Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Removing Mold Stains from Clothing

Mould is a common issue with sweat-soaked or dirt-stained clothes that aren't promptly laundered. While bleach is often used to remove mould stains, there are natural alternatives that can be just as effective. Imagine a fresh, clean scent instead of the musty odour of mould - vinegar, lemon, and hot water can be your saviours.

Administrator

11 August, 2024

Mould is a common issue on clothing, but it can be removed without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here are some easy ways to remove mould from your clothes using everyday items:

1 Toothbrush

Before washing, use an old toothbrush to scrub the mouldy areas of the fabric. This will help loosen and remove any mould spores. For new mould spots, you can apply vinegar or lemon juice directly and scrub with the toothbrush.

Use a toothbrush

2 Hot Water

Hot water is an effective way to remove mould quickly. However, it should only be used on cotton and natural fibre fabrics, as they can withstand higher temperatures without shrinking.

Use hot water

3 White Vinegar or Lemon

White vinegar is a great mould remover. Mix 250ml of vinegar with water and soak your clothes for 15 minutes before washing as usual. For lemon, squeeze the juice directly onto the mould and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with water.

Use vinegar or lemon

4 Borax

Borax is available in powder or liquid form and can be easily found in grocery stores. Simply add it to your laundry water to effectively remove mould from your clothes.

Use borax

5 Bleach

Bleach is a powerful mould remover for white clothes, but it can cause discolouration on coloured fabrics, so use it with caution. Always dilute the bleach and follow the instructions on the label. Don’t forget to wear gloves to protect your skin.

Use bleach

With these simple tips, you can save your favourite clothes from mould. Do you have any other effective methods? Share them with us in the comments!

Frequently asked questions

A quick and effective method is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. First, pour equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spritz the mixture onto the mold stains. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the stained areas and use a brush to gently work the mixture into the fabric. Finally, leave the garment in direct sunlight until it’s completely dry before brushing or vacuuming away any residual baking soda.

Other methods include using lemon juice and salt. Create a paste by mixing the two ingredients and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a brush and rinse with warm water. Alternatively, you can use a commercial mold remover, following the instructions on the product.

Ensure your clothes are completely dry before storing them. Mold thrives in damp environments, so proper ventilation and sunlight are key to preventing mold growth. You can also use moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity in storage areas. Additionally, washing clothes with a small amount of vinegar can help inhibit mold growth.

If the mold stain persists, repeat the above processes until the stain fades. You can also try using a stronger commercial mold remover, following the product instructions carefully. However, some fabrics may be too delicate for certain treatments, so always test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Mold on clothing often appears as discolored spots or threads, and it may have a musty smell. It typically grows on clothes that have been stored while damp or in areas with high humidity and poor ventilation.