How to Remove Mould From Clothes and Stop It Coming Back

Mould on clothes is easy to spot once you know the signs. It often looks like fuzzy or powdery patches in black, green, or white. Some mould stains appear brown or grey and can feel slimy to the touch. The smell is another giveaway, a strong musty odour that lingers even after washing. These are all signs that mould spores have settled into your fabric and started to grow.

Mouldy clothes are more than just an eyesore. Left untreated, mould can damage the fabric, weaken fibres, and leave permanent stains. It also spreads quickly in damp or poorly ventilated spaces. Wearing clothes with mould and mildew can irritate the skin or trigger breathing issues.

The good news is you can remove mould from clothes at home using safe, natural methods. You can also prevent it from coming back with the right laundry habits.

Why Mould Grows on Clothes

Mould spores are always in the air. They only become a problem when they find damp fabric to grow on. Clothes left wet in the washing machine or piled up in the laundry basket are prime targets. Slow drying, storing clothes before they are fully dry, and poor ventilation all make it easier for spores to settle.

According to the Canadian Conservation Institute, textiles are especially vulnerable because mould feeds on the fibres themselves. Cotton, linen, wool, and silk are at the highest risk. Even synthetic fabrics can develop mould if they are dirty or coated with finishes that act as food. Once mould takes hold, it can stain, weaken, or even destroy the fabric.

Warm, humid conditions speed up mould growth, which is why laundry can suffer more in summer. Even your washing machine can add to the problem. A dirty machine with built-up residue creates the perfect home for mould and mildew to spread onto clothes.

In short, mould grows on clothes when:

• Clothes are left damp in the washing machine or laundry basket
• Fabrics are slow to dry or stored before fully dry
• Ventilation is poor in closets or storage spaces
• Natural fibres collect sweat, body oils, and food particles
• Warm, humid conditions make mould grow faster
• Washing machines hold residue that spreads spores

What Happens if You Ignore It

Leaving mould on clothes has real consequences. Stains can set into the fabric and weaken the fibres until the garment tears. That musty mildew smell will follow you no matter how many times you wear or wash it. Loose mould spores can also irritate skin or trigger asthma when you put the clothes on.

Many people throw away perfectly good clothes because they don’t know effective ways to remove mould and restore their items.

How to Remove Mould From Clothes

Step 1: Take Clothes Outside

Move mouldy clothes outdoors before cleaning. This stops loose mould spores from spreading in your home. Wear gloves and avoid direct contact. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away surface mould in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Pre-Soak the Garment

Soak your clothes in a mould remover solution before washing. To make it, mix one to two cups of white vinegar with hot water. Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner. Let the clothes sit in the solution for at least 30 minutes. For stubborn mould stains, combine vinegar with baking soda. Borax dissolved in hot water is another option that may be more effective without damaging the fabric. Tea tree oil can also be added for delicate fabrics because it acts as a natural mould killer.

Note that you should also check the care label. Don't use hot water if the care label says otherwise.

Step 3: Wash the Clothes

Place the clothes in the washing machine after soaking. Use a hot wash cycle if the care label allows. Hot water helps kill mould and mildew spores. Add your detergent. Lucent Globe detergent sheets are perfect here because they dissolve fully and leave no residue that could trap damp in the fibres. You can also dissolve half a sheet in warm water to pre-soak garments before the first wash cycle.

Step 4: Dry the Clothes Thoroughly

Drying is just as important as washing. Sunlight is the best option because UV rays kill mould and mildew spores and help remove the musty smell. If drying outside is not possible, use a dryer on high heat if the fabric can handle it. Always dry the clothes completely before storing them. Even a little damp can restart mould growth.

Step 5: Repeat if Needed

If stains or odours remain after the first wash cycle, repeat the cleaning process. Some mould stains need more than one treatment to be fully removed.

How to Prevent Mould From Coming Back

Prevention of mould on clothes is just as important. The key is to control moisture and airflow. Always dry clothes immediately after washing and avoid leaving them in the laundry basket when damp. Improve ventilation in closets and storage spaces, and don’t overpack wardrobes. Silica gel packets or a dehumidifier can also help in humid climates.

Don’t forget about the washing machine. Regularly cleaning and drying the machine helps prevent biofilm buildup that leads to mould problems. Run a hot wash with vinegar once a month to keep the drum fresh. Choosing the right detergent also makes a difference. Lucent Globe sheets dissolve fully and don’t leave residue in your laundry or your machine, reducing the chance of mould growth.

Keep Your Laundry Fresh and Mould-Free

Laundry Sheet Advantage Explained

Most people don’t realise traditional detergents can make mould problems worse. Here’s why:

• Powders can clump
  Undissolved granules often stick to fabrics and sit inside fibres. This residue holds on to moisture, which is exactly what mould spores need to grow.
• Liquids leave behind film
  Many liquid detergents coat clothes and even the inside of the washing machine. This film traps dirt, body oils, and damp — the perfect food source for mould and mildew.
• Residue feeds spores
  Any leftover detergent acts like glue for mould spores in warm, humid conditions. Instead of solving the problem, it quietly fuels mould growth in your laundry.

Lucent Globe detergent sheets work differently. They dissolve completely in hot or cold water, leaving nothing behind in the fabric or the machine. No clumps, no film, no residue. That means mould spores have nothing to cling to, making your wash cycle a safe and effective cleaning process every time.