In this article, you’ll learn about how to remove mold from clothes with hydrogen peroxide. Apart from that, we also included four other techniques in killing mold if you want alternatives.
We also explained how mold forms in clothes and its effects on people. Read until the end to learn about mold growth on clothes!
Mold In Clothes
Mold grows even in prominent places, like clothes. Mold thrives as long as they have moisture to feed on.
Mold growth on clothes may be due to the lack of ventilation where the clothing is stored. It may also be due to exposure to mold growth on your cabinets.
Either way, we know that mold contamination on clothes isn’t good news. However, what do they look like on them anyway?
What do they look like?
Most of the time, the color of mold on clothes is white. Sometimes they are greenish-black.
Mold on clothes is different from mold that grows on walls. Often, mold on clothes is the Aspergillus strain.
It is different from the toxic mold strain S. chartarum. If you find toxic mold on any part of your house, call a professional immediately.
Toxic mold can lead to immune system issues apart from respiratory problems. It may even lead to mold poisoning.
What are their effects on people?
Mold on clothes is not only annoying but also dangerous to your health. They can lead to skin allergies or even respiratory issues.
For those who are vulnerable, the health effects may be more severe. Hence, it is essential to remove mold on clothes as soon as you notice them.
Different Methods Of Removing Mold From Clothes
Removing mold from clothes comes in different methods. Some methods use natural ingredients. Others require professional help because they’re composed of fragile materials.
Method #1. Using hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the solutions for removing mold from clothes. It works well with mold due to its disinfectant and antimicrobial properties.
In using hydrogen peroxide, you need around 3% of it diluted with a cup of hot water. Pour the mixture into a hot water-safe spray bottle.
Then, spray the solution on both sides of your clothes’ affected area. Let the mixture soak for ten minutes. Pour the remaining solution into a bucket, then hand-wash the clothes in it.
Method #2. Using borax
Borax is another natural ingredient that works well in killing mold. It disinfects and gets rid of the foul smell on clothes.
Before using borax, it has to be dissolved. Prepare a bowl filled with hot water. Then, put a half-cup of borax into the bowl.
Stir the solution until the borax is fully dissolved. Then, place the mold-contaminated clothes into the bowl for twenty minutes.
After that, hand-wash the clothes in the bowl. Remember to put on goggles while doing this because borax is an irritant.
Method #3. Using tea tree oil
The third remedy to removing mold from clothes is tea tree oil. It is a more expensive choice. However, a small bottle lasts several mold removal sessions. Purchase pure oils because if you purchase those with additives, you will end up with oil stains.
To use tea tree oil, mix a teaspoon of it with a cup of warm water. Then, carefully pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spritz the solution on both sides of the contaminated cloth. Let the mixture sit for at least ten minutes.
Then, pour the remaining mixture into the washer and wash the cloth in it. However, if you think your washer also has mold, opt to hand-wash. For mold-contaminated washers, this article on removing mold from washing machines may help.
Method #4. Using baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar work well together in fighting mold contamination in clothes. The former removes the smell, while the latter kills the mold.
They’re the perfect team in getting rid of mold. For this method, use your washer.
Make sure your washer does not have mold. If it is a front-loader washer, check if it has mold. Here’s an article to help you remove mold on a front-loader’s gasket.
For the first cycle, add a cup of vinegar to the water. Then, on the second cycle, add a half-cup of baking soda. That’s it; you’ve killed mold and removed its foul smell on your clothes.
Method #5. Dry cleaning
There are types of clothes that can only be dry cleaned. If your mold-contaminated garments are one of them, remove the mold first using a gentle brush.
Scrub off the visible mold and use protective gear while you do so. Then, place your clothes in a plastic bag and hand them over to a professional.
Once you reach the expert, inform them of the mold issue. Lastly, point out the mold stains that you want to remove so they don’t miss them.
Conclusion
Knowing how to remove mold from clothes with hydrogen peroxide or any natural substance is beneficial. Why? It’s because mold growth on any part of your belongings brings stress.
Other than stress, it may even lead to health issues. That is why we hope this article about methods of mold removal was of help to you.