How to Get Rid of Mold from Colored Clothes
Have you ever washed something that smelled of mold, only to have it stink again when you wore it or it got wet? Mold in clothing smells awful and can be hard to remove permanently. Clothing and linens can acquire the smell of mold from improper drying, lengthy exposure to a damp room, such as a basement or attic, or from sweat, as after a workout. These tips will help you remove mold from colored (or white) clothing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Steps to Get the moldy smell out of clothing
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The best way to remove mold is with a detergent called "sports wash." Various brands are available at sports stores, and they all work well. You may want to consider keeping a bottle on hand in case you have any clothes or linens that become moldy. Be sure to use sports wash detergent as directed on the bottle.
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If an item smells of mold, wash it ASAP. Clothes that have been exposed to a moldy smell for a long time (for example, in a wet basement or attic) may require several washings, but they can still be cleaned.
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Wash excessively moldy materials separately, so as not to spread the smell to other items. You may want to wash one load of mildly moldy materials (such as towels or gym clothes) all together in one load every week. If the items are extremely moldy or if you cannot get them clean with one washing, try adding a cup of white vinegar straight into the wash, along with the sports wash.
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Don't let formerly moldy clothing sit in the washer when the cycle is finished! Remove items immediately and dry them on a high heat setting.
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The best way to prevent mold from coming back is to wash items that get wet on a regular basis, such as towels and gym clothes, after every use. Also, be sure not to store these materials in damp areas. For instance, putting clothing in sealed plastic bags can make mold growth even worse.
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Give items a regular smell test. Some people are more sensitive to the smell of mold than others. If you can't smell mold, ask someone who is sensitive to check the smell for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Items that have been moldy once are more susceptible to developing mold again, so be sure always to wash and dry them as quickly as you are able.
Black mold is very dangerous and cannot be removed from clothing. If you have clothing that has been contaminated with it, throw them out.
