How to Clean Mouldy Clothes: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Mould and Its Effects on Fabrics
Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments. It can easily develop on clothes if they are stored in wet conditions or left unwashed for too long. If not addressed, mould can cause a musty odor and permanent damage to fabrics. Learning how to clean mouldy clothes is essential to extending the life of your wardrobe.
Why Remove Mould Promptly?
Mould can eat away at the fabric fibers, weakening the material and causing irreparable harm. Moreover, wearing clothes with mould can lead to health issues, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Immediate action is crucial when you notice signs of mould.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
To tackle mould, you’ll need some essential supplies. Here are the items you should have ready:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Table salt
- Laundry detergent
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Airtight plastic bag
- Borax (optional)
- Oxygen bleach (optional)
- Hot water
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Mouldy Clothes
Step 1: Brush Away Loose Mould
Before wetting the garment, take your soft brush and gently scrub away any loose mould. This will help prevent spores from spreading further when you clean the mouldy clothes.
Step 2: Soak in Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl. Submerge the mouldy clothes in this solution and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and helps kill mould spores. For more severe cases, you can pre-soak the affected area with full-strength white vinegar for 20 minutes before washing.
Step 3: Apply a Baking Soda Paste
Combine baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to any noticeable stains on the clothes. Leave it for about 15 minutes before washing. Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer and will help lift mould stains. You can also mix baking soda with vinegar to create a more potent paste: mix ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup water, and ¼ white vinegar to form a paste, and apply it to the affected area.
Step 4: Wash the Clothes
After treating the garments, wash them in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Add a generous amount of laundry detergent for a thorough cleanse. If possible, dry the clothes outside under sunlight, as UV rays help kill lingering mould spores. Ensure the water temperature is around 60° Celsius, as most mould species cannot survive high temperatures.
Step 5: Use Lemon and Salt for Stubborn Stains
If there are still visible mould stains, create a mixture of lemon juice and salt, and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Lemon juice’s acidity can break down stubborn mould spots effectively.
Step 6: Alternative Methods for Tough Mould
Using Borax
For tougher mould stains, you can use borax. Dissolve ½ cup of powdered borax in hot water, and soak the mouldy clothing item in this solution for 20 minutes. Then, wash the clothes with regular laundry detergent and hot water. Be cautious, as borax can lighten some dyed fabrics, so perform a spot test first.
Using Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a less harmful chemical compared to chlorine bleach and can be effective for removing mould stains without damaging most color-fast fabrics. Mix equal parts of water and oxygen bleach in a spray bottle, spray the solution directly on the mould, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing the clothes with hot water and regular detergent.
Using Bleach
If the mould is severe, you can use bleach, but ensure you follow the care label instructions and perform a spot test to avoid damaging the fabric. Pre-soak the clothes in a solution of one cup of bleach and two gallons of hot water for at least one hour before washing them in a hot water cycle.
Preventing Future Mould Growth on Clothes
Store Clothes Properly
Use airtight containers or bags when storing seasonal clothing. Adding silica gel packets to your storage can also help absorb moisture and reduce humidity levels. Ensure that clothes are completely dry before storing them, and avoid keeping garments in damp or humid places.
Regularly Inspect Clothing
Periodically check stored clothes for any signs of mould or mildew. Early detection can save you the hassle of dealing with extensive mould damage.
Maintain Your Washing Machine and Dryer
Regularly clean your washing machine and dryer to prevent mould buildup. Run an empty cycle with hot water and bleach or detergent to clean the interior of the machine. If necessary, disassemble the washer and clean any mold you find with hot water and a cleaning product.
Improve Airflow
Allowing air to flow through your closet can help prevent mould growth and odors. Use louvered doors, open your closet doors occasionally, or direct a small fan towards your closet to increase ventilation. Opening windows to let in fresh air is also beneficial.
Additional Tips
- Dry Clothes in Sunlight: Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and can help kill mould spores. Hang your clothes outside in direct sunlight to dry, which also improves airflow and helps in removing musty smells.
- Use Natural Deodorizers: Adding baking soda to your wash cycle can help remove musty smells from your clothes. Half a cup of baking soda can be added to your wash cycle along with your regular detergent.
- Avoid Mixing Chemicals: Never mix vinegar and bleach, as this combination can release dangerous gases.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively remove mould from your clothes and prevent future occurrences, ensuring your wardrobe remains fresh and healthy.
Q: What are the initial steps to take before washing mouldy clothes?
A: Before washing mouldy clothes, first take the items outside to prevent spreading spores indoors. Then, brush off any loose mould with a soft-bristle brush or cloth. Make sure to wear a mask if you are sensitive to mould to protect yourself from inhaling spores.
Q: Can I use vinegar to clean mouldy clothes?
A: Yes, you can use white vinegar to help remove mould from clothes. Add one to two cups of white vinegar to your washing machine cycle to kill mould spores. The acidic nature of vinegar helps to break down the mould and eliminate odours.
Q: Is bleach effective for removing mould from clothes?
A: Bleach can be effective for removing mould, especially on white or colour-safe fabrics. Use a diluted solution of bleach and water (check the label for proper measurements) and add it to the wash cycle. Always check garment care labels before using bleach, as it can damage certain fabrics.
Q: How do I dry clothes after washing to ensure mould doesn’t return?
A: To prevent mould from returning, dry your clothes thoroughly in a dryer on a high-heat setting, if the fabric allows. Alternatively, hang them in direct sunlight, which also has natural mould-killing properties. Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing them.
Q: Can baking soda be used to remove mouldy smells from clothes?
A: Yes, baking soda is effective at neutralizing odours. Add half a cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent when washing mouldy clothes. Baking soda helps to freshen the fabric and eliminate persistent musty smells.
Q: Should I throw away mouldy clothes that are beyond cleaning?
A: If clothes remain mouldy after several cleaning attempts or are severely damaged, it might be necessary to dispose of them. Mould can weaken fabric fibres over time and compromise the structural integrity of the garment, making it important to know when it’s better to toss than keep.
Q: Are there any particular safety precautions to consider when cleaning mouldy clothes?
A: Yes, when handling mouldy clothes, wear gloves and a mask to prevent direct contact with spores. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling, and clean any surfaces or laundry containers used to prevent mould spread.
Recommendation | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Brush Away Loose Mould | Prevents spores from spreading | May not remove all mould |
Soak in Vinegar Solution | Natural disinfectant, effectively kills mould spores | Requires time for soaking |
Apply a Baking Soda Paste | Excellent deodorizer, helps lift mould stains | May not be effective for all types of mould |
Wash the Clothes | Thoroughly cleans clothes; UV rays help kill spores | Needs to adhere to water temperature limits |
Use Lemon and Salt for Stubborn Stains | Acidity effectively breaks down stubborn stains | Requires additional preparation and application time |
Using Borax | Effective for tough stains, disinfecting qualities | Can lighten some dyed fabrics; requires spot testing |
Using Oxygen Bleach | Less harmful than chlorine bleach, effective for stains | Requires careful handling and following instructions |
Using Bleach | Highly effective for severe mould | Risk of damaging fabrics; harmful chemicals to handle |
Store Clothes Properly | Reduces risk of mould growth; protects garments | Requires initial investment in storage solutions |
Regularly Inspect Clothing | Early detection of mould; prevents extensive damage | Requires consistent effort |
Maintain Your Washing Machine and Dryer | Prevents mould buildup, keeps appliances clean | Time-consuming; may require disassembly if needed |
Improve Airflow | Reduces humidity; prevents mould growth | May not be feasible for all storage areas |
Dry Clothes in Sunlight | Natural disinfectant; removes musty smells | Weather-dependent; not suitable for all fabrics |
Use Natural Deodorizers | Eco-friendly; removes musty smells | May not remove deep-set mould |
Avoid Mixing Chemicals | Prevents dangerous chemical reactions | Requires careful management of cleaning supplies |