There are several ways that mold can wreak havoc on your home. Sometimes the problems aren’t as invasive as an outbreak inside your walls or ceiling. Sometimes the problems are more of a nuisance, requiring more of a DIY approach to the solution. If you live in an older home that has a musty smell, you may have encountered a problem with clothing or items made with fabric that start to smell of mold. This can happen in any residence; a new apartment or home as well as an older structure.

Items that are stored for a long time in a confined space can sometimes generate a moldy, musty smell that is extremely difficult to remove. Sometimes these are items (such as leather goods, baseball caps, sweaters and jackets) that are not feasible to put in the washing machine. Bath towels and washcloths can also develop a “mold creep” that sets in the fabric and isn’t noticeable until wet. This problem is even harder to deal with when using the regular methods of cleaning.

One of the easiest, greenest and most effective ways to completely remove that smell from clothing, towels and other items is to harness the power of sunlight. Hanging them on a clothesline (fixed or makeshift) throughout a dry, sunny day can work miracles This can sometimes be a tricky endeavor in the Dallas summer when the air is high in humidity. A hot, humid day might even exacerbate the mold growth – and odor. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you hang out any items for the day.

Try this method with fabric and leather items that have a distinctive odor. For pieces that have mold growing on them, you might simply consider getting rid of them.

  1. Choose a day with a forecast of sunny and dry (both elements are essential in this equation). Then start early in the morning to ensure you have the full day.
  2. Use gloves and, depending on the amount of items and the level of mold, a face mask to gather all of the items and take them outside. Using a clean, dry cloth, wipe the items off thoroughly.
  3. If you are also attempting to get rid of that mold smell on bath towels, they will need to be washed first on a warm cycle.
  4. Hang the items carefully on a clothesline – making sure that it is located in an area that will receive maximum sunlight all day. There should be sufficient room between each item to allow a breeze to effectively help dry out the fabric.
  5. Hang large bath towels lengthwise on the line.
  6. At the end of the day, smell the items to see if there are any lingering odors. Unless the mold contamination was extreme, the smell should have disappeared.
  7. If you can still smell mold, hang the items on a line again the following morning.
  8. Make a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar and gently spray everything before leaving them out again in the sun.
  9. Your clothing and towels should smell great at the end of the day.

Note:  Some pieces of clothing, including brightly colored fabrics, might fade in the direct sunlight. Be mindful of care instructions for each piece. Some might need to be professionally cleaned.

RestoPros is dedicated to keeping mold out of your home – and your life. From mold testing to remediation, our trained and licensed technicians can help eradicate its presence. If you ever find yourself dealing with more than mold odor in your clothing, contact our team! Call 855-587-3786 to schedule an assessment today!

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