Few things are more frustrating than pulling your favorite shirt from the closet only to find it’s covered in mold spots—or worse, smells musty and sour. Mold not only ruins fabrics but can also pose health risks if left untreated. Luckily, you can get mold out of clothes effectively with common household items and a little know-how.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to remove mold from clothing, restore freshness, and prevent future growth.
Why Does Mold Grow on Clothes?
Before tackling the problem, it helps to understand what causes it. Mold thrives in warm, damp, and dark environments, making your laundry basket or washing machine an ideal breeding ground.
Common causes include:
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Leaving wet clothes in the washer too long
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Storing damp clothes in closed closets or bags
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Humid climates or poor ventilation
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Dirty washing machines harboring mold spores
When mold grows, it leaves black, green, or white spots and emits a strong, musty odor. The longer it sits, the deeper it penetrates the fabric fibers—so early action is key.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Mold Out of Clothes
Let’s get into the practical, proven steps for removing mold safely—without damaging your clothes.
1. Brush Off Mold Outdoors
Start by taking the moldy clothing outside to prevent spores from spreading indoors.
Steps:
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Shake or brush off as much visible mold as possible.
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Wear a mask if you’re sensitive to mold.
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Avoid doing this inside your home or laundry area.
This initial step helps prevent cross-contamination before washing.
2. Soak Clothes in White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is one of the most effective natural mold killers. It’s acidic, antibacterial, and fabric-safe.
What you’ll need:
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1 cup of white vinegar
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A bucket or basin
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Warm water
Steps:
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Mix one part white vinegar with four parts warm water in a large basin.
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Submerge the clothes and let them soak for at least an hour (up to overnight for heavy mold).
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After soaking, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Pro Tip: Never mix vinegar with bleach—it releases toxic fumes.
3. Wash with Baking Soda for Odor Removal
After the vinegar soak, baking soda helps neutralize any lingering musty smell.
Steps:
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Add ½ cup of baking soda to your washing machine drum.
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Run a hot water cycle if the fabric allows.
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Avoid adding detergent during this step—let the baking soda do the work.
Baking soda not only deodorizes but also loosens mold stains that vinegar may have missed.
4. Use Borax for Stubborn Mold Stains
Borax is a natural mineral that disinfects and kills mold effectively. It’s especially useful for persistent or old mold stains.
Steps:
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Dissolve ½ cup of borax in hot water.
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Add the solution to your washer.
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Run a full wash cycle on the hottest temperature your fabric can handle.
Note: Always check the care label before using borax—it’s safe for most fabrics but not delicate materials like silk or wool.
5. Dry Clothes Thoroughly in the Sun
Sunlight is mold’s natural enemy. The UV rays help disinfect fabrics and eliminate lingering spores.
Steps:
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Hang clothes outside in direct sunlight.
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Let them dry completely—preferably for several hours.
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If sunlight isn’t available, use a dryer on high heat (if fabric allows).
Pro Tip: Avoid putting damp clothes away—mold can regrow within 24–48 hours.
Natural Remedies to Remove Mold Smell from Clothes
If your clothes still smell musty after cleaning, try these natural deodorizing hacks:
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Lemon Juice: Add ½ cup to your wash for a fresh citrus scent and antibacterial boost.
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Essential Oils: A few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil can naturally kill mold spores.
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Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water to treat mold stains (test a small area first).
How to Prevent Mold from Growing on Clothes
Once you’ve tackled mold, prevention is the next step.
Keep clothes mold-free with these habits:
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Dry clothes completely before folding or storing.
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Avoid overloading your washing machine, which traps moisture.
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Clean your washer monthly with vinegar and baking soda.
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Use moisture absorbers like silica gel or charcoal bags in closets.
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Ensure good ventilation in laundry rooms and storage areas.
Quick Reference: Mold Removal Methods
| Method | Main Ingredient | Effectiveness | Best For |
| Vinegar Soak | White Vinegar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fresh mold, odor |
| Baking Soda Wash | Baking Soda | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Musty smell |
| Borax Treatment | Borax | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stubborn mold |
| Lemon Juice | Lemon | ⭐⭐⭐ | Light mold stains |
| Sun Drying | Sunlight | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Finishing step |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can mold be completely removed from clothes?
Yes, with prompt treatment using vinegar, baking soda, or borax, you can completely remove mold stains and odors from most fabrics.
2. What kills mold instantly on clothes?
White vinegar and borax are two of the most effective and safe mold killers for fabrics.
3. Is it safe to wash moldy clothes in the washing machine?
Yes—but pre-soak the clothes first and clean your washer afterward to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Can bleach remove mold from colored clothes?
Avoid using chlorine bleach on colored fabrics—it can cause fading. Use oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide instead.
5. What if mold stains don’t come out?
Repeat the vinegar-baking soda process, or apply hydrogen peroxide to stubborn spots. Some severe mold may permanently stain delicate fabrics.
Conclusion: Fresh, Mold-Free Clothes Made Easy
Getting mold out of clothes might seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s completely manageable. Using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and borax, you can safely remove mold stains, kill spores, and restore freshness—without harsh chemicals.
The secret to success is acting quickly and keeping your clothes clean, dry, and well-ventilated to prevent mold from returning.
