Treating Mold in Clothes

by Resto Pros

April 26, 2018

Finding mold in your clothes can be very unsettling. But don’t think you have to throw them out. There are certain techniques that can help remove mold spores stuck in fabrics. By following the right steps, you may be able to save your clothes from the clutches of mold!

RestoPros advises every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner to follow these steps on treating mold in clothes. Use our guide below to help freshen up your wardrobe in the case of an infestation.

Acquire Mold Cleaners

In order to treat mold in clothes, you’ll need to know what can effectively clean and kill it. Previously, we have discussed mold prevention products you can use in your home. While not all these items may be suitable for your clothes, here are a few we do recommend:

  • Lemon Juice
  • White Vinegar
  • Borax
  • Baking Soda

These products all have mold killing properties (aside from baking soda, which is more of a deodorizer). You can utilize any of these when treating mold in clothes. But be aware letting them sit in fabric for a long period of time can lead to discoloration. You’ll need to thoroughly rinse clothes in the washing machine after using a mold cleaner.

Note: Bleach is also an effective mold killer and can be used to treat mold in clothes. However, this can ruin the color of fabrics, and is recommended to only use on white, plain clothing. Check if any of your clothes have a “Do Not Bleach” label on their tags as well.

For more information on natural laundry stain removers, click here.

Gather all Mold-Infested Clothing

After acquiring a mold cleaner, the next step is to isolate any clothing infected with mold. Separate any mold-infested clothing in a pile away from unaffected clothing. Be sure you grab every piece of attire affected by mold. Even ones that have small, almost negligible mold stains should be separated. Mold reproduces rapidly and can spread to other clothing under the right conditions.

Wash Clothes Using the Mold Cleaner

Fill your washing machine with the mold-infested clothes. Use a lighter amount of detergent than normal, as you will be utilizing a natural mold cleaner.

Start the load and wait for the washer to fill up with water. The water temperature depends on the cleaner being used. Once the washer is filled, add the mold killing product of your choice. Measurements and temperatures are as follows:

  • Lemon Juice – ½ Cup, Warm Water
  • White Vinegar – 1-2 Cups, Warm Water
  • Borax – ½ Cup, Hot Water

Note: Only use hot water for clothes that can handle the temperature. Failing to do so can damage your clothing.

Scrub Away/Rewash Clothes to Remove any Remaining Stains

After a wash cycle, remove and scrub any remaining stains on your clothing. Mix baking soda with water to create a solution that helps scrubbing and deodorizing your clothes. If stains are still prolific, you may need to run another load. Continue doing so until stains appear removed.

Dry Clothes Properly

To ensure mold has been removed, you’ll need to dry your clothes properly. Using a drying line or rack, hang your newly washed clothes in a location with sunlight. If your clothes have not been dried after 24 hours, throw them in the dryer.

Never let mold take your clothes without a fight! While we recommend treating mold in your clothes using these DIY tactics, you will need to contact a professional if mold infests your home. Contact RestoPros for affordable mold remediation services. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with your Dallas/Ft. Worth mold removal experts.