Wash the cloth in hot water with detergent and vinegar

The fastest way to remove mold from cloth is to wash it in the hottest water the fabric can handle, using regular laundry detergent plus white vinegar. Vinegar kills mold spores on contact. Check the garment's care label first—if it says cold water only, you'll need a different method. For most cotton, linen, and synthetic blends, hot water (130°F or higher) works best.

Add one cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle along with your normal detergent. Run a full wash cycle, then dry the cloth in direct sunlight if possible—UV light kills remaining spores. If the mold smell lingers after drying, repeat the wash. Do not put the cloth in the dryer on heat until you're certain the mold is gone, because heat can set mold spores into the fibers permanently.

Key Takeaways

  • Hot water (130°F or higher) plus white vinegar kills mold spores during a regular wash cycle.
  • Sunlight is a natural mold killer—hang the cloth outside to dry whenever possible instead of using a machine dryer.
  • For delicate fabrics that cannot tolerate hot water, soak the cloth in a vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) for 30 minutes before washing in cold water.
  • Mold that has set into cloth for weeks or months may require multiple washes or a soak in bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) for white fabrics only.
  • Dry cloth completely and store it in a dry place—mold returns quickly if fabric stays damp.

Soak delicate fabrics in vinegar before washing

If the cloth is silk, wool, or another delicate fabric that the care label says to wash in cold water, soaking is safer than a hot wash. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts cool water in a bucket or sink. Submerge the cloth completely and let it soak for 30 minutes to one hour. The vinegar will kill surface mold without the heat that could damage the fibers.

After soaking, drain the vinegar solution and rinse the cloth in cool water twice to remove the vinegar smell. Then wash it in cold water with mild detergent—use a delicate cycle if your machine has one. Hang the cloth to dry in a warm, well-ventilated space or in sunlight. Do not wring or twist delicate fabrics; instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat or hang to dry.

Use bleach solution for white fabrics with heavy mold

If the cloth is white and the mold has been there for several weeks, a bleach soak may be necessary. Mix one part household bleach with ten parts water—for example, one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Submerge the cloth and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not leave it longer than 10 minutes, because bleach weakens fabric fibers over time.

After soaking, rinse the cloth thoroughly in cool water at least three times to remove all bleach residue. Bleach left in the fabric will continue to weaken it and can cause yellowing. Wash the cloth in hot water with detergent to remove any remaining mold smell, then dry in sunlight. Never use bleach on colored fabrics—it will cause permanent discoloration.

Dry cloth in direct sunlight to kill remaining spores

Sunlight is one of the most effective mold killers and costs nothing. After washing, hang the cloth outside in direct sun for at least 4 to 6 hours, or all day if possible. UV rays penetrate the fibers and kill spores that washing may have missed. This step is especially important for cloth that had heavy mold or a strong musty smell.

If you live in a rainy climate or cannot hang cloth outside, place it near a sunny window indoors. A fan blowing across the cloth will speed drying and help prevent mold from returning. Avoid drying in a dark basement or enclosed closet—mold thrives in damp, dark spaces. Once the cloth is completely dry, fold or hang it in a dry closet or drawer.

Prevent mold from returning to stored cloth

Mold grows on cloth that stays damp or is stored in humid, poorly ventilated spaces. Before storing any cloth, make sure it is completely dry—moisture trapped inside folds will cause mold to return within days. Store cloth in a cool, dry closet or drawer with good air circulation. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, which trap moisture.

If you live in a humid climate, place a small container of baking soda or a commercial desiccant packet in the storage space to absorb moisture. Check stored cloth every few weeks, especially during humid seasons. If you notice a musty smell starting to develop, take the cloth out and air it in sunlight when ready. Catching mold early makes it much easier to remove.

What to do if mold has damaged the cloth permanently

Mold that has been growing on cloth for months can weaken fibers so much that washing will tear or shred the fabric. If the cloth feels brittle, has holes, or tears easily when you handle it, the damage is likely permanent. In this case, washing will only make the damage worse.

Before discarding the cloth, try a gentle soak in vinegar solution as a last attempt—leave it for only 15 to 20 minutes and handle it very carefully. If the cloth still feels fragile after drying, it is no longer safe to wear or use. Dispose of it in the trash, not in a compost bin, because mold spores can spread to compost. To prevent this situation in the future, check stored cloth regularly and address any dampness or musty smells when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a washing machine to clean moldy cloth, or should I hand wash?

A washing machine works fine for most moldy cloth and is actually faster than hand washing. Use hot water and add vinegar to the cycle. Hand washing is only necessary for delicate fabrics like silk or wool that the care label says to wash by hand. For those, soak in vinegar solution first, then wash gently in cool water.

Will the mold smell go away after washing?

Usually yes, but it may take two washes plus sunlight drying. If the smell lingers after a second wash and sunlight drying, the mold spores are still present. Repeat the wash with vinegar, or try a bleach soak if the cloth is white. Musty smell means mold is still alive in the fibers.

Is it safe to wash moldy cloth with other clothes?

It is better not to. Mold spores can spread to other garments in the same load. Wash moldy cloth separately, then run an empty hot cycle with vinegar afterward to clean the machine. If you do wash moldy cloth with other items, make sure everything gets hot water and vinegar in the cycle.

What if the cloth is still damp after I dry it—does that mean mold is coming back?

Damp cloth does not mean mold is present yet, but it creates the conditions for mold to grow. Make sure the cloth is completely dry before storing it. If it feels damp after air drying, hang it in sunlight for another few hours or use a fan to speed evaporation. Store it only when it is fully dry.

Can I use a clothes dryer instead of hanging the cloth to dry?

You can use a dryer on low heat after the cloth is already mostly dry from air drying or sunlight. Do not put wet or damp moldy cloth directly in a hot dryer—the heat can set mold spores into the fibers. Air dry or sun dry first, then use the dryer on low heat for the final 10 to 15 minutes if needed.