove Mold from Clothes
Step 1: Take Clothes Outside
Take moldy clothes outside to shake off loose spores. Wear gloves and a mask.
Step 2: Soak in White Vinegar
Soak the clothes in white vinegar for 1 hour. For severe mold, soak for 2 hours.
Step 3: Apply OxiClean
Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Apply Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the mold stains. Let sit for 30 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush.
Step 5: Wash in Hot Water
Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Add half a cup of baking soda and 1 scoop of OxiClean to the wash.
Step 6: Add Lysol to the Rinse
Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for disinfecting.
Step 7: Dry in the Sun
Dry the clothes in direct sunlight. UV rays kill mold and help lift the stain.
Step 8: Clean the Machine After
Clean the washer with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to kill any remaining spores.
How to Prevent Mildew and Mold on Clothes
Don’t Leave Wet Clothes Sitting
Remove clothes from the washer as soon as the cycle ends.
Dry Clothes Completely
Make sure clothes are completely dry before storing. Damp clothes grow mildew and mold.
Store in a Dry Place
Store clothes in a cool, dry place. Don’t store in damp basements or humid areas.
Use Moisture Absorbers
Place baking soda or silica gel in storage areas to reduce humidity.
Clean the Machine Monthly
Clean the washer monthly with affresh to prevent mold from growing in the machine.
Leave the Door Open
Leave the washer door open between loads to allow the drum to dry.
What Not to Do
Don’t use cold water. Cold water doesn’t kill mildew or mold spores. Use hot water.
Don’t put mildewy or moldy clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat can set the stains. Dry in the sun if possible.
Don’t scrub mold indoors. Scrubbing mold indoors can spread spores. Take clothes outside first.
Don’t use chlorine bleach on colored clothes. Chlorine bleach can remove color. Use oxygen bleach (OxiClean) instead.
FAQ
What is the difference between mildew and mold on clothes? Mildew is a surface fungus that appears as white, gray, or yellow patches. Mold is a deeper fungus that appears as black, green, or brown spots that penetrate the fabric. Mildew is easier to remove; mold is harder.
How do you remove mildew from clothes? Take clothes outside, soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes, apply baking soda paste, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with OxiClean, and dry in the sun.
How do you remove mold from clothes? Take clothes outside, soak in white vinegar for 1 hour, apply OxiClean, apply baking soda paste, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in hot water with OxiClean and Lysol, and dry in the sun.
Does vinegar kill mold and mildew on clothes? Yes. White vinegar kills both mold and mildew spores. Soak clothes in vinegar for 30 minutes (mildew) or 1 hour (mold) before washing.
References
- Tide. “Mold and Mildew Removal Guide.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Mildew vs. Mold on Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Mold Removal Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- OxiClean. “Stain Removal Guide.” oxiclean.com.
