How to Remove Mold from Clothes

Mold on Clothes: Act Before It Spreads

Mold grows on clothes when they're stored damp, left in a humid wardrobe, or forgotten in the washing machine. The black, green, or white spots are mold colonies that have rooted into the fabric fibers. The good news: mold on clothes can be removed — but you need to act before it spreads further and before the mold has time to permanently stain or weaken the fabric.

Safety First

Before treating moldy clothes, take them outside to brush off any loose mold spores — don't do this indoors as spores can spread through the air. Wear gloves and a mask if you're sensitive to mold.

What You'll Need

RMR-86 Pro Mold Stain Remover + RMR-141 Disinfectant Bundle
Hydrogen Peroxide (12%)
Heinz White Vinegar
OxiClean White Revive Power Paks (for white fabrics)
Microfiber cloths
Soft brush
Cold water

Step-by-Step: Removing Mold from Clothes

Take clothes outside. Brush off loose mold spores with a soft brush outdoors. This prevents spreading spores inside your home.
Apply white vinegar. Pour Heinz White Vinegar directly onto the moldy areas. White vinegar kills up to 82% of mold species on contact. Let soak for 1 hour.
Apply hydrogen peroxide. After the vinegar soak, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the mold stains. Let fizz for 10–15 minutes. The oxidizing action kills remaining mold and lifts the staining.
For stubborn mold stains: Apply RMR-86 Pro Mold Stain Remover to the stained areas. This professional-strength formula removes mold staining on contact. Follow the product instructions carefully.
Machine wash hot (if fabric allows) or cold with an OxiClean White Revive Power Pak. Hot water kills mold spores more effectively than cold.
Dry completely in sunlight. UV light kills any remaining mold spores. Never put moldy clothes back in a wardrobe until completely dry.

For Colored Fabrics

Test RMR-86 on a hidden area first — it can lighten colored fabrics. For colored clothes, stick to white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide as your primary treatments, and use a color-safe oxygen cleaner in the wash.

When to Throw Clothes Away

If mold has deeply penetrated the fabric fibers and the staining won't lift after multiple treatments, or if the fabric smells musty even after washing and drying, it may be time to discard the item. Heavily molded clothes can be a health hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does washing remove mold from clothes?

Regular washing alone is not enough to kill mold — you need to pre-treat with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide first. Always wash on the hottest setting the fabric allows, and dry completely in sunlight.

Can mold stains be fully removed from clothes?

Fresh mold stains usually come out completely. Old or deeply set mold stains may leave some discoloration even after treatment. RMR-86 Pro is the most powerful option for stubborn mold staining.

Is it safe to wear clothes that had mold on them?

Yes — once properly treated, washed, and completely dried, clothes that had mold are safe to wear. The key is ensuring all mold spores are killed and the fabric is fully dry before wearing or storing.

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