If there is mold on your clothes, whether from improper storage, in the washing machine, or from exposure to moisture, you may be wondering how best to remove it.
While this is a common laundry problem, it's important to know how to preserve clothing before mold sets in and spreads, causing irreparable damage, odors, and stains.
We asked laundry experts for professional advice on whether you can remove mold from clothes (spoiler alert: it is possible) and how to successfully wash clothes .
Can you wash mold off clothes?
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If you have discovered mold on your clothes , don't worry, your clothes can be saved with a little knowledge about the most common types of mold in the home and how to get rid of them.
"You can remove mold from clothes, but you typically don't use the same methods as you would with any other detergent," says Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia's Cleaning Service . Mold spores are stubborn and usually penetrate deep into the tissue. Therefore, they must be completely eliminated to prevent further spread and thus avoid bad habits that increase the risk of mold formation .
What you need to remove mold from clothes
How to remove mold from clothes.
(Image credit: Industville)
"While it is certainly possible to remove mold from clothing, it is a difficult process and could even permanently damage the material," says Ken Doty, operations manager at The Maids .
If you want to try saving your clothes, here is the method recommended by Doty experts, which is best done in a well-lit room, with natural light if possible.
Step 1: Act quickly
"If you notice mold on your clothing, you should act as quickly as possible," says Doty. "Make sure the mold has not spread to other clothing and take the affected item outside or into a well-ventilated, lit room."
This will stop mold from forming in the laundry room and prevent you from inhaling harmful mold spores.
Step 2 – Brush out any visible mold
Next, grab your scrub brush. "Remove any remaining loose spores," says Doty, which will make the cleaning process easier.
Step 3: Soak in vinegar
"Make a cleaning solution of water (preferably warm) and 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar," says Doty, in a ratio of 1 cup to 1 gallon. Soak the clothing for an hour and then scrub the affected areas again with a brush.
This neutralizes odors and kills bacteria, as cleaning with vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be used to kill mold . It can also be added to the cycle of your washing machine. However, make sure you know where and when to add it .
Step 4: Machine wash your clothes with baking soda
Doty recommends using baking soda on clothing to remove mold from clothing and further neutralize odors. This is also a simple tip that you can use for your wardrobe .
"If mold is still visible, run the clothes through the washer with an additional 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar in addition to your regular laundry detergent," she says. "Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of baking soda to aid in the deodorization process if the vinegar or mold smell is too strong."
Step 5: Air dry
Air drying your clothes has many benefits and Doty recommends it to eliminate odors.
"Then dry your clothes outside, preferably in the sun," he says. There are some reasons why you should never wash clothes outside , such as pollen allergies. So if any of these reasons apply to you, if possible, dry your clothes in the dryer or on a drying rack like the Joseph Joseph Eclipse. . Available on Amazon is a three-level adjustable drying rack , which I love for drying clothes in small spaces .
Frequently asked questions
Does washing clothes kill mold?
Yes, but to effectively kill mold, wash affected clothing in the washing machine at the highest temperature . Mold spores die at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), so a colder setting won't work.
Can mold be transferred from the washing machine to clothes?
The reason why it is important to clean your washing machine regularly and remove mold from the rubber seal is because otherwise mold particles can form on your clothes, especially if you tend to do it at lower temperatures. Avoid this by adding washing machine maintenance to your sensible cleaning routine .
By ensuring you know how to identify mold in your home, you can combat outbreaks before they infest your home or closet.
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