Have you discovered mold stains on your clothes or textiles? Don’t panic, there are simple, natural solutions to remove them and restore freshness to your fabrics. In this article, we explain why there’s mold on your clothes, how to avoid it, how to remove mold stains from fabric and which products to use to achieve this.
Why is there mold on my clothes? How can I prevent it?
Where does mold on clothes come from?
Mold is a microscopic fungus that thrives in damp, dark and poorly ventilated areas. It manifests itself in green, black or white patches that can give off an unpleasant odor. Clothes or textiles can be affected by mold if :
- They are stored in a closet, cellar or attic where air circulation is poor.
- They are stored in plastic bags or boxes that retain moisture.
- They are washed at low temperatures or with too much detergent, which encourages the deposit of organic residues.
- They are left in the washing machine too long after the wash cycle, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
How can I prevent mildew?
To prevent mold from forming on your clothes or textiles, here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Air your home and closets regularly to renew the air and evacuate humidity.
- Avoid storing your clothes in damp or poorly lit areas. Use cardboard or wooden boxes rather than plastic bags or boxes.
- Wash your clothes at an appropriate temperature (at least 40°C) and with the recommended amount of detergent. Use an anti-scale product if your water is hard.
- Take your clothes out of the washing machine quickly after the wash cycle and air-dry or tumble-dry them.
- Clean your washing machine regularly to prevent it from clogging up or smelling bad.
How do I remove mildew stains from fabric?
If, despite these precautions, you still find mildew stains on your clothes or textiles, don’t panic! There are effective tips for removing them. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Read garment care labels
Before treating a mildew stain on fabric, it’s important to check garment care labels. Some products may be too aggressive for certain types of fiber or color. For example, bleach should not be used on colored or delicate fabrics. You must also respect the maximum washing temperature indicated on the label.
Step 2: Apply a mildew remover
The next step is to apply a product capable of removing mildew from fabric. There are several natural and effective products you can use, such as household soap, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Here’s how to proceed:
- Household soap: this product can be used to remove mildew stains from cotton or linen garments. Simply rub the stain with the household soap and leave for around 15 minutes. Then rinse with cold water and machine-wash as usual.
- Distilled white vinegar: this product has cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing properties. It dissolves mildew and neutralizes odors. Pour a glass of distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener tank of your washing machine, then run an empty cycle at 60°C or higher. Then wash the fabric as usual.
- Hydrogen peroxide: this product has bleaching and antibacterial properties. It eliminates mildew and revives colors. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide on the stain, then leave for around 15 minutes. Then rinse the fabric in cold water and machine-wash as usual.
- Bleach: this product has bleaching and disinfecting properties. It eliminates mildew and whitens fabric. Soak a sponge in bleach, then rub it into the stain. Rinse with cold water and machine-wash as usual. Note that this product should only be used on non-fragile white fabrics.
Step 3: Let the stain dry in the sun
After applying mildew stain remover to the fabric, it should be left to dry in the sun if possible. UV rays have a sanitizing and whitening effect on fabric. This completes the product’s action and removes any residual traces of mildew.
Step 4: High-temperature washing
Finally, wash the garment at high temperature (at least 60°C) to eliminate mold and germs once and for all. It’s also important to use a detergent suited to the type of fabric and color of the garment. If necessary, repeat the operation until the stain has completely disappeared.
What products should be used to remove mildew stains from fabric?
As we’ve seen, there are several natural and effective products for removing mildew stains from fabric. Here’s a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each:
1. Household soap
This is an economical and easy-to-find product. It is effective on fresh stains and on cotton and linen fabrics. However, it may not be sufficient on old or ingrained stains.
2. Distilled white vinegar
This is an ecological and versatile product. It is effective on all types of fabric and colors. It can, however, have a strong odor that may bother some people.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
This is a powerful bleaching agent. It is effective on stubborn stains and colored fabrics. It can, however, be irritating to the skin and eyes if used with care.
4. Bleach
A radical disinfectant. It is effective on very old or extensive stains. It can, however, be harmful to the environment or to fibers if dosages are not respected.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to clean and care for your clothes and textiles and restore their freshness. Don’t hesitate to share this article with your friends who have mold problems!
