How to Get Mold Out of Polyester

How to Get Mold Out of Polyester
Published: Apr 4, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

If left untreated, mold will feed off the polyester leaving an unsightly stain and possibly deteriorating the polyester beyond repair.

Things You Will Need

  • Laundry detergent
  • White vinegar
  • White towel
  • Lemon juice
  • Table salt
  • Container
  • Bleach
  • Sponge

White Vinegar

  1. Set your washing machine to lukewarm water temperature and allow the drum to begin filling with water.

  2. Add 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 1 cup white vinegar to the water. Submerge the molded polyester into the water and close the washing machine door.

  3. Let the washing machine finish a complete cycle before removing the polyester immediately from the washing machine. Tumble dry on low heat in your dryer.

Lemon Juice and Salt

  1. Place a white towel out flat on a level surface in direct sunlight. Lay the polyester on top of the white cloth with the mold facing upward.

  2. Dampen the mold stain with pure lemon juice and sprinkle table salt over the area. Leave the polyester in the sunlight until it dries thoroughly.

  3. Launder the polyester as you normally would.

Bleach

  1. Fill a container with 1 qt. warm water and 2 tbsp. chlorine bleach. Dampen a sponge in the solution.

  2. Blot the mold with the sponge. Begin at the outer edge of the mold and blot while working inward. Let the bleach mixture sit on the polyester for 10 to 15 minutes.

  3. Rinse the bleach mixture off the polyester with cool, running water. Launder the polyester as you normally would.

The Drip Cap

  • Created with synthesized polymers, synthetic polyester fabric is an inexpensive and durable option for many items.
  • Like other fabrics, if you allow damp polyester to sit for an extended period mold will begin to form.
  • Lay the polyester on top of the white cloth with the mold facing upward.
  • Launder the polyester as you normally would.
  • Dampen a sponge in the solution.

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Amanda Flanigan

Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Flanigan completed…

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