Extensive Mold Growth: Clothes that have been heavily affected by mold, particularly delicate or porous materials like silk or wool, may need to be discarded. Extensive mold can weaken fibers and cause irreversible damage.
No, they're not dangerous. You can use the clothing as normal.
Temperature: Washing clothes in hot water (at least 140°F or 60°C) can effectively kill many mold spores. Higher temperatures are generally more effective. Detergent: Using a good quality laundry detergent can help break down mold and mildew, making it easier to remove from fabrics.
You'd put them into a clothes donation bin run by charities (where they recycle even the damaged/unsellable clothes into rags or fibres to be reused as something; often furniture stuffing or rag rugs) but if the material is mouldy it's not usable even for this purpose. Just dispose of it in the regular trash dumpster.
To remove mould from clothes, apply a mould stain remover, such as bleach, vinegar, baking soda, borax or detergent and use an old toothbrush to brush off the surface mould. Take care to not damage the fabric during this process.
Occasionally, mold can be found in the bathroom, on a windowsill, shower curtain, or wall. This mold can be wiped off the surface with a damp cloth and cleaning agent (such as window or bathroom cleaner).
You may also choose to dry your clothes in the sun or in a dryer set at high heat for 20 minutes after washing them. This will ensure that you remove mold stains and that the clothes are clean and mold-free before you wear them again.
This is why many toxicologists recommend homeowners treat moldy belongings ASAP. Damaged items should be thrown away without question, and items that are easy to replace or inexpensive (i.e. clothes, food) should be tossed as a precautionary measure. Basically, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Bleach — This substance can kill mold in fabrics, but it can fade colors. So make sure to spot-test first and read the label. Some labels say “no chlorine bleach”. Once you know your clothes won't be damaged, wash them with normal detergent and one cup of bleach.
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.
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.
To effectively remove mold from your clothes, you can use either Borax or white vinegar in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning. Check the instructions on your laundry detergent and set the washing machine to a hot water cycle as directed.
Mold can grow within 48-72 hours and more rapidly when temperatures are between 70-100 degrees in dark spaces with now air movement. Once mold starts growing, it grows very fast in the right conditions and it will severely damage materials in a short time.
Although the name implies a uniform coloring, black mold may appear black, dark green, or dark brown. It typically grows as a cluster of round spots with a distinctly wet, slimy appearance. As stated, black mold typically appears fuzzy or furry.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.
1. Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
Mold spores are tiny and pervasive, so it's easy for them to travel from one place to another on surfaces, in boxes, or even on clothes. That makes cross-contamination possible after moving, especially if your previous home had a mold problem.
The Wrap Up
As you can see, mold does not die when it dries out. Instead, it enters a dormant state and can reactivate once moisture is reintroduced. Therefore, simply drying out mold-infested areas is not enough to eliminate the problem. Mold spores can still pose risks even when they appear inactive.
Mold spores can also thrive in dirty bedding. Dust, dead skin cells, and other particles that accumulate on your bed covers and pillow covers can provide a food source for mold. Combined with moisture, this dirt can foster mold growth over time.
When the mold gets ingrained within the fibers it can permanently damage clothing. Even when the clothing is machined cleaned, the spores often times cannot be completely removed. If the clothes have visible mold growth and appear to be damaged, the best thing would be to dispose of them.
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.
Mould-Killing Solution: If you are able to machine wash your fabric, you can use a mould-killing solution in the wash. Add 200-400ml white vinegar to your wash cycle to kill the mould or use 200-300g baking soda to remove any damp or musty smells. Sun-Dry: After washing, hang the fabric in the sun to air dry.