Just as it does on bathroom caulk, mould can grow on fabrics, especially when exposed to dampness or poor ventilation. This often leads to mouldy clothes, a common issue that results from excess moisture or poor airflow. It can appear on nearly any material, including clothing, upholstery, and even the outer covers of your bean bags if you’re not careful. Knowing how to remove mould from fabric is essential to prevent permanent damage and health risks. One common point of confusion is the difference between mildew and mould; while they thrive in similar conditions, they often require different cleaning methods and treatments.
What is mould? Mould is prolific because of its biological properties. These types of fungi are among the hardiest species on the planet, with some able to use bare rock as a food source, breaking it down to form soil for other plants.
As with other life forms, mould needs three things to survive: air, water and a source of food. Air and moisture are readily available in most homes, and so too is food in the form of certain fabrics. When the light and temperature conditions are optimal, mould can begin to grow, even on synthetics, such as polyester.
As mould grows, it sheds spores. These carry scent particles to your nostrils that smell unpleasant and can also cause allergic reactions and asthma in susceptible individuals.
Fortunately, there are several potent techniques that you can use to remove mould from your fabrics and get your home smelling great again. For minor outbreaks, some people prefer natural remedies because they are safe and effective alternatives to chemical cleaners. Here’s what you need to do:
Understanding the Mould Problem
Mould growth on fabrics and clothing is a widespread issue, especially in homes with poor ventilation or high humidity levels. Mould spores are microscopic and can settle on clothes and fabrics, thriving in damp conditions, such as when clothes are left wet in a laundry basket or stored in humid environments. Over time, this can lead to visible mould patches, unpleasant odours, and even permanent damage to your favourite garments. Beyond the risk to your clothes, mould can also pose significant health risks, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. Understanding the root cause of mould—whether it’s excess moisture, inadequate airflow, or high humidity—is the first step in effective mould removal. By addressing these underlying issues and taking steps to prevent mould growth, such as regularly cleaning and drying clothes and improving ventilation, you can protect both your fabrics and your health from the harmful effects of mould spores.
Products for Removing Mould from Fabrics
While detergent is the obvious choice for removing mould from fabrics, there are many others. In fact, for certain materials and temperatures, specific cleaning compounds may be more effective than others. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is also a popular natural option for removing mould from fabrics.
Why We Recommend Exit Mould for Outdoor Bean Bags
Mould can form on outdoor bean bags when moisture and warmth create the perfect environment for spores to grow, especially in humid climates or when bean bags are left damp for extended periods. Although our outdoor bean bags are treated with Microban® to inhibit bacterial and mould growth and have protective PU and TPU coatings that shield the fibres from water penetration, persistent moisture can still encourage surface mould under the right conditions.
We recommend using Exit Mould or Selleys' Rapid Mould Killer, as they are effective mould removal solutions that kill mould spores on contact, helping to prevent regrowth while being safe to use on our treated outdoor fabrics when used according to the instructions. The PU and TPU coatings on our fabrics help protect the fibres during cleaning, while Microban’s built-in antimicrobial technology works to keep your bean bag fresher for longer, even after mould removal. For best results, always rinse thoroughly and allow your bean bag to dry completely in the sun after using Exit Mould to maintain fabric integrity and prevent future mould issues.
Bleach
Bleach is a highly effective mould killer. When combined with a detergent, it can eliminate all microorganisms from fabrics and prevent their recurrence.
Unfortunately, bleach has a downside: it causes colours to run. Therefore, only use bleach on whites or clothes with a “colourfast” label. Bleach is generally safe to use on solution-dyed fibres, such as high-energy polyesters, acrylics, nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene-based fabrics.
Bleach works both as a scrubbing agent and a presoak. Therefore, you may want to soak your soiled items in bleach first to kill the mould before putting them in the wash. Using a hot wash cycle with bleach can be especially effective at killing mould spores and removing stains.
Remember, bleach is a hazardous product. Ingesting it can cause serious illness, so always keep it out of reach of children.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural alternative to bleach, leaving clothes and upholstery smelling great after use. The oil contains plant compounds that the tea tree evolved over millions of years to prevent fungal and bacterial infections. It's highly effective against mould, mildew and other unwanted biological contaminants.
To apply tea tree oil, fill a spray bottle with a cup of water and then apply a teaspoon of oil. Shake the bottle well, then spray the area of the fabric you want to treat. You do not need to rinse.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Most manufacturers use chlorine-based bleach chemistry. While it is highly effective for cleaning bathrooms and killing bacteria, it can be harsh on fabrics. Therefore, some people prefer to use hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agents instead.
Interestingly, hydrogen peroxide-based bleaches still work in the same way as conventional bleaches. Products oxidise chromophores, removing electrons from staining atoms and molecules, causing them to disintegrate. The stain isn't just removed; it's permanently destroyed.
Distilled White Vinegar
If you’re looking for a natural cleaning product with no unwanted added chemicals, you might want to try using distilled white vinegar to remove mould stains. Research suggests that it can kill up to 82 per cent of mould species outright. As with bleach, you can apply it directly to the stain itself, or you can presoak items, making it easier for your regular detergent to remove them in the wash. Soaking fabrics in a bucket filled with a vinegar solution is an effective way to treat mould before washing. White vinegar can effectively eliminate mould from fabrics without harsh chemicals.
If you wish, you can take it a step further and add one to two cups of vinegar to the wash. It removes stains and brightens whites simultaneously.
Don’t worry about the smell. It quickly fades once the washing cycle is complete.
Household Soap
If you want, you can also try using household soap to remove mould from fabrics. Soap tends to be highly effective at removing mould from non-porous surfaces. However, it is not particularly effective on porous surfaces, such as clothing or beanbag cases.
To eliminate mould, you need to remove all the spores from a particular fabric. If you don't, then the mould will simply grow back in the future once it gets the things that it needs: air, water and a source of food. Soap can remove some of the moulds, but not all, allowing it to grow back in the future.
Borax
Borax is a water-soluble, natural mould-killer available in powder form. Also known as sodium borate, it's a common booster for laundry detergents, utilising a combination of oxygen, sodium, and boron to remove stains.
Borax is most commonly found in dry lake beds. Typically, it is what remains after all the water has evaporated. It can be harmful if ingested, so keep it out of reach of children at all times.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is an organic, all-purpose cleaner that can be safely used on most fabrics. Adding just a few drops to a washing bowl is enough to impart germicidal and fungicidal properties to the solution.
Please note, though, that if you decide to add it to your washing machine, you will need to apply more than just a few drops. A quarter of a cup should be enough for a 30-gallon cycle.
To make a grape seed extract spray, mix ten drops of grape seed extract per 250 ml (one cup) of water. Then, pour it into a spray bottle that is capable of producing a fine mist.
Safety Precautions for Mould Removal
When tackling mould removal from clothes, it’s important to prioritise your safety. Mould spores can become airborne during cleaning, so always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, a face mask to avoid inhaling spores, and protective eyewear to shield your eyes from both mould and cleaning solutions. Work in a well-ventilated area—open windows or use a fan to help disperse any airborne spores or fumes from cleaning products. If you’re using bleach or other strong chemicals, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to prevent skin or eye irritation. Before applying any cleaning solution to your clothes, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it won’t cause discolouration or damage. Taking these safety precautions will help you avoid direct contact with mould and harsh chemicals, making the mould removal process safer for both you and your fabrics.
Mould Removal Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools and equipment can make removing mould from clothes much more effective. A soft-bristled brush is ideal for gently loosening mould spores from the surface of fabrics without damaging the material. A spray bottle allows you to evenly apply cleaning solutions, such as a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, directly to mould stains. For washing, a reliable washing machine is essential, especially for larger loads or items that require a thorough clean. For stubborn mould stains, a dedicated stain remover or a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water can help lift and remove deep-set marks. Always check the care label on your clothes to ensure you’re using a suitable cleaning method and product for the specific fabric. By using the right combination of tools—brush, spray bottle, washing machine, and appropriate cleaning solutions—you can effectively remove mould from clothes and restore your fabrics to their best condition.
Steps for Removing Mould from Fabrics
Once you find mould on your clothes or upholstery, you need to take steps to remove it. The techniques you use depend on the type of fabric and the degree of soiling. After treating the stains, put the garment in the washing machine and use a thorough wash cycle to help ensure all mould and odours are removed. In some cases, you may want to apply preventative measures after cleaning to stop mould from returning in the future. Spills and moisture should be cleaned and dried promptly to prevent mould growth.
Check the Care Label
You likely have many different fabrics in your home, including cotton, polyester, silk, nylon, wool, velvet and spandex. Each of these requires a different washing agent and temperature. While hot water helps kill most mould species and improves cleaning effectiveness, using excessive heat or harsh chemicals can permanently damage the fabric.
Start by checking the garment label for care. The most common of these is the International Care Labelling System. Labels provide information in a uniform, standard way using symbols that make fabric care simple and independent of any particular language.
The International Care Labelling System uses five symbols that provide information on washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and dry cleaning. In addition to each of these labels, you will find more information on what you need to do next. The symbols on the International Care Labelling System are identical to those on the European Care Labelling System.
In Australia, you may find that some garments follow the Japanese Care Labelling system. This is similar to the International Care Labelling System but provides more information on wringing and drying. Symbols combine with numbers to provide clear instructions to users. For instance, the image of a washing machine with the number “40” written inside indicates that customers should wash at 40 degrees (and no higher).
Some garments and fabrics require dry cleaning. In this case, you will need to take them to a professional dry cleaner. Do not use any bleaches, detergents or other cleaning compounds to remove unwanted mould.
Remove the Mould with Your Choice of Stain Remover
The next step is to remove the mould with your choice of stain remover, as discussed above. For most fabrics, presoaking is often effective. This process allows cleaning agents time to penetrate all the recesses of the material.
For some tougher fabrics, using a toothbrush or other soft-bristled implement and removing the mould manually can also work. Remember, though, that this method will only remove surface spores. You will still need to wash the garment.
When scrubbing the material, avoid pressing too hard. Too much abrasive action can damage the fabric and cause fibres to fray. Only scrub with approved products.
Allow the Mould to Dry in the Sun
At the beginning of this post, we stated that mould requires three things to survive: water, air, and food. Remove any of these, and it will die.
Exposing mould to the sun causes it to dry out. Moreover, UV rays break down the mould, causing severe damage that makes it disintegrate over time. This option is ideal for whites but not suitable for colours, as ultraviolet radiation can cause them to fade.
If leaving fabrics out in the sun is not an option, you can pre-soak them to prevent fading. Presoaking for up to an hour loosens mould stains and makes them easier for detergents to remove once you put them in the wash.
Wash at High Temperatures
Most people wash their clothes on a 30- to 40-degree cycle. However, for best results against mould, switch your machine to 50 or 60.
Be careful, though. Temperatures as high as these can damage many fabrics, causing them to shrink.
If you are concerned about temperatures, consider combining one of the additional cleaning agents mentioned above with your regular detergent. Doing this will kill any biologicals while, at the same time, removing any soiling.
Hang the Fabric Out to Dry in the Sun
The last step is to hang the fabric out in the sun to dry. You can also use a dryer.
If you notice that mould stains are still there, repeat the above steps. In most cases, re-bleaching or using bleach instead of the other options will return the garment to its original colour.
Can Detergent Alone Remove Mould from Clothes?
In most cases, you can remove mould from clothes using detergent alone and put the clothes through a long cycle. However, sometimes, you'll notice that a lingering musty smell remains, even if you dry immediately after washing. The hot washing cycle will kill mould and mildew in clothes, but won't remove stains or prevent future mould growth.
Because of this, mould removal typically requires a two-step approach: first, apply the mould-killing agent (described above), and then wash the garment.
If you don't apply white vinegar, bleach or any of the other methods mentioned above, you'll notice that a mildew smell remains. That's because the detergent doesn't always kill mould spores. Most do not contain strong acids or bleaches toxic to biologicals.
Does Dry Cleaning Remove Mould?
Many garments are dry clean only, such as tuxedos, suits, and some costumes. Because of this, you can’t apply the methods discussed so far in this article to remove mould. Water and other cleaning products can risk damaging the fabric and potentially destroy it in the process.
To clean mould from an item that requires dry cleaning, gently brush off any loose, flaky, or powdered mould outdoors and dispose of it safely. Then, take the item to your dry cleaner and request professional stain removal. They will be able to tell you straight away if they can deal with mould stains or not. In extreme situations, they may recommend that you dispose of the garment and buy a new one. Professional mould removal services conduct mould removal and remediation by established standards, ensuring effective treatment. Hiring professionals is often the most effective way to identify and eliminate mould issues from delicate or valuable garments.
How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes
Removing mould stains from clothes is easy, but in many cases, the smell of mildew lingers on. It's annoying and unpleasant.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem as well: combine vinegar and baking soda, and then apply the mixture to the fabric. These ingredients pack a one-two punch that kills any remaining biologicals while neutralising unwanted odours.
Exposing garments to the sun unprotected has the same effect. UV radiation breaks down compounds that cause bad smells, leaving clothes fresh.
If you don't have space outside, you can use commercial laundry enhancers. These contain chemicals that react with odour-causing compounds, breaking them down into harmless, neutral-scented byproducts.
How to Work Out If Your Fabrics Have a Mould Problem
Usually, you can smell it if you have a mould problem. When you walk into your home, a musty odour greets you.
If you have good ventilation in your home, though, you might not detect it straight away. However, it could still be there. The trick here is to know what it looks like. Most species present as discoloured, fuzzy or slimy patches on the wall that grow in size over time.
Mould Removal from Specific Fabrics
Different fabrics require tailored approaches when it comes to removing mould. Delicate fabrics such as silk and wool require extra care. Hand-wash them gently using a mild detergent, and avoid hot water, as it can cause shrinkage or damage the fibres. For more durable fabrics such as cotton and polyester, machine washing with hot water and a suitable detergent is often effective at killing mould spores and removing stains. Always consult the care label before starting the mould removal process to ensure you’re using the right temperature and cleaning solution for the material. If you’re unsure, start with a mild approach and gradually increase the strength of your cleaning method as needed. By adapting your mould removal technique to the specific fabric, you can remove stains and spores without risking damage to your clothes.
Removing Tough Mould Stains
Stubborn mould stains can be persistent, but with the right approach, you can remove them and restore your fabrics. One of the most effective ways to tackle tough mould stains is by using a solution of vinegar and baking soda. Spray or apply the mixture directly to the affected area, let it sit for several minutes to break down the mould, and then rinse thoroughly with cold water. For even more challenging stains, a stain remover or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can be used—remember to spot test on a hidden part of the fabric first to ensure it won’t cause damage. If the stain remains after the first attempt, don’t hesitate to repeat the cleaning process; some mould stains require multiple treatments to disappear fully. After cleaning, always dry the garment completely to prevent further mould growth and keep your clothes fresh and stain-free.
Why You Should Remove Mould from Fabric
Exposure to mould can cause health problems in some people. Therefore, removing it is essential.
Tiny mould spores are everywhere in the air that we breathe. You're probably inhaling and exhaling them right now. When concentrations are low, they don't cause problems. However, when taken in larger volumes, they can cause health issues.
Those at the highest risk are those who already have respiratory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, or allergies. Exposure can make these illnesses worse.
Mould can also be dangerous for people with compromised immunity. Chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients and people living with HIV/AIDS are all at a much higher risk.
You can often tell quite quickly if you are the victim of mould exposure. You may experience sinus and eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat irritation, and headaches. Some people also experience symptoms on the outside of their bodies, such as skin irritation. If left untreated, it can develop into a painful rash.
How to Prevent Mould Growth on Fabrics
As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you can prevent your fabrics from becoming mouldy in the first place, you won't have to deploy any of the cleaning methods outlined above. In this section, we provide some helpful tips to prevent mould from becoming an issue. Moisture meters can help monitor humidity levels to combat mould growth.
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Regularly check the clothes you wear occasionally for mould
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Store clothes and other fabrics in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep relative humidity below 65 per cent
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Avoid placing wet or sweaty clothes in a hamper or clothes basket with other items. Instead, lay them flat or hang them out to dry first
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If you hang wet clothes indoors, make sure that you properly ventilate the space. For best results, install a fan to extract humid air from the room
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Don't delay between washing clothes and hanging them out to dry or putting them through the dryer. Allow them to dry immediately
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Placing clothes in a tumble dryer immediately after washing will prevent mould from developing. Always check that clothes are safe for the tumble dryer
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Keeping internal doors open improves air circulation and helps prevent mould.
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Flowers and indoor plants should be cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of mould.
Conclusion
Removing mould from fabrics is surprisingly easy once you know the right techniques. To do so, you need a combination of a specific mould-killing agent plus a regular detergent. When it comes to mould, though, prevention is the most effective approach. Never allow clothes to sit wet in a hot, moist environment. Instead, immediately transfer them from the washer to the dryer or hang them on a line. Leaving them out overnight is long enough for mould to form. Lastly, always check that the mould removal process you want to use is suitable for the type of fabric you are cleaning. For example, bleach is great for whites but unsuitable for non-colour-fast clothes.
