How to Clean Mold & Mildew on Clothes

Mold and mildew are both unsightly and unhealthy.

As you go to pull out the clothes that you thought were safely stored away, you find that they're sporting some new colors and an unpleasant odor to boot. Mold and mildew creep in when moisture and darkness are available as these are prime living conditions for these invasive spores. Since not only do you look dreadful in mismatched earth tones even if you could get past the smell, this needs to be taken care of. Mold and mildew have also been known to lead to respiratory health conditions so removing it should be a priority.

Things You'll Need

• Soft-bristled brush
• Lemon
• Table salt
• Chlorine bleach or white vinegar
• Bleach-free laundry detergent

Instructions

If the Weather's On Your Side

1. Take the affected clothing outside and brush off loose mold and mildew spores with a soft-bristled brush.

2. Lay the garment out flat with the stain facing up on a clean flat surface.

3. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice all over the stained area to saturate it.

4. Sprinkle salt liberally over the lemon juice.

5. Allow the garment to soak in the sunshine for two to three hours.

6. Brush away the salt and launder the garment as you usually would. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help eliminate lingering odors.

If the Weather Isn't Cooperating

1. Brush away loose mold spores with a soft-bristled brush over the trash can or over a piece of newspaper so it can be easily discarded.

2. Lay the garment flat on a flat surface with the affected area facing up.

3. Mix two tbsp. of chlorine bleach into a quart of warm water for white clothes and undiluted white vinegar for colored clothing. Sponge the solution onto the affected area and allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Vinegar is a safe alternative to bleach and it won't fade your clothing.

4. Launder the garment in the washing machine with a bleach-free detergent.

5. Inspect the garment to ensure that the stain is gone. If any remains, repeat the process before putting it in the dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• For wool and silk and other non washable fabrics, consult with a professional dry cleaner about the best way to remove the mold and mildew.

• The combination of vinegar and bleach can result in harmful toxic fumes so be sure to never mix the two.

References

• EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
• UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Service: Mildew Prevention and Removal
• Eartheasy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning

Resources

• House Keeping Channel: What's the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?
• University of Illinois Extension: How to Remove Mold and Mildew