Does a Washing Machine Kill Mold?

Last Updated on: 2nd July 2023, 03:33 pm

Yes, mold can be washed out of clothes, but it depends on the severity of the mold growth and the type of fabric involved. Promptly addressing moldy clothes is crucial to prevent further damage and potential health risks.

Let’s head over to the step-by-step process of removing mould from clothes.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Remove Mould from Clothes

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you effectively remove mold from your clothes:

Assess the severity of mold growth

Examine the clothes to determine the extent of mold growth. If the mold is minor and confined to a small area, it is generally easier to remove. However, extensive mold growth or items stored in a damp environment for a long time may be more challenging to clean.

Safety precautions

Before handling moldy clothes, ensure proper protection to minimize exposure to mold spores. Wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothing to avoid direct contact with the mold.

Isolate the affected clothing

Separate the moldy clothes from other items to prevent the spread of spores. Take them to an area where the cleaning process can be carried out, preferably outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.

Shake off loose mold

Take the clothes outside and gently shake them to remove any loose mold spores. This step will help minimize the spread of mold during the cleaning process.

Pre-treat the clothes

Pre-treat the moldy areas by applying a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. Alternatively, you can use a commercial mold and mildew remover. Allow the solution to sit on the affected areas for about 15 minutes. Vinegar is effective against mold and mildew and can help inhibit further growth.

Scrub the affected areas

Using a soft brush or sponge, gently scrub the moldy spots on the clothes. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as it may damage delicate fabrics. Focus on the affected areas and continue until the mold stains are visibly reduced or removed.

Launder the clothes

After pre-treatment and scrubbing, launder the clothes as you normally would. Use the warmest water setting recommended for the fabric. Add a regular laundry detergent and an additional cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. Vinegar helps eliminate any remaining mold spores and odors.

Sun-dry the clothes

Avoid using the dryer once the washing cycle is complete. Instead, hang the clothes outside in direct sunlight to dry. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties and can help kill any remaining mold spores.

Inspect and repeat if necessary

After drying, inspect the clothes for any remaining signs of mold. If mold stains persist, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process. For stubborn stains or delicate fabrics, it may be best to seek professional cleaning services.

Prevent future mold growth

To prevent mold from returning, ensure that your clothes are completely dry before storing them. Proper ventilation, low humidity, and keeping clothes in a clean, dry environment will help inhibit mold growth.

Remember, these steps are generally effective for mild to moderate mold growth on washable fabrics. However, for valuable or delicate items, it is advisable to consult a professional cleaner to avoid potential damage.

What permanently kills mold?

There is no single product that can permanently kill mold. The only way to permanently get rid of mold is to remove the source of moisture that is feeding the mold. This means fixing any leaks, improving ventilation, and dehumidifying the air.

Once the source of moisture has been removed, you can use a variety of cleaning products to kill the mold. Some common household products that can kill mold include:

• Bleach: Add one part bleach to four parts water.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Mix a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide with water.
• White vinegar: Use undiluted white vinegar.
• Baking soda: Add one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to the water.

After you have cleaned the mold, it is important to dry the area thoroughly. You can use a fan or a dehumidifier to help the area dry.

Furthermore, you could also sanitize your clothes during or after the wash cycle.

If you have a large mold problem, or if the mold is in a difficult-to-reach area, you may need to call a professional mold remediation company.

Does baking soda remove mold from clothes?

Baking soda can help remove mold from clothes due to its natural cleaning and deodorizing properties. While it may not be as potent as other mold-fighting agents, baking soda is generally safe to use and can be effective for mild cases of mold. Here’s how you can use baking soda to remove mold from clothes:

Assess the severity of mold growth

Evaluate the extent of mold growth on the clothes. Baking soda is best suited for minor mold infestations and may not be as effective for extensive or long-standing mold issues.

Safety precautions

Prioritize your safety by wearing gloves, a mask, and protective clothing to minimize direct contact with mold spores.

Shake off loose mold

Take the clothes outdoors and gently shake them to remove any loose mold spores. This step helps prevent the spread of mold during the cleaning process.

Create a baking soda solution

Mix one cup of baking soda with one gallon of warm water in a bucket or basin. Stir the solution until the baking soda is dissolved.

Soak the clothes

Submerge the moldy clothes into the baking soda solution and ensure they are fully saturated. Allow the clothes to soak for at least one hour, or longer for tougher mold stains.

Scrub the affected areas

Using a soft brush or sponge, gently scrub the moldy spots on the clothes. Focus on the affected areas and continue until the mold stains are visibly reduced or removed. Avoid scrubbing too vigorously, especially with delicate fabrics.

Rinse and launder

After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the clothes with clean water to remove the baking soda solution. Launder the clothes as usual, following the recommended washing instructions for the fabric type. Consider using a laundry detergent with anti-fungal properties for added mold prevention.

Air-dry the clothes

Instead of using a dryer, hang the clothes outside in direct sunlight to dry. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties that can further help eliminate any remaining mold spores and odors.

Inspect and repeat if necessary

After drying, inspect the clothes for any remaining signs of mold. If mold stains persist, consider repeating the soaking and scrubbing process with the baking soda solution.

Prevent future mold growth

To prevent mold from returning, ensure that your clothes are thoroughly dry before storing them. Proper ventilation, low humidity, and storing clothes in a clean, dry environment will help inhibit mold growth.

While baking soda can be effective for mild mold issues, it may not eliminate severe mold growth. For valuable or delicate items, it is advisable to consult a professional cleaner for appropriate care and mold removal techniques.

Does vinegar remove mold stains?

Yes, vinegar can effectively remove mold stains from clothes. Vinegar’s acidic nature makes it a natural and safe option for removing mold stains.

Here’s how you can use vinegar to remove mold stains from clothes:

Assess the severity of the mold stains

Determine the extent of the mold stains on the clothes. Vinegar is generally effective for mild to moderate stains but may not eliminate severe or deeply ingrained stains.

Take safety precautions

Prioritize your safety by wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area to minimize direct exposure to vinegar fumes.

Create a vinegar solution

Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or a basin. If dealing with stubborn stains, you can use undiluted vinegar.

Pre-treat the stains

Spray or apply the vinegar solution directly onto the mold stains on the clothes. Ensure that the stains are fully saturated with the vinegar solution. If using a basin, soak the clothes in the vinegar solution for about 30 minutes.

Scrub the affected areas

Use a soft brush, sponge, or cloth to gently scrub the mold stains on the clothes. Focus on the affected areas and continue until the stains start to fade. Avoid scrubbing too vigorously, especially on delicate fabrics.

Launder the clothes

After scrubbing, launder the clothes as you normally would. Follow the recommended washing instructions for the fabric type and use a regular laundry detergent. Adding a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle can provide an extra boost in removing mold stains and odors.

Air-dry the clothes

Instead of using a dryer, hang the clothes to air dry. This allows for better inspection and ensures that the stains are fully removed. Avoid exposing the clothes to direct sunlight while drying, as it may cause fading on certain fabrics.

Inspect and repeat if necessary

Once the clothes are dry, inspect them for any remaining mold stains. If stains persist, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process with vinegar. For tough stains, you may need to scrub and treat the clothes multiple times.

Prevent future mold growth

To prevent mold from returning, ensure that your clothes are completely dry before storing them. Proper ventilation, low humidity, and storing clothes in a clean, dry environment will help inhibit mold growth.

While vinegar is generally effective, it may not eliminate all mold stains, especially if they are deeply set or if the fabric is delicate. In such cases, it is advisable to seek professional cleaning services to avoid potential damage to the clothes.