How to get rid of mould on clothes

Have you spotted mould or mildew damp stains on your clothing? Not only is mould unsightly, it can be bad for your health too. Here’s how you can get rid of mould on clothes.

What causes mould or damp stains on clothes?

Mould growth on clothes is caused by prolonged exposure to damp. Usually, mould growth occurs when you leave a wet item of clothing scrunched up without properly drying for too long. However, mould stained clothing can also be a sign of an underlying damp problem in your home.

If your clothes are gathering mould stains even when they are hung up in your wardrobe, then you probably lack sufficient ventilation and may have a damp issue that needs treating, or your clothes will continue to become stained no matter how much you clean them.

Our damp experts are on hand to get rid of all of your problems with damp in Dorset and Hampshire. Whatever your damp problem, we have the right solution. Contact us today on 01202 737 739.

How to remove mould from clothes

Mould stains on clothes can be tough to remove and can smell dreadful. However, it’s also important that you clean your clothes the correct way so that you don’t damage them:

How to pre-treat your clothing

For tough mould and mildew stains, you may need to do some pre-treatment on your clothing before putting them in the washing machine.

1. Spray the affected area with your chosen stain remover
2. Wait 30 minutes for stain remover to take affect
3. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub at the mould stain if the material is tough (like cotton or denim)
4. Discard the toothbrush as soon as you’re finished

How to get rid of mould on clothes using bleach

A bleach and water solution can be very effective at killing mould, however, if you are considering using bleach then we recommend only doing so on white clothing, as discolouration and fading can occur in darker colours.

Bleach is an incredibly strong chemical and you should only use bleach that is adapted for laundry purposes when removing mould from clothes. Always ensure that you are wearing rubber gloves when handling bleach and use in a well ventilated room.

For delicate materials, pre-soak your clothes with bleach:

1. Use a weak bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts cool water 
2. Allow to soak for 15 minutes
3. Remove and rinse thoroughly before hanging out to dry

For tougher clothing, you can add bleach to your wash cycle:

1. Ensure that you never apply bleach directly to clothing
2. Use the same amount of detergent as normal
3. Set your washing machine as hot as possible without damaging your clothes
4. Wait for the cycle to begin and add the amount of bleach suggested on the instructions to the dispenser as the water fills the drum
5. When finished, leave your clothes hanging out to dry 

Hot water is better than cold for killing mould

As a general rule, the hotter the water you clean your clothes with, the more effective it will be at killing mould and removing mould spores. However, it’s important that you check the label of your clothing first to ensure that you aren’t using water that is so hot it will damage your clothes.

Are you struggling with frequent damp problems in your home and are looking for a long-lasting solution? Our damp experts in Dorset & Hampshire are ready to provide you with the damp proofing solutions and advice you need. Contact our team today on 01202 737739.