How to Remove Mold From Clothes and Get Rid of Musty Odors

Finding mold on your favorite clothes is never pleasant. Maybe you forgot a load of laundry in the washer overnight, left damp towels in the hamper, or pulled seasonal clothes out of storage only to discover dark spots and a musty smell.

The good news is that light mold and mildew on washable clothing can often be treated at home. The key is to act promptly, protect yourself from mold exposure, and make sure the fabric is completely dry before storing it again.

Why Does Mold Grow on Clothes?

Mold thrives in environments that are damp, warm, and poorly ventilated.

Clothing can develop mold when it remains wet for too long, is stored before completely drying, or sits in a humid closet or laundry hamper.

Common warning signs include:

• Dark or greenish spots
• Musty odors
• Dampness
• Discoloration
• A stale smell that remains after washing

What You’ll Need

Gather the following:

• Laundry detergent
• White vinegar or borax
• Large bucket or clean sink
• Soft brush or old toothbrush
• Protective gloves
• Washing machine
• Baking soda, optional

For extensive visible mold, consider wearing a suitable mask and working in a well-ventilated area.

Important: Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.

Step 1: Separate the Affected Clothes

Inspect clothing that was stored or washed alongside the moldy item.

Separate visibly affected garments from clean laundry and avoid shaking them unnecessarily, which can spread mold particles.

If the mold covers a large area of the garment or has deeply penetrated the fabric, consider professional cleaning or discarding the item rather than trying to clean it yourself.

Step 2: Check the Care Label

Before using any cleaning treatment, check the garment’s care instructions.

Pay particular attention to:

• Recommended water temperature
• Whether the garment can be soaked
• Whether it can be machine washed
• Drying instructions
• Whether bleach or other cleaning products are prohibited

Delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, leather, and some vintage textiles require extra care.

Step 3: Pre-Soak the Garment

For washable fabrics, fill a clean bucket or sink with water at a temperature that’s appropriate for the garment.

If the care label permits it, add about 1 cup of white vinegar to the water and allow the clothing to soak for approximately 30–60 minutes.

Alternatively, borax can be used according to the product’s label instructions.

Don’t combine vinegar and borax with chlorine bleach or other chemical cleaners.

Step 4: Gently Treat Visible Spots

After soaking, inspect the affected areas.

Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently work at visible residue.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing, particularly with delicate fabrics. Excessive friction can damage fibers and spread discoloration.

For stubborn stains, a second treatment may be safer than trying to remove everything with force.

Step 5: Wash the Clothes

Place the garment in the washing machine with your normal laundry detergent.

Use the warmest water permitted by the care label.

For washable everyday fabrics, a normal wash cycle may be sufficient after the pre-treatment.

If you use vinegar, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your washing machine and don’t combine it with bleach.

Step 6: Dry the Clothes Completely

Don’t leave the freshly washed clothes sitting damp.

Dry them completely according to the care label.

If the garment can safely be dried outdoors, good airflow and sunlight can help reduce lingering musty odors. Otherwise, use the dryer at the temperature permitted for the fabric.

Never store clothing while it’s even slightly damp.

Step 7: Inspect Before Storing

Once the garment is completely dry, check it carefully.

Look for:

• Remaining spots
• Musty smells
• Discoloration
• Areas that still feel damp

If mold or odor remains, repeat an appropriate treatment rather than immediately putting the garment back into storage.

What About Baking Soda?

Baking soda can be useful for helping neutralize persistent odors.

For washable garments, you can add a modest amount to the wash according to your washing machine and detergent manufacturer’s recommendations.

However, baking soda isn’t a substitute for removing the underlying mold and thoroughly drying the clothing.

Clean the Hamper Too

If moldy clothes have been sitting in a laundry hamper, don’t forget about the hamper itself.

Wash fabric hampers according to their care instructions. For plastic or other washable hampers, clean the interior with an appropriate household cleaner and allow it to dry completely.

Otherwise, mold and odors can transfer back onto freshly cleaned clothing.

How to Prevent Mold From Returning

Prevention is much easier than treating mold repeatedly.

Don’t Leave Wet Laundry Sitting

Move clothes from the washer to the dryer or drying rack as soon as practical.

A forgotten wet load can quickly develop a musty smell.

Let Damp Clothes Dry Before Hampering

Don’t put sweaty or wet towels directly into a closed laundry basket.

Allow them to dry first whenever possible.

Improve Closet Ventilation

Avoid packing clothes tightly together.

Leaving some space between garments allows air to circulate and reduces moisture buildup.

Control Humidity

If your home is consistently humid, consider improving ventilation or using a dehumidifier where appropriate.

Moisture control is one of the most effective ways to prevent recurring mold.

When You Shouldn’t Try to Clean It Yourself

Home treatment isn’t appropriate for every garment.

Consider professional cleaning or replacing the item if:

• Mold covers a large portion of the fabric.
• The garment has a persistent mold odor after repeated cleaning.
• The material is delicate or difficult to wash.
• The item is valuable, antique, or sentimental.
• The fabric has been visibly damaged by mold.

Expected Results

Light mold and mildew on washable clothing can often be reduced or removed with prompt treatment, thorough washing, and complete drying.

Older stains may be more difficult to remove, and discoloration can sometimes remain even after the mold itself has been eliminated.

Final Thoughts

Moldy clothes don’t necessarily have to go straight into the trash. For washable garments with light mold or mildew, separating the affected items, treating them appropriately, washing them thoroughly, and drying them completely can often restore them.

The most important step after cleaning is preventing moisture from returning. Keep laundry dry, improve airflow in closets, and avoid storing clothing while it’s damp. These simple habits can help keep your wardrobe fresher and reduce the chances of mold coming back.