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How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Clothing

How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Clothing

The best way to treat the mold and mildew on your clothing is to use a liquid bleach containing sodium hypochlorite, like Clorox® Bleach or Clorox® Scented Bleach for whites and bleachable colors.

Follow These Steps to Remove the Mold and Mildew:

  1. Brush
    Carefully brush away any black spots. Try to prevent the spores from launching into the air and spreading to other items.
  2. Pre-soak
    Try a short presoak:
  3. Rinse and Wash
    Rinse and launder. Wash the clothing in the warmest water recommended on the care labels.
  4. Dry
    Dry the clothes right away in the dryer or in the sun.

Some colored items may be safely bleached. To make sure the item is bleachable, you can do a quick bleachability test. Make a solution of 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of Clorox® Bleach or Clorox® Scented Bleach and 1/3 cup of water. Apply a drop of this solution on a hidden area of the fabric. Rinse after 5 minutes and dry. If there is no color loss, you can safely use liquid bleach on the item as described above.
Do not allow the clothes to sit in the washer or basket for an extended period of time as these are perfect conditions for breeding mildew and mold.