Finding mold on a favorite shirt, a forgotten pile of laundry, or clothing stored away for the season can be frustrating. Sometimes, the first sign of a problem is a musty smell that lingers even after washing. In other cases, small spots appear on the fabric before you realize the clothes have been exposed to excess moisture.
The good news is that some garments can be salvaged if the mold growth is limited and the fabric can be cleaned safely. However, removing mold stains is only part of the job. You will also need to address the moisture that allowed mold to develop in the first place.
Whether your clothes were left damp in a laundry basket or stored in a humid closet, the following steps can help you determine how to get mold out of clothes..
What Causes Mold to Grow on Clothing?
Mold needs moisture to grow, and clothing can provide a suitable surface when conditions are damp for long enough. Fabric may retain moisture from sweat, spills, rain, or incomplete drying, allowing mold to develop if the garments are left undisturbed.
Common causes of moldy clothing include:
- Leaving laundry wet for too long: Clothes forgotten in the washing machine or left in a damp pile may develop a musty odor and mold growth.
- Storing garments before they are completely dry: Even slightly damp fabric can contribute to moisture buildup in a closed wardrobe, storage bin, or drawer.
- High indoor humidity: Poor ventilation and excess humidity can create favorable conditions for mold on clothing, shoes, and other stored belongings.
- Water leaks or flooding: Clothing kept near a leaking pipe, water-damaged wall, or flooded storage area may become contaminated.
- A contaminated washing machine: Residue, trapped water, and buildup inside a washer can contribute to persistent odors that transfer to freshly washed laundry.
If mold keeps appearing on clean clothes, look beyond the garments themselves. The washer, laundry room, closet, and surrounding walls may need attention.
How to Get Mold Out Of Clothes Safely
Before treating a garment, consider how extensive the growth is and whether the item can be cleaned at home. A few isolated spots on a washable cotton shirt are different from widespread mold on clothing that has been soaked by contaminated floodwater.
1. Check the Care Label First
Start by reading the clothes’ washing and drying instructions.
Separate affected garments from clean laundry to avoid spreading moldy debris. If the clothing is visibly moldy, avoid shaking it indoors, as this can release particles into the surrounding air.
Wear gloves when handling affected items, and avoid attempting to clean heavily contaminated garments yourself.
2. Remove Loose Debris Carefully
For clothing with a small amount of surface growth, gently remove loose material outdoors, away from open windows and occupied areas. Avoid aggressive brushing or shaking that could spread particles.
Do not begin by scrubbing a stain with several household products. First, choose a cleaning method compatible with the fabric and the garment’s care instructions.
3. Treat the Fabric Before Washing
Pre-treat the affected area with a laundry product suitable for the garment. Follow the product’s directions and test it on an “unseen” section of the item first.
For washable fabrics, a suitable laundry stain remover may help loosen visible marks before the regular wash cycle.
White vinegar is sometimes used to address laundry odors, but it is not a guaranteed solution for every type of mold or stain. Avoid combining vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals. Mixing products can release hazardous fumes or cause unwanted chemical reactions.
If the garment is delicate, dry-clean-only, or particularly valuable, consult a professional cleaner before attempting treatment.
4. Wash Using the Recommended Temperature
Wash the clothing with laundry detergent at the warmest temperature permitted by its care label. Higher temperatures may help with cleaning, but not every fabric can withstand hot water.
Do not assume that a hot wash will remove every mold stain or eliminate every health concern. Visible discoloration can remain even after laundering, and the appropriate treatment depends on the material and the extent of contamination.
If several affected garments are being cleaned, follow the washer manufacturer’s guidance and the detergent instructions. Avoid overloading the machine so the clothing can be washed thoroughly.
5. Dry the Clothing Completely
Once the wash cycle finishes, dry the garments promptly. Use a clothesline, drying rack, or dryer according to the care label.
Outdoor drying can improve ventilation and sunlight may help fade certain stains, but sunlight alone should not be relied upon to eliminate mold.
Before putting the clothing away, check that it is completely dry, including thicker seams, waistbands, pockets, and folded areas. Returning damp garments to a closet can recreate the conditions that caused the problem.
6. Check Whether the Clothing Can Be Saved
Inspect the fabric after washing and drying. If the garment still has a strong musty odor, visible mold, or extensive staining, another wash may not be enough.
Some stains can remain after the mold has been removed. When there is a lot of mold growth, throwing out the item may be the safer option.
For valuable or delicate garments, seek professional advice rather than repeatedly applying stronger cleaning chemicals.
What If Your Clothes Still Smell Musty After Washing?
A persistent odor may mean the clothing did not dry thoroughly, the washer needs cleaning, or the garments were returned to a damp storage area.
Before washing everything again, investigate the source of the smell.
Clean the Washing Machine
Front-loading washers can retain moisture around the door gasket, detergent drawer, and other concealed areas. Residue and standing water may contribute to unpleasant odors.
To maintain your washer:
- Run the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning cycle using an approved washing-machine cleaner.
- Inspect the door seal and detergent drawer for visible residue or moisture.
- Remove wet laundry promptly after each cycle.
- Leave the door and detergent drawer open when appropriate to allow the interior to dry.
- Check the drain and filter according to the appliance instructions.
Inspect the Laundry Room
A musty washer is not the only possible source of the problem. Look for signs of leaks beneath your washing machine, damp walls, condensation around windows, and moisture collecting near plumbing connections.
Drying clothes indoors can also raise humidity, particularly in a poorly ventilated room. Use an appropriate exhaust fan or dehumidifier when needed, and repair leaks rather than repeatedly cleaning the same surfaces.
If the room smells musty despite cleaning, check whether moisture is accumulating behind cabinets, under flooring, or inside nearby walls.
How to Prevent Mold in Closets and Clothing Storage
Once your clothes are clean, focus on keeping them dry. Otherwise, the same problem may return.
Improve airflow. Open closet doors periodically and avoid packing garments so tightly that air cannot circulate. Ventilation can help reduce stagnant, humid conditions.
Put away only dry clothing. Allow laundry to dry completely before folding it into drawers or hanging it in a wardrobe. Pay particular attention to thick fabrics and items that have been air-dried indoors.
Keep an eye on indoor humidity. If your home feels persistently damp or condensation frequently forms on windows, consider measuring the humidity and using a dehumidifier when appropriate. The EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50% when possible.
Store seasonal clothing carefully. Before packing away winter coats, blankets, or summer clothes, make sure they are clean and completely dry. Use clean storage containers and avoid placing them against damp basement walls or directly on potentially wet floors.
Investigate recurring odors. If a closet smells musty even when the clothes are dry, check for plumbing leaks, exterior water intrusion, condensation, and visible mold on nearby surfaces.
Cleaning the garments without correcting an underlying moisture problem may only provide temporary relief.
When to Call PuroClean for Mold Concerns
Mold on a single washable garment may be manageable with careful laundering. However, clothing can also be an early warning sign of a larger moisture issue in your home.
If you discover mold spreading across stored belongings, notice persistent musty odors, or find growth on walls, flooring, carpeting, or other building materials, it is important to investigate the source.
PuroClean provides professional property restoration services that can help address mold-related damage and the moisture conditions contributing to it. Depending on the situation, professional assessment may be appropriate when mold affects multiple belongings or appears to extend beyond the clothing itself.
Don’t stop at cleaning the clothes if the surrounding area remains damp. Addressing the underlying moisture problem is an important step toward preventing further damage and protecting the belongings you want to keep.
Contact the IICRC certified restoration professionals at PuroClean to discuss mold concerns and determine whether professional mold restoration services are needed.
