How to Remove Mold Stains from Clothes and Fabric

Mildew and mold stains on clothing can be frustrating to handle. Beyond their unsightly appearance, moldy clothes often carry a persistent, unpleasant odor. Knowing how to effectively remove mold stains is key to restoring your garments and keeping them fresh.

Mold stains on clothing often result from prolonged exposure to moisture or inadequate storage conditions. For instance, leaving clothes in a dark, damp environment for an extended period can encourage mold growth. Additionally, mold or mildew buildup inside your washing machine or dryer can also transfer onto your garments. Your laundry room may also harbor mold without you knowing.

With proper products and careful treatment, you can often rescue clothes affected by minor mold spots. Below are some helpful tips on how to effectively remove mold from clothing and fabrics.

How to Remove Mold from Clothes

Below are ways to get mold out of clothes step by step.

Read the label

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the recommended water temperature for washing and the proper drying methods for your clothing.

Scrub off the mold stain

Apply a mold stain remover like household soap, white vinegar, or bleach to the affected area. Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the surface mold away, taking care not to damage the fabric.

Pre-soak the fabric

Because mold stains can be stubborn, it’s a good idea to pre-soak affected garments before washing. You can soak your clothes for about an hour in a commercial pre-soak product or a bucket filled with water and one cup of white vinegar.

Another effective method to remove those mold stains is using white vinegar directly. Spray undiluted vinegar onto moldy spots, then prepare a soaking solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar. Let your clothes soak in this solution for 30 minutes before laundering. Remember—never mix vinegar and bleach, as this can create harmful fumes.

For a natural stain remover, try making a paste with lemon juice and salt. Apply it to moldy areas, let it sit for a while, then rinse and wash as usual.

Wash your clothes in hot water

BHot water is not only effective at removing bacteria and allergens but also excels at killing mold spores. However, always follow the care label and avoid exceeding the maximum recommended water temperature for your garments. For items that aren’t machine washable, it’s best to take them to a professional dry cleaner to ensure proper treatment.

Use a mold-killing solution in the washer

Vinegar: Add one to two cups of vinegar to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. Vinegar effectively eliminates mold odors and helps brighten white fabrics.

Borax: Ideal for natural fibers like cotton and linen, borax can be used in your regular wash cycle. Dissolve half a cup of borax in hot water before adding it to the machine once it fills with water.

Baking Soda: Known for its natural deodorizing power, baking soda helps remove musty smells from mold stains clothing. Simply add half a cup to your wash cycle along with your usual detergent.

Bleach: While bleach is effective at killing mold stains on fabric, it can cause colors to fade. Always spot-test first and read garment care labels carefully—avoid using chlorine bleach on items marked as “no chlorine bleach.” Once confirmed safe, wash clothes with your regular detergent and add one cup of bleach.

After washing your clothes, hang-dry them in the sun

Sunlight naturally bleaches fabrics and helps eliminate mold stains trapped in your clothes. Fresh air and a gentle breeze also boost airflow, aiding the drying process. However, avoid using a clothes dryer. The heat can set stains, making them harder to remove.

If mold stains persist…

If mold stains remain after completing the previous steps, repeat the cleaning process as needed. As another option, consider dyeing the garment a darker shade to effectively conceal and seal stubborn stains.

How to Remove Mold in Washing Machines

If your clothes come out of the wash smelling musty, mold might be lurking inside your washing machine. To tackle this, run an empty cycle using hot water combined with bleach or a strong detergent to help eliminate mold buildup.

If the odor persists, it may be necessary to carefully disassemble parts of your washer to access hidden mold. Any affected areas should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and an appropriate mold remover. For detailed steps on how to thoroughly clean your washing machine and prevent mold, check out our full guide. guide on removing mold from washing machines.

How to Get Rid of Mold Smell in the Closet

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned and removed mold from your clothes, it’s important to turn your attention to the closet itself. If the root cause isn’t addressed, your clothes may develop that unpleasant musty smell all over again.

Closets are typically enclosed, solid spaces with little to no ventilation. This lack of airflow makes it difficult for damp clothes to dry properly inside, creating an ideal environment for mold growth and lingering odors. To keep your wardrobe fresh, it’s crucial to ensure your closet stays dry and well-ventilated.

Improving airflow in your closet is an effective way to prevent mold buildup and musty odors. Try these simple strategies to keep your closet fresh:

• Open your closet doors periodically to let air circulate.
• Consider installing louvered doors instead of solid ones to improve ventilation.
• Place a small fan near the closet, aiming it inside to boost airflow.
• When weather permits, open nearby windows to bring in fresh air.

For more information, read out our full guide on how to eliminate mold odors from closets.

For Mold Cleanup Services, Contact the PuroClean Professionals!

Now that you know how to tackle mold on your clothes, it’s important to act quickly to eliminate any lingering mold spores from your wardrobe. Mold not only leaves garments with an unpleasant musty odor but can also pose significant health risks.

Mold can also take hold on other fabric surfaces around your home, like upholstery and carpets. Removing mold from these larger items is often more challenging and labor-intensive, especially if the items are to be saved. That’s where PuroClean comes in. Our professional mold remediation team specializes in safely removing mold from upholstery, mattresses, rugs, and carpets to help restore your living spaces.