Can You Wash Clothes with Mold on Them?
Mold can be difficult to deal with when it gets on clothes, especially if you’re not sure if they’re salvageable. It’s important to consider the severity of the mold growth before you try to attempt to wash the clothes.
Severity of Mold
If the clothing is covered with mold and mildew, but the garments are still wearable, washing may be possible. However, if the mold has caused the fabric to become brittle and frayed, then it’s best to dispose of the clothing.
Cleaning Process
If your clothing can still be saved, then it’s best to follow certain steps to thoroughly clean your moldy clothing:
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the clothing and scrub gently in order to lift the mold off of the fabric.
- Give the garment a cold rinse with white vinegar to balance the pH level and act as a natural mildew remover.
- Repeat Steps 1-2 as necessary, but always ensure that you’re scrubbing gently to prevent any further damage to the fabric.
- Wash in your washing machine on a hot setting with detergent and 1 cup of bleach.
Conclusion
When it comes to dealing with mold on clothes, it’s important to consider the severity of the mold growth before washing. If the fabric is still salvageable, then you should use baking soda and white vinegar to scrub off the mold and clean the clothing. Afterwards, be sure to machine wash the clothing on a hot setting with detergent and 1 cup of bleach for further sanitization.