The short answer
Safety First
Before touching moldy clothes, protect yourself. Wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection. Mold spores can irritate your lungs and skin. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from air vents. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Do not shake the clothes vigorously, as that releases spores into the air. Instead, take them outside and gently brush off loose mold with a soft brush or cloth. This step reduces the amount of mold you handle and keeps spores from spreading inside your home.
Pre-Treatment Steps
Check the care label on each garment. Some fabrics, like silk or wool, need special handling. For washable items, pre-treat stains with a paste of baking soda and water, or apply a commercial mold remover. Let it sit for a while before washing.
If the mold has caused color damage, expect some discoloration. That is often permanent. For delicate items, consider taking them to a professional textile cleaner. They have the right tools and techniques to handle fragile fabrics without causing further damage.
- Brush off loose mold outdoors
- Check care labels for fabric type
- Pre-treat with baking soda paste or mold remover
- Separate heavily moldy items from others
- Wash in the hottest water the fabric allows
- Use a mold-killing detergent or add borax
Washing Methods
Wash moldy clothes in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Use a heavy-duty detergent. For extra killing power, add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, or half a cup of borax to the wash. Do not mix vinegar with bleach, as that creates toxic fumes.
If the clothes are only slightly moldy, a regular wash may work. But for heavy mold, you may need to wash twice. After washing, check the smell. If it persists, repeat the process. Sunlight is a natural mold killer, so dry clothes outside in direct sun if possible.
Drying and Aftercare
Dry moldy clothes thoroughly. Any remaining moisture can let mold regrow. Air drying in sunlight is a good option, but a hot dryer also works for most fabrics. Do not put clothes in the dryer until you are sure the mold is gone, as heat can set stains and odors.
After drying, inspect the clothes. If the mold smell remains, repeat the washing process. For items that are still musty, try soaking them in a solution of water and baking soda overnight, then rewash. If mold stains or odors persist, the fabric may be beyond saving.
When to Call the Pros
Some moldy clothes are too delicate or valuable for home treatment. Silk, wool, leather, and vintage items can be ruined by harsh washing. In those cases, a professional textile restoration service is the safer choice. They have specialized cleaning methods and equipment.
If a large amount of clothing is affected, or if the mold came from a flood or sewage backup, professional help is wise. The pros can assess the extent of damage and work to salvage what they can. They also handle items that are heavily soiled or contaminated.
For clothes that cannot be saved, dispose of them properly. Do not donate moldy items, as they can spread spores. If you live in a humid climate, keep in mind mold problems can worsen, so act quickly.
- Delicate fabrics like silk or wool
- Vintage or sentimental items
- Large quantities of clothing
- Mold from floodwater or sewage
- Persistent smell or stains after washing
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Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
Can I use bleach on all moldy clothes?
No. Bleach can damage many fabrics and may not kill mold on porous surfaces. Use it only on white cotton or synthetic fabrics, and always dilute it. For colored or delicate items, use vinegar, borax, or a commercial mold cleaner instead.
How do I get the musty smell out of clothes?
Wash with hot water and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Baking soda also helps. Dry in sunlight if possible. If the smell lingers, soak the clothes overnight in a baking soda solution, then rewash.
What if the moldy clothes are from a flood?
Floodwater may contain sewage or chemicals, making clothes unsafe to handle. Wear protective gear, and do not wash them with other items. Consider discarding heavily contaminated clothes. For salvageable items, consult a professional textile restoration service.