Why Mold Grows On Clothes
Mold Thrives in damp, dark, and humid environments.
Clothes that are not properly dried or stored can easily become breeding rounds for mold. Understanding the conditions that lead to mold growth can help you prevent it in the future.
Inside closets that are built on a perimeter wall are the most susceptible to mold growth on clothing and shoes. Dessicants should be used. Do NOT overstuff these closets. Check frequently it see if mold growth is occuring.
Mold growth happens on clothing and fabric items when water or elevated humidity is present
If the mold growth is recent, you can usually successfully remove mold growth from clothes.
Look for visible mold, usually green, black, or white. Musty odors also indicate mold, even if none is visible.
All colors of mold are hazardous.
Color Is Not an Indicator
Many people are familiar with the term “black mold,” often used to refer to Stachybotrys chartatrum. This mold can present as black or as green. It’s crucial to understand that mold can come in all colors, and any mold growth should be treated as hazardous. If there are young children involved, it is more important to quickly and completely deal with the removal of mold growth on clothing, but more important than the cleanup is finding the water or elevated humidity source that allowed the mold growth to begin and grow. If you don’t fix the source, the mold will probably regrow.
How To Identify Mold On Clothes
Mold can manifest in different ways, including black spots, a must smell or a fuzzy texture. It is critical to identfy mold eary to prevent it from speading to other othes and areas.
3 steps to Remove Mold From Clothes
Ventilation and Safety
Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area while treating moldy clothes. Utilize protective gear such as masks and gloves to minimize your exposure to mold spores.Start by washing in hot water – use the hottest water available.
Hot water washing provides an effective first strike against mold in clothes, bedding, and stuffed animal surfaces. Use the hottest water setting recommended for each item. Hot water helps kill mold spores and lift stains.
Wash clothes, linens, and machine-safe stuffed animals two to three times using your regular laundry detergent. Read this if your child’s favorite stuffed toy is growing mold and not washing machine safe. For best results, finish with an extra rinse cycle in plain hot water to remove any lingering soap residue. Heat drying also further kills mold spores and remaining moisture. Inspect items closely afterwards. Catching mold early and washing promptly gives you the best shot at complete removal.
Is this “overkill? Maybe, but if young children are involved, be safe not sorry. If anyone is imunocompromized and around mold in clothing, again, be safe not sorry.
Bleach Or viengar? - don't Use Both together
If hot machine washing alone doesn’t eliminate all mold and stains, bleach or vinegar provide extra mold-fighting power. However, don’t use these products together as they create very toxic fumes.
Bleach – For severe mold staining, chlorine bleach can be an effective mold killer. Check that bleach is suitable and safe for each fabric type before use. Pre-treat mold stains by spraying diluted bleach directly on affected areas before washing. For delicate items, spot treat mold with a bleach-dampened soft cloth. Rinse all treated items thoroughly. Bleach works best on white fabrics.
Vinegar – White vinegar is a natural anti-fungal that destroys mold without harsh fumes. Fill a tub with undiluted vinegar and soak moldy items for up to a few hours. For spot treatment, sponge vinegar directly on mold stains. Vinegar helps remove mold smells and is gentler for delicate fabrics. Distilled white vinegar works best for cleaning.
sunlight
If possible, hand damp clothing outside in the sunlight to dry. Sunlight is a natural mold-killer. After soaking clothes in vinegar, hang them outside to dry in the sun for added mold-removing power.
FAQs
Can you remove mold from clothes without bleach?
- Yes, vinegar and baking soda are excellent alternatives.
Does washing machine remove mold from clothes?
- A hot cycle with vinegar can effectively remove mold.
Is there a way to remove mold smell from clothes?
- A thorough wash and sun-drying can help eliminate the musty smell.
Removing mold from clothes may seem daunting, but with the right methods, it’s entirely doable. Whether you opt for vinegar, baking soda, or other methods, the key is to act quickly to prevent further damage.
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