How to Remove Mold from Clothes for Good

Why Does Mold Develop on Clothes?

Mold is made up of tiny microscopic organisms that thrive in moist environments by dispersing spores. While mold helps in nature, it can devastate your clothes, causing stains and permanent fabric damage. Besides ruining textiles, mold can also harm health—prolonged exposure can trigger asthma and allergies, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Mold tends to grow on damp surfaces. That's why clothing stored in wooden drawers or not fully dried can quickly develop musty spots.

Signs Your Clothes Have Mold and How to Spot It Early

• Visual signs: black, green, or white fuzzy spots.

• Smell signs: musty, mildew-like odour.

• Fabric damage signs: discoloration, weakened fibres.

How to Remove Mold and Musty Odours from Clothing

Protect your laundry by following these at-home cleaning tips using both household ingredients and specialised products that won’t ruin your clothes.  

How to Remove Mold Stains

If you spot visible mold stains on your clothes, it’s important to act quickly to prevent permanent damage and lingering musty odours. Here’s a simple yet effective natural cleaning method using household ingredients that are safe for most fabrics:

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup white vinegar (a natural disinfectant and mold killer)

• 1/2 cup baking soda (helps absorb moisture and neutralize odors)

• Sta-soft® fabric softener (for softness and long-lasting freshness)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Pre-treat the Stain (Optional but recommended for heavy mold):
   Gently brush off any loose mold spores outside or into a trash bin to avoid spreading spores indoors. Wear gloves and a mask if you have sensitivities.
   

2. First Wash Cycle – Vinegar Treatment:
   

   • Load the mold-stained clothes into your washing machine.

   Set the machine to a hot water cycle, which helps break down mold spores more effectively.
   Add 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the drum or detergent compartment. Do not add detergent in this cycle, as detergent can interfere with vinegar’s disinfecting power.
   Start the wash cycle and allow it to complete fully.

3. Second Wash Cycle – Baking Soda Treatment:
   

   • After the vinegar wash, keep the clothes in the machine.

   • Add 1/2 cup of baking soda evenly over the clothes in the drum or into the detergent tray.
     Run another wash cycle, preferably with warm water. Baking soda will absorb excess moisture and neutralize musty smells.

   • This step helps remove any residual mold spores and freshens your laundry naturally.
     

4. Final Rinse – Add Sta-soft® Fabric Softener:
   

   • During the final rinse cycle, add your preferred Sta-soft® fabric softener to the designated compartment.
     Sta-soft® not only softens fabric fibers but also leaves your clothes with a long-lasting fresh scent, helping to mask any remaining odours and prevent new ones from forming.
     

5. Dry Thoroughly:
   

   • Once washed, dry your clothes completely in direct sunlight if possible, as UV rays help kill any lingering mold spores.
     If sun-drying isn’t an option, use a hot dryer setting or a well-ventilated indoor drying area. Avoid damp or humid places to prevent mold from returning.

How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in Laundry

Musty odours can come from a dirty washing machine or leaving wet laundry out for too long. To resolve:
- Wash clothes with hot water and 1 cup vinegar (no detergent), pouring the vinegar slowly across multiple cycles.
- Air-dry clothes in sunlight—UV rays have natural disinfecting power.
- For extra freshness, add a fabric softener such as Sta-soft® after washing.

How to Prevent Mold from Returning

The best way to keep mold away is prevention:
- Never let wet or sweaty clothes accumulate.
- Treat mold stains immediately to halt their spread.
- Clean your washing machine at least once per month with mild soap and water.

Keep your clothes fresh and clean with Sta-soft

Whether you're restoring clothes affected by mold or preventing it in the future, Sta-soft helps keep your garments soft, fresh, and fragrant. Browse our full range to match your fabric care needs.

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Consumer advice, not a substitute for manufacturer product instructions.