The most effective way to get rid of mould in your laundry is to eliminate moisture, improve ventilation and apply professional antimicrobial treatment.
Laundries are one of the most mould-prone areas in any home. The constant exposure to water, warmth and limited airflow creates the perfect breeding ground for mould spores to settle and multiply.
Getting rid of mould in your laundry means more than surface cleaning. Long-term protection requires addressing the root cause, treating affected fabrics and preventing regrowth with proven strategies.
Why Mould Thrives in Laundries
Mould needs three things to grow: moisture, warmth and organic material. Your laundry provides all three in abundance, especially if you dry clothes indoors or run appliances without proper ventilation.
Common moisture sources include washing machines, dryers, wet clothing and steam from hot water. When these combine with poor airflow and porous surfaces like grout, plaster or painted walls, mould can establish itself within 24 to 48 hours.
- Washing machines with door seals that trap moisture
- Dryers venting moisture indoors instead of outside
- Damp towels and clothes left in baskets or on floors
- Leaking taps, pipes or appliance hoses
- Inadequate ventilation from windows, vents or exhaust fans
According to NSW Health, prolonged exposure to indoor mould can trigger respiratory issues, allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. Victoria’s Better Health Channel notes that keeping indoor humidity below 50 per cent is one of the most effective ways to prevent mould growth.
How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Laundry: Immediate Steps
If you’ve noticed visible mould in your laundry, acting quickly can prevent it from spreading to other areas. Start by identifying all affected surfaces, including walls, ceilings, grout, silicone seals and behind appliances.
Before attempting any cleaning, ensure the area is well-ventilated. Open windows, turn on exhaust fans and consider using a portable fan to circulate air.
- Wear gloves, a mask and protective eyewear to avoid direct contact with mould spores
- Remove and wash any affected fabrics in hot water (minimum 60 degrees Celsius)
- Wipe down hard surfaces with a damp cloth to capture spores rather than spreading them
- Dry all surfaces thoroughly using towels or fans
- Place treated items in direct sunlight where possible, as UV exposure helps kill remaining spores
- Dispose of cleaning materials in sealed bags
Important: DIY cleaning only removes surface mould you can see. It doesn’t kill the mould roots embedded in porous materials like grout, plaster and painted walls, which is why mould keeps coming back.
Homeowners across Newcastle and the Central Coast regularly report that mould returns within weeks unless the moisture source is resolved and professional treatment is applied.
How to Treat Mould on Laundry Fabrics
Mould doesn’t just grow on walls and grout. It also takes hold on damp clothes, towels and linen left sitting in the laundry too long. If you’ve pulled clothes from the machine and noticed dark spots or a musty smell, the mould has already started.
For washable fabrics, a hot water cycle at 60 degrees Celsius with a cup of white vinegar added to the rinse can help kill surface mould. Follow up by drying items in direct sunlight for at least an hour, as UV light is a natural antimicrobial.
- Check the care label before using hot water on delicate fabrics
- Add half a cup of bicarb soda to the wash cycle to neutralise musty odours
- Avoid leaving wet clothes sitting in the machine or basket for more than an hour
- For stubborn mould on white fabrics, a diluted oxygen bleach soak can help lift stains
- A quarter cup of borax dissolved in the wash cycle can loosen mould from sturdy cotton and towels, though it does not prevent regrowth
Severe mould on clothing and soft furnishings often needs specialist treatment for mould on clothes. For fabrics like canvas, upholstery or curtains, the approach changes depending on the material. Our guide to removing mould from fabric covers material-specific methods.
DIY Methods vs Professional Mould Treatment
Store-bought sprays and household remedies might make the surface look cleaner temporarily, but they fail to address the underlying mould colony.
Why DIY mould removal falls short:
- DIY products cannot penetrate porous surfaces where mould roots establish and spread
- Surface treatments provide no residual protection, allowing mould to regrow within days or weeks
- Store-bought solutions don’t address the moisture conditions that caused the mould in the first place
| Method | Effectiveness | Longevity | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bleach | Removes surface stains only | Days to weeks | Toxic fumes, damages surfaces |
| Vinegar | Limited surface impact | Days to weeks | Safe but ineffective on porous materials |
| Commercial sprays | Variable, often superficial | Weeks | May contain harsh chemicals |
| Professional antimicrobial treatment | Kills mould at the source | 12+ months with guarantee | Non-hazardous, non-corrosive, environmentally friendly |
Bleach might lighten mould stains temporarily, but it doesn’t penetrate porous surfaces where mould roots establish. Vinegar is similarly ineffective for anything beyond surface-level cosmetic improvement.
These temporary measures offer no lasting protection. Mould returns as soon as conditions allow because the underlying colony was never eliminated.
Professional treatment takes a different approach. Rather than masking the problem, professional mould removal uses an Australian-made, non-hazardous, non-corrosive and environmentally friendly antimicrobial solution that penetrates porous surfaces to eliminate mould at the source and prevent regrowth.
Mould and Hygiene Solutions backs this approach with an unconditional 12-month mould-free guarantee. No more time and money wasted on repeated DIY attempts that only deliver short-term cosmetic fixes.
Long-Term Prevention: How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Laundry for Good
Effective mould control in your laundry depends on managing moisture and maintaining consistent airflow. Coastal areas like Newcastle are particularly vulnerable due to higher ambient humidity, but these habits help maintain a mould-free environment after professional treatment.
Control Moisture Sources
- Ensure your dryer is vented to the outside, not into the laundry or roof cavity
- Check washing machine hoses and seals regularly for leaks or wear
- Leave the washing machine door and detergent drawer open after each use to allow drying
- Avoid leaving wet clothes in the machine or laundry basket for extended periods
- Fix dripping taps and leaking pipes immediately
Improve Ventilation
- Install or upgrade an exhaust fan rated for the size of your laundry
- Open windows during and after washing or drying to release humidity
- Use a dehumidifier to help prevent mould in enclosed or poorly ventilated laundries
- Keep internal doors open when running appliances to allow airflow
- Avoid drying clothes indoors unless using a vented or condenser dryer
Good ventilation is more effective than repeated cleaning when it comes to keeping mould out of your laundry long-term.
Maintain Surfaces
- Seal grout and porous surfaces to reduce moisture absorption
- Repaint walls with mould-resistant paint if needed, but never paint over existing mould
- Replace damaged silicone seals around sinks and benchtops
- Clean and dry surfaces regularly to prevent organic buildup
Professional mould prevention services can assess your laundry layout and recommend tailored solutions, from ventilation upgrades to protective coatings that reduce future risk. These measures work best when applied after professional mould elimination, not as a substitute for it.
When to Call a Professional
Some mould situations are best handled by trained specialists. If you’re dealing with recurring mould, large affected areas or mould behind walls or under flooring, professional mould remediation is the safest and most effective option.
- Mould covering more than one square metre
- Mould returning within weeks of cleaning
- Musty odours that persist even after cleaning
- Visible mould on walls, ceilings or behind appliances
- Health symptoms worsening when spending time in the laundry
A professional mould inspection identifies hidden moisture sources, assesses the extent of contamination and provides a clear remediation plan. What appears as a small patch of mould is often just the visible portion of a larger problem within wall cavities or subfloor areas.
Mould and Hygiene Solutions uses thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect hidden issues, ensuring treatment targets the entire problem.
Where airborne spore levels need to be confirmed, professional mould testing provides laboratory-verified results that identify the specific species and their concentration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mouldy clothes make you sick?
Wearing or handling mould-affected clothing can trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation and respiratory symptoms. People with asthma or weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Wash mouldy or musty-smelling clothes at 60 degrees Celsius before wearing them.
What temperature kills mould in the wash?
A wash cycle at 60 degrees Celsius or above kills mould spores on fabric. Lower temperatures may clean the visible stain but leave viable spores behind.
Does vinegar kill mould on clothes?
White vinegar can kill some surface mould on fabric when added to the wash cycle or used as a pre-soak. It isn’t effective against mould embedded in porous surfaces like grout or plaster.
Can you wash mould out of clothes in a washing machine?
Surface mould can often be removed with a hot wash. For stubborn spots, pre-soak garments in white vinegar for 30 minutes before washing. If your washing machine has mould in the door seal or drum, it may be recontaminating your clothes with every cycle.
Should you throw away clothes with mould on them?
Not always. Most washable fabrics can be salvaged with a hot wash and sun drying. Discard items only if mould has caused permanent staining or an odour that won’t wash out.
Does sunlight kill mould on fabric?
Direct sunlight has natural antimicrobial properties that help kill mould spores on fabric. Hang washed items in full sun for one to two hours after treatment.
Why do my clothes keep getting mouldy?
Recurring mould on clothes usually points to a moisture problem in the laundry itself. Poor ventilation, a mouldy washing machine or leaving damp clothes sitting too long all contribute. Addressing the root moisture source is the only way to stop the cycle.
Does washing machine mould transfer to clothes?
Yes. Mould in door seals, detergent drawers or the drum transfers spores to your clothes each wash. Clean the machine regularly and leave the door open between loads.
What humidity level prevents mould in the laundry?
Keep indoor humidity below 50 per cent. Above 60 per cent, mould growth accelerates rapidly. A hygrometer helps you monitor levels, and a dehumidifier or improved ventilation can bring them under control.
How do I stop mould growing in my laundry room?
Vent your dryer outside, fix leaks, keep surfaces dry and run an exhaust fan during and after washing. For persistent mould, professional inspection identifies hidden issues that surface cleaning misses.
How do you get the musty smell out of mouldy clothes?
Soak garments in a solution of one cup white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes before washing on a hot cycle. Adding half a cup of bicarb soda to the wash helps neutralise lingering odours.
Dry in direct sunlight afterwards. If the smell persists after two washes, the mould has penetrated the fabric beyond what home treatment can reach.
Is black mould on clothes dangerous?
Black mould on clothing can release spores when the fabric is disturbed, triggering respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. Handle affected clothing with gloves and a mask, wash at 60 degrees Celsius, and dry in full sun. If black mould keeps appearing on your clothes, the source is usually a larger mould problem in the room that needs professional assessment.
Protect Your Home with a Professional Mould Inspection
Getting rid of mould in your laundry starts with knowing the full extent of the issue. Surface cleaning with bleach, vinegar or commercial sprays might hide the problem temporarily, but without addressing moisture sources and applying professional antimicrobial treatment, mould will return.
Mould and Hygiene Solutions provides inspections across Newcastle, the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley. Their team identifies the root cause, recommends tailored solutions and provides treatment backed by a 12-month mould-free guarantee.
If mould returns within 12 months of treatment, they return at no charge to resolve the issue. That’s the confidence that comes from using proven, professional-grade antimicrobial solutions instead of temporary DIY fixes.
Ready to reclaim a clean, healthy laundry? Book your inspection today and take the first step toward long-term mould protection.
