how to remove mold from your clothes
Mold is something every homeowner has to deal with. That is why you must have an idea on how to remove mold from your clothes. Sometimes it appears in the shower, on windowsills and other places with high humidity. It is very easy to fix; just remove the source of water and the mold should be gone.
- Mold can grow on other surfaces such as eggs. Sure, you forgot a wet towel in your laundry basket or left a load of clean, clean clothes in the washing machine for too long and it melted.
- Mold and mildew grow in these dark, warm places, so they will start to grow quickly on wet clothes.
- Mold can also grow on clothes while they are in storage. Also, if you pack your winter sweaters in boxes and store them where moisture is a problem – like the basement – that’s a perfect place for mold.
Even putting clothes in plastic storage bags before they have a chance to dry completely can also promote mold growth.
how to remove mold from your clothes
No matter how it happens, once mold grows on your clothes, you have a problem. The good news is that you won’t lose your clothes. With a little patience and some quick work, you can rid those clothes of mildew so they can wear them again.
Prepare the fabrics
Mold and mildew are often difficult to get rid of. One thing you can do to make it easier for you is to hang clothes and clothes before washing them.
There are different types of cleaners that you can use to condition your clothes before you throw them in the machine.
Use bleach properly
Mix one part non-chlorine bleach to three parts water and spray it on the stains until it soaks in.
After the clothes sit for a few minutes, wash them in hot water to finish.
Treat it with Borax
Sodium borate, commonly known as Borax, or other detoxifiers can also be used for initial treatment.
- First mix half a cup of borax (not the same thing as boric acid) with very hot water to help it dissolve.
- Add the solution to your washing machine WHEN it is full of water.
- Wash the clothes on the wash cycle thoroughly, adding an earlier cycle if necessary.
Pretreat with white vinegar
You can apply rubbing vinegar directly to your clothes or mix one part rubbing vinegar and three parts water and use it as a first treatment.
For more stubborn mildew stains, first soak the item in 1 cup of white vinegar added to a bucket of water.
Use hydrogen peroxide immediately
- To treat the infection without bleaching, try a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Spray it directly on the damp cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- You can also mix four parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide on non-flammable fabrics such as cotton and linen.
Wash mold stained clothes in washing machine
As soon as you are done with any clothes or fabric, wash it on the gentlest cycle in your machine.
After you’ve done your laundry and bedding, it’s time to give them a good wash. The longer the mold persists, the harder it is to remove and the more smelly it will be.
Keep in mind that you can put the same detergents in your laundry load.
- Choose the best settings for your washing machine.
- Most reptiles will die at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), so cold and hot water won’t work.
- Add laundry detergent (regular cleaning is fine).
- Add any other disinfectant, such as vinegar, bleach, or baking soda.
- Run two full cycles in hot water.
- Look at your clothes. If you still see or smell, wash it again.
- Dry your clothes in direct sunlight, which kills fungus, or in the dryer.
Hand wash the cloth
If you only have one or two crawlers, you can try washing them in a large bucket or sink to remove any mildew.
- Fill a large bucket or sink with hot water.
Add 1 cup of dish soap. - Mix in other chemicals such as alcohol, borax, or baking soda.
Burn for at least 20 minutes. - Wash and dry using the same instructions as above.
How to prevent clothing mildew in the first place
We have shared many ways to remove mildew stains from clothes, but the best way to reduce mildew is to avoid it altogether.
- Do not let clothes sit in water after washing. Call them right away.
- The longer they stay wet, the more mold can grow.
- Do not leave wet clothes or towels in the laundry basket.
- Let them air dry before putting them on or wash them immediately.
Check your shower regularly for mold.
If you are suspicious or smelly, run an empty hot water cycle with detergent or bleach.
Clean your bathroom every month; Mold can hide in the smallest of spaces. Mesh shelves are less prone to mold than wood.
Inspect and eliminate leaks or water sources in your home; Ignore the musty smell.
Remove your clothes immediately from the plastic dryer