Can You Remove Mold from Clothing?

No matter what the current style is, mold on your clothing is never fashionable. In fact, it can be harmful to you.

You may experience side effects if you inhale or touch mold. These side effects include respiratory issues, rashes, allergy problems, and sometimes severe infections. That is why it is critical to make sure your clothing does not grow mold. But, if it does, there are ways to remove it. 

Today we will explore mold growth on clothing and how to remove and prevent it.

How Does Mold Grow on Your Clothing?

Mold grows when it has a source of food, lack of ventilation, and moisture. Clothes hanging in a closet or a dresser may experience these factors. Mold can grow on walls, your closet walls included. Mold spores may transfer from the walls to the clothing or shoes. Mold is also drawn to wood, which is a standard material for dressers.

If your clothes are damp or in a humid environment with little ventilation, this often leads to mold growth. Mold can start growing on wet clothing as soon as 24 to 48 hours.

You should be able to discover mold on your clothing from the musty smell. It can appear black, green, or white. A common type of mold that grows on clothing is Aspergillus.

Removing Mold from Clothing

The good news is that you do not have to throw away your favorite pieces of clothing if they begin to grow mold. There are many different methods to remove mold from your fabrics. However, if you leave the clothing items too long with mold growing, it can begin to eat away at them. 

Here are some of the best methods for removing mold from your clothes:

• Vinegar. A cup or two of vinegar works well when added to your washing cycle. You can also let your clothing soak in vinegar before washing. 
• Bleach. You may also choose to add bleach to a washing cycle, as long as the clothing items can be bleached.
• Borax. Another method is using a mixture of borax and hot water added to your wash cycle.

You should use hot water and laundry detergent with each of these methods. Add the solutions once the washing machine has filled. It is also suggested to wash mold-infested clothing twice with any of these methods.

We recommend hanging your clothes in the sun to dry after removing the mold in the wash. The sun’s rays can kill any remaining mold. In addition, if your clothing has mold stains, the sun also helps to bleach those.

If you find mold growing on your shoes, you can remove it as well. First, use a brush to brush off any mold pieces. Then, use a soft cloth and 1 to 1 solution of water and vinegar to clean the shoes. Let them dry with plenty of ventilation and in the sun, if possible. 

Preventing Mold Growth on Clothing

Make sure your clothes are completely clean and dry before putting them away. Do not leave your clothes to sit in a washing machine; dry them right away. If your clothes got sweaty or wet when you wore them, wash them right away. Do not leave damp clothing to sit for days before washing. Sweaty shoes and towels are similar and should be hung up or placed somewhere to air out.

Damp clothing is a breeding ground for mold, so it is vital to prevent it. Ensure proper ventilation and low humidity in the places you keep your clothing. 

Mold on your clothing can sometimes be a sign that mold is growing elsewhere in your home. If the mold problem is in your home and not just on your clothes, call a professional remediation service. Mold growth in your walls is a problem that needs to be addressed. You do not want mold to continue to spread through your home. 

Check your home for any leaks or mold growth issues regularly. Keeping everything up-to-date and preventing moisture is vital. 

Keep Mold Out of Your Closet

We hope this helps you keep mold out of your closet. If you have clothing that is heavily infested with mold, it may be best to throw it away. 

If you discover an infestation of mold in your home, iMold is here to help. We offer free inspections and fast estimates. Follow iMold on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.