How to Get Mold Off Clothes
Discovering mold on your favorite shirt or an expensive dress can be disheartening. Mold thrives in damp environments, making clothing storage areas prime targets. Luckily, if you act quickly, you can successfully remove the spots and salvage your clothes. This guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to get mold off clothes effectively.
Understanding Mold: What You Need to Know
Mold is a fungal growth that thrives in damp, warm environments. It can appear in various colors, including white, black, green, or gray, and often emits a musty smell. Mold can cause staining and damage fabric integrity, making it essential to address it as soon as it’s found on clothing.
What You’ll Need
Before tackling mold on clothes, gather the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of items that will aid in the cleaning process:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- An old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Mild detergent
- A washing machine
- Sunlight access
Method 1: Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Step 1: Brush Off Mold Spores
Take the clothes outdoors if possible to avoid spreading mold spores inside. Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to gently brush off as much mold as possible.
Step 2: Apply Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply the solution directly onto the moldy areas. White vinegar naturally kills about 82% of mold species and inhibits their return.
Step 3: Wash with Baking Soda
Add half a cup of baking soda to your usual amount of laundry detergent or add it directly into your washing machine during the wash cycle. Baking soda helps neutralize the musty smell and further lifts mold stains.
Step 4: Sun-Dry the Clothes
Once washed, hang the clothes in direct sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can further kill remaining mold spores and eliminate odors.
Method 2: Combining Lemon Juice and Salt
Step 1: Create a Paste
Mix lemon juice with salt to form a paste. Lemon juice is known for its natural bleaching properties, which can help lift mold stains.
Step 2: Apply to Affected Areas
Spread the paste onto the moldy sections of the clothing. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 3: Scrub and Rinse
Gently scrub the area with an old toothbrush or a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Step 4: Launder as Normal
Run the garment through a regular wash cycle with your usual detergent. Again, line-dry the clothes in direct sunlight to ensure all mold is eradicated.
Preventive Measures to Keep Mold Away
Now that you know how to get mold off clothes, take steps to prevent it from returning. Store clothes in a cool, dry location, use silica gel packs to absorb moisture, and run a dehumidifier in damp spaces. Regularly airing out closets and promptly addressing any moisture issues will also help keep mold at bay.