Damp textiles can easilyaffected by moldif they are not dried in time. If you find yourself in this situation, there is hope! You can still save your moldy clothes if the mold has only left a few stains. Here are a few general tips on how to remove mold stains from clothing and fabric.
Recognize the signs of mold on textiles
The strong, foul smell is usually the clearest sign that tiny inhabitants have taken up residence in your clothing. However, there are a few more clues to detect the presence of mold spores:
Mildew stains:Although mold is often green or black, some spores may be red or orange in color. The shade depends mainly on the nutrient source, region or age of the mold.
Allergies:Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes while getting dressed can also be a sign that foreign intruders are present in your clothing.
Rash:Direct contact with moldy textiles can cause a reaction on the skin.
Mold can appear on more than just clothing. Mattresses, bed linen, pillows, towels and other textiles that are in a closet, for example, are often affected by mold. The most common cause of this is the presence of moisture. Therefore, you should ensure that you always store textiles in a dry place and in a place with low humidity.
Remove mold stains from fabric with home remedies
Home remedies such as vinegar and lemon juice are real all-rounders in the household. And they can also help against stubborn mold stains on clothing and other fabrics. We will now summarize the best home remedies that you can use to remove mold from textiles.
Vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar is antifungal and antimicrobial. Not surprisingly, it is an efficient and natural remedy against most molds.
On the other hand, baking soda helps absorb moisture and remove odors by changing the pH of the fabric. This means that both home remedies can work as a teamRemoval of moldwork out of your clothes.
First wash:Add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine and do not add detergent.
Second wash:Wash the clothes with regular detergent but add 1/2 cup of baking soda.
Caution:Do not combine vinegar and bleach. This combination can produce toxic fumes.
Never treat silk or wool with acid as it can attack the delicate fibers and color.
Tea tree oil against mold stains
Tea tree oil is perhaps one of the most efficient ways to remove fungus and mold. The oil may initially seem like an expensive investment compared to other cleaning products. However, a small concentrated bottle is enough for many mold removal sessions.
The quality of this essential oil can vary dramatically from one brand to another. So make sure you buy pure oil, not synthetic, and without additives. Otherwise, you could end up with other types ofoily stains on your clothesreceive.
How to remove mold stains from textiles with tea tree oil:
Mix:Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of hot water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spraying:Spray thoroughly over the fabric, from the inside out and on both sides.
Soaking:Allow the solution to sit for at least 10 minutes before washing.
Wash:The rest of the bottle can be put in the hand wash tub or in the washing machine.
Warning:The scent can be overwhelming at first but dissipates within a few hours of washing. Keep the spray bottle containing the solution away from children and pets.
If you don't like the tea tree scent, replace it with clove oil, which is just as effective.
Use hydrogen peroxide on mold stains
The use of hydrogen peroxide has proven to be excellent in combating fungi. It is antimicrobial and a disinfectant. Generally, a 3 percent solution is used to remove mold from clothing. Simply use the same application method as described for the essential oils.
1. Read the label
Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the recommended water temperature for washing and how the garments should be dried.
2. Scrub off the mold stain
Use a mold stain remover, such as: B. household soap, vinegar or bleach, and brush off the surface mold with a toothbrush. Be careful and try not to damage the fabric in the process.
3. Soak the fabric before washing
Since mildew stains are very stubborn, you shouldsoiled clothingAlso soak before washing. Soak it in a commercial soaker or a tub of water and a cup of vinegar for an hour.
4. Wash in hot water (if possible).
Hot water not only effectively removes bacteria and allergens, but also kills mold spores better. Of course, do not exceed the maximum recommended water temperature. If it is very delicate fabrics that cannot be cleaned by machine, it is better to take them to the dry cleaners.
5. Use a mold killing solution in the washing machine
Two possible variants are:
- Vinegar – Add a cup or two of vinegar per wash along with regular laundry detergent to remove moldy odors andto brighten white fabrics.
- Bleach – This substance can kill mold in fabrics, but it can fade colors. Therefore, test on a hidden area first and be sure to read the label. Some labels say “no chlorine bleach” or the corresponding symbol. Once you know the fabric won't be damaged, wash it with regular laundry detergent and a cup of bleach.
6. Dry the textiles in the sun
Sunlight has a natural bleaching effect and also helps kill mold spores in fabric. So hang the washed clothes or other textiles in the sun to dry. Avoid using the tumble dryer as the heat can reveal stains that are difficult to remove.
What should you do if the mold stains still remain?
If you have followed the steps above and the mold spots still remain, repeat the entire process. Alternatively, dye the fabric a darker color - this can permanently cover the stain.
Prevent mold formation on fabric
Mold stains are very stubborn and cannot always be completely removed. Therefore, it would be recommended that you try to prevent mold growth instead of fighting it later. Here's how you can do this:
- Don't put wet (or sweaty) clothes in the laundry basket. If you can't wash them right away, hang them somewhere where they can dry.
- Hang up washed laundry immediately.
- Make sure your tumble dryer is in a well-ventilated room, otherwise moisture from drying laundry will be blown into your home.
- If you notice that your clothes or laundry are moldy in your closets, you should call in a professional to inspect them for moisture and possibly treat them.
