Mold and mildew on clothes can be killed and the stains removed, but the method depends on whether the fabric is still salvageable
Mold and mildew on clothing are not the same problem as mold in your home — the spores sit on the surface and in fibers rather than growing into the material itself. If you catch it early, before the fibers have begun to break down, you can wash the mold away and restore the garment. If the fabric has started to rot (you'll see holes or a papery texture), the damage is permanent and the item should be discarded to prevent spores from spreading to other clothes.
The standard approach is to brush off loose spores outdoors, then wash in hot water with either white vinegar or oxygen bleach, depending on the fabric type and how long the mold has been present. For delicate items or stubborn stains, a soak in vinegar solution before washing often works better than washing alone.
Key Takeaways
- Always brush or shake moldy clothes outside to remove loose spores before bringing them indoors or putting them in the washing machine.
- White vinegar kills mold on most fabrics and can be used as a soak or added to the wash cycle; oxygen bleach works on colorfast items but may fade delicate dyes.
- Hot water (130°F or higher) is more effective than cold water, but check the garment's care label first to avoid shrinking or damage.
- Mold stains may not disappear completely even after successful washing, especially on dark fabrics, but the mold itself will be dead and safe to wear.
- If the fabric feels papery, tears easily, or has holes, the fibers are rotted and the item cannot be saved — discard it to prevent spores from contaminating other clothes.
Brush off loose spores outside before washing
The first step is to take the moldy garment outside and brush or shake it vigorously over a trash can or compost bin. Use a stiff brush, an old toothbrush, or even a dry cloth to dislodge the visible mold. This removes the bulk of the spores before they can spread to your washing machine or other clothes. Do this outdoors — not in your laundry room or bedroom — because mold spores become airborne when disturbed and can settle on nearby surfaces.
Wear a dust mask or N95 if you are sensitive to mold or if the affected area is large. Brush gently enough that you do not tear the fabric, especially if it is already weakened by mold damage. Once you've removed the loose growth, inspect the fabric closely. If you see holes, tears, or an area that feels thin and papery, the mold has eaten into the fibers and the garment cannot be restored — throw it away rather than washing it.
Soak in white vinegar for light to moderate mold
White vinegar is a mild acid that kills mold spores and works on most fabrics without bleaching or damaging dyes. Fill a basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water and add one cup of white vinegar per gallon of water. Submerge the moldy garment and let it soak for one to two hours. For heavier mold growth, soak overnight. The vinegar smell will fade once the item is dry.
After soaking, rinse the garment in cool water and wring it out gently. Do not wring hard — wet fabric tears easily. Then wash the item in your washing machine using hot water (if the care label allows) and your regular detergent. Add another half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle if your machine has a rinse-aid dispenser, or pour it in by hand during the rinse phase. Dry the garment in sunlight if possible — UV light also kills mold spores and can help fade any remaining stains.
Use oxygen bleach for colorfast fabrics with stubborn stains
Oxygen bleach (also called color-safe bleach or oxygen-based bleach) is stronger than vinegar and works well on white and colorfast fabrics. Common brands include OxiClean and Clorox 2. It does not contain chlorine, so it is gentler than chlorine bleach, but it can still fade delicate or hand-dyed colors — test it on a hidden seam first if you are unsure.
Mix oxygen bleach according to the package directions (usually one to two scoops per gallon of water) and soak the garment for four to eight hours or overnight. Then wash in hot water with your regular detergent. Oxygen bleach is particularly useful if the mold has left dark stains that vinegar alone did not remove. Do not use oxygen bleach on wool, silk, or other delicate natural fibers unless the label specifically says it is safe.
Wash in the hottest water the fabric can handle
After soaking, wash the garment in hot water — ideally 130°F or higher — because heat kills mold spores more effectively than cold water. Check the care label on the garment first. If it says "warm" or "cold water only," use the warmest temperature the label allows rather than ignoring it and risking shrinkage or damage.
Use your regular laundry detergent and run a normal or heavy-duty cycle depending on how soiled the item is. If the garment still smells musty after washing, run it through the wash cycle again. Do not put it in the dryer until the smell is gone — heat will set any remaining odor into the fabric. Hang it to air-dry instead, preferably in sunlight, which naturally deodorizes and disinfects.
Dry in sunlight to kill remaining spores and fade stains
Sunlight is one of the most effective ways to finish the job. Hang the clean, damp garment outside in direct sun for at least a few hours, or all day if possible. UV light kills mold spores that washing may have missed, and it also helps bleach out any remaining dark stains. This is especially useful for white or light-colored fabrics.
If you cannot hang the item outside, use a clothes dryer on a low or medium heat setting, or hang it indoors near a window. Avoid high heat, which can set stains and may damage some fabrics. Once the garment is completely dry, smell it. If any musty odor remains, repeat the vinegar soak and wash cycle before wearing it.
When to discard instead of washing
Not every moldy garment is worth saving. If the fabric has begun to rot — you'll see holes, tears, or thin spots where the mold has eaten through — the structural damage is permanent. Washing will not restore the fibers. More importantly, heavily molded items release more spores during washing and can contaminate your machine and other clothes.
If the garment is sentimental or expensive, you can try the vinegar soak and wash anyway, but set realistic expectations. The mold will be killed and the item will be safe to wear, but the stains may not disappear and the weakened areas will not regain their strength. For everyday clothes, especially if they are inexpensive or already worn, discarding is the simpler and safer choice. Seal the moldy item in a plastic bag before throwing it away to prevent spores from spreading to your trash can or garage.
Prevent mold from returning to clean clothes
Once you've cleaned the garment, store it in a dry place. Mold grows in moisture and darkness, so keep clothes in a well-ventilated closet or drawer, not in a sealed plastic container in a damp basement. If your home is humid, use a dehumidifier in the bedroom or closet, or place open boxes of baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb moisture.
Wash and dry clothes completely before storing them. Never put damp or slightly damp garments away — even a little moisture can allow mold to start growing again within a few days. If you live in a very humid climate or have had mold problems before, consider storing off-season clothes in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic, and check them every few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach to kill mold on colored clothes?
Chlorine bleach will kill the mold but will also bleach out the color, leaving white spots or fading the entire garment. Use white vinegar or oxygen bleach instead. If the item is white or you do not mind bleaching, you can use one part chlorine bleach to ten parts water as a last resort, but test it on a hidden seam first.
Will the mold smell go away after washing?
Usually yes, especially if you dry the garment in sunlight. If the musty smell lingers after washing and air-drying, soak it again in vinegar and rewash. Stubborn odors sometimes require two or three wash cycles. If the smell never goes away, the mold spores may be too deep in the fibers to remove completely.
Is it safe to wear clothes that had mold on them?
Yes, once the mold is dead. Washing kills the spores, and dead mold cannot spread or cause infection. However, some people are sensitive to mold residue or the smell, so if you have mold allergies or asthma, you may want to wash the item extra times or discard it instead.
Can I put moldy clothes directly in the washing machine?
No. Loose mold spores will spread throughout your machine and contaminate other clothes. Always brush off the visible mold outside first, then soak the garment before washing. This protects your machine and prevents cross-contamination.
What if mold comes back after I've washed and dried the clothes?
Mold is returning because the storage area is too damp. Move the clothes to a drier location, use a dehumidifier, or store them in breathable bags instead of plastic. If your entire closet or bedroom stays damp, address the underlying moisture problem — check for leaks, improve ventilation, or run a dehumidifier regularly.