How to clean items exposed to mold spores?

Author: Kasandra Kris  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

Use a soft bristled brush or clean cloth to brush the mold spores off. Clean with a solution of water and non-phosphate detergent. Wipe off with soapy residue and dry thoroughly. Items may be wiped down with a 50/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.

Can mold spores survive in the washing machine?

Usually simply doing laundry won't kill or remove mold. Most laundry detergents don't have the ingredients to remove mold. Products such as Vinegar, Bleach, Baking Soda and there are some mold killing detergents available as well.

What to do with belongings after mold exposure?

If they're still trash quality, trash them. Otherwise they can be donated. No need to be paranoid about ``a potential of exposure to mold spore dust'', as mold spores are literally everywhere.

How to clean mold spores from electronics?

Cleaning Electronics Contaminated with Mold

Blow compressed air through fan exhaust and throughout the unit. Clean with Unsmoke Degrease-All E. Wipe with a disinfectant.

Can you wash mold off of something?

For hard surfaces such as windowsills and tile, scrub mold off with detergent and water. For more porous surfaces, like drywall, don't use a brush. Use a cloth so you don't damage the surface. To remove mold from wood, you may need to sand the wood before cleaning it with detergent.

8 Tips from the CDC to Clean Up Mold

How to clean furniture exposed to mold spores?

Use a soft bristled brush or clean cloth to brush the mold spores off. Clean with a solution of water and non-phosphate detergent. Wipe off with soapy residue and dry thoroughly. Items may be wiped down with a 50/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.

How to clean clothes exposed to mold spores?

Next, grab a bucket and mix water with ½ cup borax or 1 cup white vinegar. Presoak the moldy clothes in this solution for at least an hour. Afterward, use a brush to scrub the mold stains on the fabric. Make sure to scrub hard enough that ample force is applied, but not too hard that it would damage the fabric.

Does wiping mold release spores?

During the cleanup of mold, many spores may be released into the air. To prevent health effects, there are several ways you can protect yourself while cleaning up the mold. Anyone with a chronic illness, such as asthma or emphysema, or who are immune comprised, should not do the cleanup.

What laundry detergent kills mold spores?

Remedy by CitriSafe Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent fights mold in clothing and bedding! CitriSafe is especially helpful for washing clothes worn during a mold clean-up job, but can be used for all your laundry needs.

How do you neutralize mold spores?

Hydrogen peroxide kills mold spore on contact by breaking down proteins and DNA. It's normally used to clean mold on porous and non-porous surfaces. Ionized hydrogen peroxide can kill mold spores in the air, but it requires the use of a special fogging machine.

How to clean mold spores off books?

Use a soft cloth and denatured alcohol to gently wipe off the mold, dab away any excess liquid, and let the book dry carefully.

How long do mold spores live on clothes?

Mold spores on clothes usually live for a day or two. But, they'll keep multiplying and form a colony that keeps growing if the conditions are right in your home.

How do you detox from mold exposure?

Here's a look at some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet if you're aiming to detox from mold exposure: 1. Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Load up on citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. These provide vitamins C and E, which combat oxidative stress from toxins.

How long does it take for mold spores to dissipate?

Unfortunately, mold spores can remain airborne indefinitely, especially when mold is present, not fully removed, or disturbed in your home. And even if mold is not currently present in your home, mold spores can travel long distances—attaching to you or pets or entering through ventilation.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Can I put vinegar in my washing machine?

Vinegar should not be placed directly in the washing machine. However, it can be beneficial to use it to treat stains and odors prior to washing. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse the items before placing them in the washing machine.

Do you have to throw everything away with mold in the house?

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

Does oxiclean remove mold spores?

Mold killing detergents, like Clorox and Oxiclean, are effective in eliminating the mold spores while simultaneously cleaning the clothes.

Can mold be washed out of clothes?

With the right approach, mold can be removed from clothing. The moldy clothing should be taken outside, cleaned of any visible mold, soaked in vinegar, washed in hot water with a high-efficiency detergent, and dried in the sun. Also, see a doctor right away if you believe you have been exposed to a lot of mold.

What kills 100% of mold?

Unfortunately, there are not any chemical solutions that are both “all natural” and strong enough to kill mold completely. The best natural mold killer is vinegar, but vinegar does not penetrate drywall or wood very deeply, and so often leaves behind some mold deep in the material.

Does opening windows remove mold spores?

– Yes, in the right conditions. Since mold spores thrive in warm and damp environments, keeping the windows open can help prevent mold by letting excess moisture flow outside. When moisture is low in your house, mold cannot grow.

What takes mold spores out of the air?

Install a dehumidifier in your home

A dehumidifier works by sucking up excess moisture from the air, and since mold thrives in areas with high humidity, it is effective at preventing the spread of spores as well as eliminating those that already exist.

Can mold spores survive washing machine?

Most mold spores will die at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), so cold and warm water cycles won't work. Add laundry detergent (regular detergent is fine). Add any other disinfectants, like vinegar, bleach or baking soda. Run two complete cycles on hot water.

What kills mould spores on fabric?

Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help kill mould spores. However, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight as it may cause fading of coloured fabrics. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas of the fabric generously with the vinegar solution.

Can laundry detergent remove mold?

Wash your moldy clothes with very hot water and laundry detergent. Hot water will kill mold spores, and laundry detergent will remove any musty smells. Since mold stains are hard to remove, you should also pre-soak your stained garment before washing it. Add baking soda to your wash cycle.

Previous article
Can I take a shower if my water heater is broken?
Next article
How do you make an interior door airtight?