Mason Delacroix
Mould can easily grow on clothes due to wet storage or damp conditions. To prevent mould from growing on your clothes, keep your fabrics as dry as possible and wash dirty clothes as soon as possible. If you discover mould on your clothes, act quickly to prevent the mould spores from eating away at the fibres, causing holes, weakening, stretching or discolouration. To remove mould from your clothes, you can use a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach, distilled white vinegar, borax, pine oil, or phenolic disinfectant. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol will slowly kill mould spores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protective gear | N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection |
| Location | Outdoors |
| Tools | Brush, bucket or sink, laundry detergent, disinfectant (e.g., chlorine bleach, distilled white vinegar, borax, pine oil, or phenolic disinfectant), and a dryer |
| Mold removal process |
|
| Notes |
|
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What You'll Learn
Use alcohol or vinegar to pre-soak clothes
If you want to use alcohol or vinegar to pre-soak your clothes before washing them, there are a few different methods you can try. Firstly, you can mix one part non-chlorine bleach with three parts water and spray it on the mouldy stains until the fabric is soaked. After a few minutes, wash the clothes in hot water.
Alternatively, you can use vinegar. Mix one cup of vinegar with a bucket of water and pre-soak your clothes in this solution. You can also add one to two cups of vinegar to your washing machine per cycle to kill any mildew odours and brighten your whites. If you want to use hydrogen peroxide, mix one part 20% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water and apply this solution to organic fabrics only.
If you opt for alcohol, a 70% concentration of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol placed directly on the stains can help. Blot it on, then rinse after 10 minutes. Remember to wear protective gear when handling mould, such as gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask like an N95 respirator.
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Wash with hot water and heavy-duty detergent
To remove mold from clothes, it is recommended to wash them with hot water and heavy-duty detergent. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:
First, it is important to wear protective gear when handling moldy clothes. Wear a dust mask, such as an N95 respirator, to avoid inhaling the spores, and don gloves and eye protection. Take the moldy clothes outside and brush off as much visible mold as possible by gently brushing both sides of the fabric. This prevents the spread of spores inside your home.
Next, pretreat the stains with a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent. Apply a few drops of the detergent to the visible stains and work it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Allow the detergent to sit for at least 15 minutes to start breaking down the stains before washing.
When washing the clothes, use the hottest water setting recommended on the care label for the fabric. Ideally, the water temperature should be above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the mold spores are killed. Add the recommended amount of heavy-duty laundry detergent for the wash load.
It is also suggested to add a disinfectant to the wash cycle, such as chlorine bleach, distilled white vinegar, borax, pine oil, or a phenolic disinfectant. These disinfectants will help kill the mold spores. However, note that they may not remove mold stains, especially on colored fabrics. For white clothes made from natural fibers, bleach is effective in sanitizing and killing spores. For colored clothes, use pine oil or a phenolic sanitizer to avoid discoloration.
After washing, dry the clothes in direct sunlight, which is a natural fungus killer, or use a clothes dryer set to high heat. Ensure the clothes are completely dry before storing them to prevent the growth of mold.
If stains or odors remain after the first wash, repeat the process. Unfortunately, if the fabric is damaged or the odors linger even after multiple treatments, it may be best to discard the item to avoid further contamination.
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Use the right disinfectant for your fabric
When it comes to removing mould from clothes, choosing the right disinfectant for your fabric is crucial. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you select the most suitable disinfectant for your fabric type:
White or Colourfast Clothes
For white or colourfast clothes, bleach is an effective option for killing mould. However, it is important to use it carefully as it can be harsh on certain fabrics and cause colour fading. Always opt for non-chlorine or colour-safe bleach to reduce the risk of discolouration. Before using bleach, make sure to read the product instructions, wear protective rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling strong fumes.
Light-Coloured Synthetic Fabric
If you're dealing with light-coloured synthetic fabric, it's best to use distilled white vinegar, diluted chlorine bleach, or borax in the wash cycle. Vinegar is an excellent mould-killer and can be diluted and directly worked into the stain or used for pre-soaking. For chlorine bleach, always follow the dilution instructions on the label. Borax is another effective option and can be mixed with hot water before adding it to the wash cycle.
Natural or Synthetic Dark-Coloured Fabric
When dealing with dark-coloured fabrics, whether natural or synthetic, it's important to choose a disinfectant that won't cause colour fading. Pine oil or a phenolic disinfectant (such as Lysol) are suitable options for this fabric type. These disinfectants effectively kill mould without affecting the colour of your dark clothes.
Organic Fabrics (Cotton, Linen, etc.)
For organic fabrics such as cotton or linen, hydrogen peroxide is a recommended disinfectant. Mix one part 20% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water to create a solution. However, it's important to note that hydrogen peroxide should only be used on organic fabrics that are not flame-resistant or treated with easy-care finishes. Always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't affect the colour or fabric.
All Washable Fabrics (Light and Dark Colours)
Oxygen-based bleach is a versatile option that can be used on all washable fabrics, regardless of colour. It effectively removes mould stains without causing discolouration. Simply mix it with warm water according to the package directions, submerge the stained clothes, and allow them to soak for at least eight hours or overnight. Repeat the process if necessary until the stains are completely removed.
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Dry clothes in direct sunlight
Exposing your clothes to direct sunlight is an effective method to kill mold and prevent its growth. Sunlight is a natural fungus killer, and the UV light in it is germicidal, drying out mold and moisture, and killing bacteria that cause mold and mildew smells.
To dry your clothes in direct sunlight, you can follow these steps:
- Take your clothes outside to a sunny area, preferably during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point.
- Hang your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack, ensuring that they are not overcrowded and have sufficient surface area exposed.
- Maximize sun exposure by positioning the clothesline or rack in an open area with direct sunlight. Avoid hanging clothes under shaded areas or structures that may block the sunlight.
- If possible, adjust the position of the clothesline or rack throughout the day to ensure that all parts of the clothes receive direct sunlight.
- Leave the clothes out to dry completely. The time required for drying will depend on factors such as the climate, temperature, and fabric type.
- If mold stains or odors persist after sun-drying, repeat the process or consider using other cleaning methods in conjunction with sunlight drying.
It is important to note that sunlight might not be effective in removing deep-seated mold spores from clothing. Additionally, in certain locations with limited sunlight, such as during winters or in dark areas, sunlight alone may not be sufficient to combat mold growth. In such cases, combining sunlight exposure with other mold removal techniques, such as using cleaning agents like vinegar, bleach, or oxygen-based bleach, can be more effective.
Remember, the key to successful mold removal and prevention is to act promptly and utilize multiple strategies to ensure your clothes and living environment remain mold-free.
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Prevent mould by keeping clothes dry
Keeping your clothes dry is the easiest way to prevent mould and mildew from accumulating on your clothing. After showering, pick up any clothing on the wet floor and place it in a dry, vented hamper. Wash dirty clothes as soon as possible. Make sure you switch loads promptly. Clothes left in a washer for more than 24 hours can encourage mould and mildew growth.
Always wash and dry clothes thoroughly before storing them. If you don't, mould can grow on clothes in storage. This can happen if clothes are zipped into a plastic storage bag before they are fully dry, or if they are stored in a damp place, such as a basement.
Never leave wet clothes or towels in the laundry basket. Let them air dry before placing them in the basket or washing them. Regularly inspect your washing machine for mould. Wipe down the inside of your closets monthly; mould can hide in unexpected places. Wire shelving is less likely to have mould than wood.
Inspect and eliminate leaks or damp places in your home. Musty odours can indicate the presence of mould. Immediately remove your clothing from dry cleaning plastic bags. Plastic removes heat and can lead to moisture.
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