How to Remove Mold From Clothes

Mold stains can form on clothing when it is splashed with food or becomes wet, and then it is left in a warm, dark place (like a laundry hamper). When you get a spill or a stain on your clothing, the very best thing to do is, of course, to wash it right away before any mold can form. Then allow the clothing to dry completely before folding it and putting it away in a well-ventilated place. If, however, you live in the real world and can't dash off to the washing machine every time you spill, or perhaps you may have to store your clothing from time to time in a not-so-well ventilated hamper or suitcase, well, then, mold can happen, and you'll need to know a few methods for getting rid of those pesky stains.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Laundry detergent
• Bleach
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Mildicide

Instructions

1. Pour 3/4 cup of white vinegar into the washing machine when you wash clothes that are starting to get that moldy smell. Vinegar is very effective at getting rid of most types of odors, and it will help to kill off the mold, as well.

2. Brush any visible mold off the clothing. Brush off any clothing that may have been exposed to mold, in fact. You'll want to do this outdoors, so the mold spores you brush off will not spread and grow inside your house. After you've brushed off your clothes, let them sit in the sunshine so the heat and sunlight can kill off any remaining spores.

3. Soak visible mold stains in cold water, then wash (with detergent) in hot water. Allow to dry outdoors in the sunshine.

4. Mix 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach with 1 quart of water. Dab the mold stain with this solution, then allow it to sit for 10 minutes before laundering.

5. Sprinkle the mold stain with salt and moisten it with lemon juice. Allow it to sit out in the sun until dry, then launder.

6. Use a mildicide, or mold-killing spray, to treat your closet, hamper or anywhere else your clothes may have gotten moldy. Make sure you treat all clothing that has been in proximity to the moldy garments.

Tips & Warnings

• Lemon juice, salt and sunshine also work to eliminate rust stains.

• Use a protective dust mask and gloves when dealing directly with mold, as mold spores can be very bad for your health.

• Be sure to test your garment for colorfastness before using bleach.

• Using lemon juice to treat your mold stains may itself stain your garment, but lemon stains will usually come out if you wash them right away in hot water.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish