Mold from clothes at home is one of the most common problems every homeowner has to deal with. It can grow anywhere there is moisture. You might have kept your clothes in storage for a long time, or you might have stored them when they are not yet completely dried out which then caused mold to develop. No matter how it occurs, when mold grows in clothes, it is important to act fast and remove them as soon as possible. The longer mold sits on your clothes the harder it will be to remove them. Mold can eat out the organic materials on clothes and eventually causing the moldy smell. 

Fortunately, removing mold from clothes is not very difficult. With quick action and persistence, you can get rid of those molds from your clothes and you can safely wear them again. 

Here is a guide on how to remove mold from your clothes.

How To Get Rid of Mold From Clothes

If you have discovered mold on clothes, removing it depends on how old the mold is. Often, fresh mold is easier to remove. On the other hand, the longer the mold sticks on your clothes, the harder it is to remove them. 

1. Check The Labels

When trying to get rid of mold from clothes, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions especially when it comes to the suggested water temperature for washing your clothes and how they should be dried. 

2. Scrub Off The Mold 

There are several products you can use to remove mold from clothes; bleach, borax, or white vinegar. If the fabric is delicate, you can brush it off using a clean toothbrush. Just be gentle and make sure not to damage your clothes.

Pre-Treat Solutions For Removing Mold From Clothes

• Vinegar – Vinegar is a great choice to remove mold from clothes. It is safe for all fabric types and highly effective. To use vinegar as a pre-treatment, mix a cup of vinegar with a bucket of water and let the clothes soak for at least an hour. Alternatively, you can add a cup or two of vinegar to your regular detergent in the washing machine to eliminate mold from clothes during the wash cycle.
• Bleach – This substance can effectively kill off mold from clothes, but it can fade colors and damage tough fabrics. Check the label first to know if it is safe to use. 
• Borax – Borax is effective with organic fabrics like linen or cotton. Dissolve it according to the instructions found on the packaging and use it to pre-treat mold stains. 

3. Dry or Pre-soak Your Clothes

Depending on the fabric, you can either dry them or soak them in the sun for at least an hour. Sunlight is great at removing mold stains from fabric, but it can vanish your item’s original color. So, you can dry white ones in the sun and just let colorful items soaked in a vinegar solution.

4. Wash Clothes in Hot Water

Hot water is not only effective at removing allergens and bacteria, but it is also best for killing mold. Wash clothes in hot water, but make sure to follow the instructions for the recommended temperature of washing the fabric. 

5. Hang-dry Clothes In The Sun

If mold stains persist, you can do the previous steps again. However, the last step should be hang-drying your clothes. 

Tips for Preventing Mold and Mildew on Clothes

Now that you’ve learned how to get rid of mold from your clothes, you can avoid worrying the next time it shows up. By taking the right steps, you can prevent mold from becoming a problem on your clothes. Follow these tips to keep your clothes mold-free.

• Empty your washing machine right after you finish washing. 
• Hang-dry wet clothes immediately after washing them or you can pop them in a dryer. 
• Don’t put wet clothes in your laundry hamper. Let wet towels, swimwear, or sweaty gym outfit completely dry before you toss them in your laundry basket.
• Make sure that clothes are completely dry before you store them in your closet. 

Contact Superior Restoration For Mold Removal Services

In the case of mold growth in homes, contact professionals immediately. The mold that grows on clothes can easily spread in your home. Mold spores are airborne and can quickly grow in other fabrics like upholstered furniture, rugs, mattresses, and carpets. In addition, mold growth can affect the indoor air quality of your home.

Removing mold on your own can make things worse and exposure to it can pose health issues like allergies. Allow professionals to take care of the job as they are equipped and skilled in removing and remediating mold. 

Superior Restoration provides expert services for removing mold, as well as restoring properties affected by fire and water damage. With our top-notch techniques and equipment, we can swiftly and effectively eliminate mold from fabric and various areas of your home. Get in touch with our local office in Irvine for assistance with water damage.