How to Remove Mold From Clothing in the Laundry

How to Remove Mold From Clothing in the Laundry
Published: Apr 30, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

To prevent mold from growing, do not allow clothing to stay damp, and keep garments in a cool, dry area. A few home remedies can successfully remove mold from garments. No matter what method of mold removal you choose, you must first take the garment outside and brush off the surface mold with a cloth.

Things You Will Need

  • Washing machine
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Dryer
  • Lemon juice
  • Table salt
  • Bleach
  • Warm water
  • Sponge

Vinegar

  1. Turn on your washing machine and allow the washer to begin to fill with water.

  2. Add ¾ cup distilled white vinegar to the water.

  3. Place the moldy garments in the washing machine. Allow the washer to run through the cycle.

  4. Remove the garments and check for mold stains. If no mold stains are present, dry the items as you normally would. If stains are still visible, repeat the process.

Lemon Juice and Salt

  1. Lay the garment on a flat surface.

  2. Pour lemon juice over the mold stain.

  3. Sprinkle table salt over the lemon juice and stain.

  4. Place the garment in the sun to dry thoroughly.

  5. Launder the garment as you normally would.

Bleach

  1. Create a solution of 2 tbsp. bleach and 1 qt. warm water.

  2. Saturate a sponge in the solution.

  3. Dab the stain with the saturated sponge. Allow the bleach to soak into the stain for 15 minutes.

  4. Rinse the stain with water.

  5. Soak the area in undiluted vinegar to stop the bleaching action. Launder the item as you normally would.

The Drip Cap

  • Clothing that is left damp and in a humid location without adequate sunlight will start to grow mold and mildew.
  • No matter what method of mold removal you choose, you must first take the garment outside and brush off the surface mold with a cloth.
  • Remove the garments and check for mold stains.
  • Place the garment in the sun to dry thoroughly.
  • Launder the garment as you normally would.

Photo Credits

dirty laundry image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com

dirty laundry image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com

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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