How To Remove Mold From Clothing Safely
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- Working Time: 5 – 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 – 8 hrs
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Estimated Cost: $20 to 50
When the conditions are right, mold spores can attach to fabrics, leaving stains and damage. Mold forms on clothes when they are wet and left clumped together in a warm spot. You may know mold is present by the odor: your clothes will smell musty, indicating that spores are growing and removal treatment is needed. The visible signs are grey, white, black, or green spots that can be “fuzzy” or slimy.
No matter the type of fungus growth you see or smell, don’t ignore itit can eat away at natural fibers, weaken fibers, and leave stains on all kinds of clothes. Read on as we guide you through removing mold from clothing.
Facts About Mold You Need To Understand
Why You Shouldnt Use Bleach To Remove Mold
Using bleach in an attempt to remove mold on a porous surface like wood or drywall can have very negative effects.
Because of its chemical composition, bleach is unable to penetrate beyond the surface and get to the root of the mold. So while it may seem youre cleaning up the mold, youre actually just removing the visible part you can see the root of the mold is still there.
I like to use the analogy of pulling weeds. If you just pull the top of a weed off and dont dig out its root, we both know that weed is just going to grow back in a couple of days.
Its the same concept with mold. Bleach cannot get to the root of the mold on a porous surface. So while the surface may appear free of mold after using bleach on it, the root of the mold will still be present and growing.
And guess what? After a couple of days youll start to see that mold appear once again.
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Using Hydrogen Peroxide To Kill Mold
Hydrogen peroxide is a good alternative to using bleach to kill mold because it is safe and doesnt damage the environment plus it doesnt leave behinid toxic residue or produce toxic fumes like bleach does. Hydrogen peroxide kills mold effectively on materials such as clothing, floors, bathroom fixtures, walls and items such as kitchen appliances.
Using Tea Tree Oil To Kill Mold
Tea tree oil is the most effective natural solution to killing mold. While it is a more expensive option, a small amount of tea tree oil goes a long way in removing mold. It is an antifungal that is capable of killing all types of mold. Make sure the tea tree oil you purchase to remove mold is derived from the Melaleuca Alternifolia.
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Does Vinegar Destroy Mold Spores
Vinegar is a bold mold killer. According to ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning, the mild acid in vinegar kills about 82% of known molds and can help prevent future outbreaks. You can clean small amounts of mold with vinegar yourself, but be aware of when you should call professionals.
What kills mold better than vinegar?
Baking soda mixed in water will remove mold.
Baking soda is commonly used alongside vinegar to clean up mold as they both can kill different types of mold. To kill mold using baking soda, place 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups water in a spray bottle and shake well to incorporate.
What stops mold from spreading?
To Prevent Mold Growth in Your HomeKeep humidity levels in your home as low as you canno higher than 50%all day long. Be sure the air in your home flows freely. Fix any leaks in your homes roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
Take Preventive Measures Against Mold
Removing mold is never fun the easiest way would be to prevent the mold from appearing in the first place. As you may know, humidity is the main factor that helps mold appear. So, all you need to do is to keep it at a minimum.
An ideal home should have between 40% to 50% humidity. So, if you just removed the mold in your home and want to prevent it from forming again, you can invest in a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers are amazing they will not only help with humidity, but also improve the quality of air in your home and remove bad odors. All you need to do is set the humidity levels you want and start the device. The dehumidifier will run in the background quietly and you can go about your day without worrying about it.
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Why You Shouldn’t Use Bleach On Mold
As the experts explain, using bleach to kill mold will not eliminate the problem beyond the surface so it’s better to go to the root of the surface. However, the biggest problem with bleach is its threat to you and those in your household.
‘When it comes to cleaning with bleach, inhalation is of primary concern. Bleach fumes have been shown to immediately irritate the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and mouth and deteriorate your esophagus, lungs, and respiratory system over time,’ Marilee cautions.
Therefore, if you’re looking for how to clean a bathroom, it is better to opt for the white vinegar solution or call in a professional . And if you do decide to use bleach, always tread with caution.
Do The Experts Recommend Using Bleach To Kill Mold
While bleach is undeniably powerful, the experts urge you to avoid turning to the substance to solve your mold problem.
‘Bleach is a chlorine-based corrosive substance that is poisonous if it is inhaled, swallowed, or comes into contact with your skin in certain amounts,’ warns Marilee Nelson, the Chemical Expert and Environment Consultant and Co-Founder of Branch Basics.
Marilee explains that leach fumes have been shown to immediately irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which could cause problems over time.’ Not only is bleach harmful to you, but it doesn’t do the trick! According to OSHA and the EPA, bleach only kills surface mold leaving the root problem behind,’ she says.
Justin Carpenter, the founder of Modern Maids, similarly urges caution when using bleach, especially when tackling fungus. ‘When it comes to mold, we always err on the side of caution. It can be extremely dangerous and cause one to get severely sick,’ he says.
Justin explains that cleaners do use bleach on showers, bathtubs, and tile surfaces . However, the process is regulated and well-timed to ensure it is done safely.
‘We instruct our cleaners to soak the molded areas with bleach, and per the instructions, let it sit for at least 15 minutes before coming back and wiping or scrubbing it away,’ he says.
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Can I Use Bleach To Kill Mold
Yes you can use bleach to kill mold, and lions and tigers and bears and humans and pets too. Bleach is poisonous and toxic. You can use bleach to kill any number of living organisms. However, it is not a good choice for killing mold.
Does this mean that Mom was wrong about Bleach?
Mom taught us that the answer to mold problems has always been bleach. Spray it on, cover your eyes, hold your breath and run away from the toxic fumes. Mold and mildew have already compromised our Indoor Air Quality. Bleach, or more specifically chlorine bleach, is a respiratory irritant. Introducing bleach into an indoor environment that is already polluted from a mold infestation is not a good idea.
A Few Facts To Remember About Bleach And Mold
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Bleach Is Not The Answer For Many Mold Issues
Be honest. What is the first chemical that comes to mind when you think of cleaning up a mold problem? Is it bleach? Chlorine bleach is often regarded as the answer for removing and halting mold growth and is, as such, usually the first thing many reach for when cleaning a mold contaminated area. Yet while bleach may be effective in certain applications, it will not exonerate mold on a porous surface and can actually contribute negatively to certain mold problems. This blog post will explain three reasons why bleach should not be used to combat mold and give better alternatives for you to choose from if you have a mold problem in your home.
Flood Response Understands Mold Removal
Flood Response specializes in mold. We are mold removal experts and do not cut corners because we understand why mold grows and how to prevent mold from growing back. Because of our training and knowledge, we understand why bleach is not a viable mold removal or prevention solution.
You might think that all mold removal contractors understand why bleach is not effective. However, this is not the case, adding further to consumer confusion.
Because of the lack of regulation in the mold remediation industry, some contractors still believe that killing mold is valid. These contractors are poorly trained, do not understand mold and do not follow the IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation
There is no magical fix for mold contamination situations. As a consumer, you need to be cautious about hiring contractors that recommend spraying a chemical to try to kill the mold dead. The price of the service may be very appealing, but if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
If a mold removal contractor claims that they can get rid of all the mold in your home simply by spraying or fogging the area, you should not hire this contractor and do further due diligence and research.
In the words of Christa Upton, a mold survivor whose health suffered after she tried to kill mold with bleach:
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What Kills Shower Mold
Hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and baking soda are three nontoxic products that can remove mold in shower areas effectively. Hydrogen peroxide is naturally antifungal and antibacterial, which makes it perfect for treating mold. Baking soda also kills mold and absorbs moisture that facilitates mold growth.
Why Killing Mold With Bleach Is Probably A Bad Idea
Regardless of the climate you live in, mold will always develop if the conditions are right . Before you start dousing your home surfaces with bleach though, you need to understandwhy killing mold with bleachis probably a bad idea.
On average, a bottle of bleach is 97% water and only 3% sodium hypochlorite . You shouldnt use bleach to kill mold because bleach itself evaporates very quickly. This leaves the area very damp, providing leftover mold roots with water to grow back even worse than before.
In this blog post, were going to show you when you should and shouldnt use bleach to kill mold, as well as better alternatives that are safer to use.
This post contains affiliate links from Amazon and other stores. This means Yard Blogger may earn a commission if you make a purchase using any of our links. Please refer to our full affiliate disclosure policy for full details.
Heres a Quick Pro Tip!
A much better, safer, and more efficient product to use that gets rid of mold easily is the RMR-86 Pro Instant Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover. Its industrial strength and gets the job done right.
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Hydrogen Peroxide Is A Non
If you want to obtain a similar result against black mold as you would using bleach, you can use hydrogen peroxide. In an empty spray bottle, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray the mixture onto the mold, and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Then, use a sponge to clean the surface and remove any leftover mixture, and youre done!
Does Not Work On Porous Materials
Bleach doesnt work well on porous materials such as drywall, carpeting, and wood paneling. Bleachs chemical setup prevents it from soaking up into the material and killing mold from within or removing stains. Bleach can work well for non-porous surfaces because when applied, it wont seep into anything else but its intended area.
With bleach being made up of 90% water and 10% chlorine, the chlorine will evaporate, leaving the water behind. This further encourages the remaining mold to regrow.
As stated by the Environmental Protection Agency , always call for a professional mold cleaner if the mold covers more 10 square feet or more. Mold remediation should help do away with the mold and mildew permanently.
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Does Mold Ever Go Away
Certain species of mold can remain dormant for hundreds of years. This is due to being present in the perfect environment. Keeping your humidity level between 30%-60% helps manage the prevention of mold growth. But active mold requires remediation to end the problem and ensure it will not begin to grow again.
Is there a spray that kills mold?
Moldex Mold Killer is an EPA registered 3-in-1 cleaner designed to kill, clean and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. It destroys and neutralizes mold, mildew and their odors at their source. Bleach-free, phosphate free, non-abrasive disinfectant mold killer is safe to use on most washable surfaces.
What is the best cleaner for mold?
Our Top PicksBest Overall: RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Remover.Runner Up: Star Brite Mold and Mildew Remover.Honorable Mention: HOME ARMOR Mold and Mildew Remover.Also Consider: CLR Mold and Mildew Remover.Boaters EDGE Mold and Mildew Remover.RMR-86 Pro Mold and Mildew Remover.Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover.
Do air purifiers help with mold?
Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers wont help treat active mold thats already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
How long before vinegar kills mold?
How To Kill Mold Using Bleach
Have you decided which method and which type of bleach you want to use? Now, were going to tell you how to kill the mold effectively.
First, here are some precautions you should consider:
- Be safe: make sure to protect your hands by wearing gloves, so the bleach doesnt contact your skin. Put on a mask, eye goggles, and old clothes that you wont mind staining.
- Open windows and doors: Bleach produces harmful fumes, remember.
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How To Use Bleach To Kill Mold
Mold can grow on any moist surface. Common household bleach can be effective in cleaning up mold when used under the right conditions but it isn’t the answer to all mold problems. Bleach can clean mold from hard surfaces like tile, wood, painted metal or hard plastics. It wont work on soft porous materials like drywall, carpet or fabrics that turned moldy after wetting. Soft materials must be removed for separate treatment or disposal.
1.
Put on disposable old clothing. Remove all wet, moldy drywall, carpet, fabric and other soft items from the area to be cleaned. Wear rubber gloves, eye protection and a dust mask. Open doors and windows to ventilate the work area. Suck up loose surface mold and other debris with a vacuum cleaner and hose. and discard the vacuum bag. Wipe down the moldy surface with a disposable rag dampened with water and discard.
2.
Mix a solution of 1/2 cup to 1 cup bleach per gallon of water for smooth hard surfaces. For rough surfaces like structural wood or concrete, mix 1 1/2 cups bleach with a gallon of water. Do not add any other cleaners. Many cleaning products can react with bleach to release toxic chlorine fumes, ammonia in particular. Pour the bleach solution into a clean spray bottle.
3.
Spray the moldy area with the bleach solution, wetting it thoroughly. Allow the solution to stand on the surface for 15 to 30 minutes, re-wetting as necessary.
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