How to Remove Mold Spots From Clothes

One of the things to deal with after storing stuff in a damp environment is mold stains. It can be tough to remove, and some of us just give up trying. Luckily, there are ways to remove stains from mold and mildew, and you no longer have to discard clothes left in storage for too long.

The best way to do it is to entrust your clothes to your local laundry service. However, there are times when you need to do it yourself, so here’s a guide on removing mold spots from clothes.

What You Will Need

Mask and gloves
Large tub
Old toothbrush
Stain remover or alternative
Hot water
Mold-killing solution
Rack for air-drying

Step 1: Gather all clothes that have mold stains

You may have already picked up a few items that look badly damaged by mold, but we suggest rechecking the pile to see if there are more affected clothes. Even if it’s just a little mold spot, it’s best to include it in the treatment. You want to remove all the mold in one go.

Step 2: Dry clothes out in the sun and scrub off the mold

Your clothes are most likely damp if they’ve just gotten out of storage. To get better results, dry them out in the sun first and scrub off as much mold as possible using an old toothbrush. Make sure to throw the toothbrush away after using it.

Step 3: Apply stain remover on the affected area

Apply stain remover on the stain spots. If you don’t have a stain remover, you can mix one part vinegar and one part water. Put it in a spray bottle and apply it to the mold spots. Another alternative is a lemon solution, which you can do by mixing lemon juice and salt. Leave the stain remover or alternative to soak for up to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Load the clothes into the washer

Set your washer to a large load size to give enough space for your clothes. Fill it up with hot water. This is crucial to kill mold and mildew. Another critical thing to remember is to never mix the affected items with other clothes because it will transfer mold spores.

Step 5: Add your mold-killing solution

There are a variety of products available on the market that can help to kill the growth of mold. Follow the instructions they come with. If you want greener solutions, there are also household items that serve as good alternatives. For example:

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic substance that can be used to kill mold. It has been proven effective in eliminating mold from clothes and surfaces such as walls, floors, and furniture. It’s effective in removing unpleasant from your clothes due to mold and mildew.

As a mold-killing solution, using vinegar requires minimal effort and time. Pour ¾ cup of vinegar into your washer. Let your laundry soak in the solution and hot water for 30 minutes. Begin the cycle. Rinse and normally wash with detergent.

Bleach

One of the strengths of using bleach as a mold-killing solution is its powerful disinfectant properties. However, you have to be very careful when using bleach because it can damage the colors of your garments. Make sure to read the label of your colored clothes. If unsure of how it will affect your clothes, it’s best to avoid this altogether.

When using bleach as a mold-killing solution, add it to the washer dispenser. Never pour it directly onto your clothes. If your washer doesn’t have a dispenser feature, pour the bleach into the water before adding your laundry. Add detergent and complete a washing cycle.

Baking Soda

Natural, safe, and non-toxic, baking soda is an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid commercial mold-killing chemicals. It’s a natural deodorizer that kills mold spores and prevents them from growing back.

To use baking soda as a mold-killing solution, prepare warm water and dissolve a cup of baking soda. Add to your laundry and let it soak for at least one hour (the longer, the better). Once it has soaked, wash the load as usual.

Step 6: Air-dry

Avoid using the dryer when drying your clothes. At this point, there’s no way to tell if you’ve been able to remove the mold and mildew from your clothes thoroughly. You don’t want to contaminate your dryer with mold spores that could affect other garments.

We recommend air-drying your clothes outdoors in the sunlight. Once dried, check for discoloration and moldy smell. If there’s no sign of mold, it’s a success.

Tips for Dealing with Mold and Mold Spots on Your Clothes

Tip 1: Don’t store your clothes in humid areas

One way to prevent mold is to ensure that your clothes are stored in a well-ventilated room. Mold and mildew develop and thrive in dark and damp places. Healthy air circulation in your rooms will help prevent mold and mildew in clothes and household items.

Tip 2: Always read the label

When washing or treating your clothes with chemicals, it’s always best to read the label. Drop-off laundry service professionals know how to deal with all kinds of garments. But if you need to do it yourself, we emphasize the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions that you can find in most pieces of clothing.

Tip 3: Always wear a mask and cleaning gloves when dealing with mold

Mold spores can be harmful to you. Take note that they are very tiny, but just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there. If you inhale or get in contact with it in any way, you may have a life-threatening allergic reaction to it. It’s also best to work outdoors or in rooms with ample ventilation.

Although doable, dealing with mold spots may be more challenging than some think. To avoid damage to your clothes and ensure safety, it’s best to send it to your wash and fold laundry service near me.

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