How to Get Rid of Black Mold on Clothes

If you have kids, somewhere along the line they probably have left wet towels under their bed or spilled on a shirt and left it on their floor under a pile of clothes. However it happened, when you find the piece of clothing you think it's ruined since it has patches of black mold on it. Don't just throw that clothing away though. In some cases it is possible to save it.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White Vinegar
• Moldy Clothes
• Washer and Dryer

1. If the mold is really bad you'll want to scrape off the worst of it with the bowl of a spoon before trying to clean it. There will be some that won't scrape off since mold grows into the clothing fibers, but you should be able to clear a bit off.

2. Now take the vinegar and pour about a cup of it into the sink. Mix into that about three cups of water. Immerse the piece of clothing in the vinegar water mix and then take up two handfuls of the fabric and use one to scrub at the other side. It won't come completely clean but try to get a good layer of the mold off.

3. Next put it in the washer. Wash it like normal, but add a splash of vinegar to the rinse water. The vinegar removes the odor of the mold and will disinfect the fabric. The vinegar smell will quickly dissipate as it dries.

4. After washing, if the mold stains don't come all the way out you can throw it in the washer again. The fabric will probably always be stained but the clothing can still be used for play clothes or something to wear around the house. Since the spot where the mold was will be weakened by the mold having grown into it sewing a small patch onto the backside of the fabric will help prevent stress being put on the spot and keep the spot from ripping open.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have your kids help you wash the piece of clothing they may be more likely to not leave wet clothes lying around and molding, especially if you tell them they have to do it themselves the next time they let it happen.