How to Remove Mould from Fabric

In many cases the best solution for removing mould from fabric is by disposing of the fabric all together, however for many people, this is often not feasible from a financial or sentimental perspective. 

Here are some DIY options when trying to remove mould from fabric; vinegar, baking soda, borax, bleach and detergent. 

Understanding what Causes Fabric to go Mouldy

Most people throughout sometime of their life have taken a jacket out from their wardrobe or an old tent that had been left in the garage for too long only to find it smells earthy and has mould all over it. Why did it happen? Well, that is because mould growth thrives in dark areas that lack air flow which is normally where people store their clothes and other fabrics. 

Furthermore, most fabrics are ideal for mould growth to take place on as they are often organic and retain moisture for extended periods of time. 

How to Prevent Mould Growth on Fabrics 

Before we get into how to remove mould from fabric, let’s take a step back and look at some key things that we should do (and shouldn’t do) when trying to prevent mould from growing on fabrics.

See below: 

• Ensure areas where fabrics will be stored are clean and assess for any signs of excess moisture. 
• Ensure fabrics are completely dry before they are put into storage. 
• Regularly open doors on wardrobes. 
• On sunny days, take fabrics out of their storage area and let them air outside. 
• Use moisture absorbers in storage areas to reduce moisture levels. 
• Don’t overcrowd wardrobes; give fabrics enough space to breathe where at all possible. 
• Never store fabrics in plastic as this will trap moisture. 
• For items of fabrics being stored inside a bag e.g. a suit, place desiccant pouches inside the bags. 
• Place desiccant pouches and scrunched up paper inside shoes. 
• Consider the use of a dehumidifier. 
• Ensure as much crossflow air ventilation as possible for the property as this will reduce the propensity for fabrics to go mouldy, even those in storage within the property. 

How to Identify if you Have Mould on Fabric

In many cases, it is quite easy to identify if you have mould on fabric. Look for discolored spots or stains and of course, a musty earthy smell. If you are unsure, it is best to tread with caution and contact a professional mould removal service like Mould & Hygiene Solutions. 

Safety Equipment

Regardless of how insigicnifcant your mould problem may seem, it is imperative that appropriate PPE is worn when attempting to remove mould from fabric.

Below is a list of commonly used articles of PPE that are worn when removing mould from fabrics: 

• A disposable P2 Mask or Respirator.
• Safety Glasses 
• Gloves 
• Disposable overalls 

Removing Mould from Fabric 

When attempting to remove mould from fabric, it is always best to test a small innocuous spot on the fabric to ensure it will not discolor the material. This is particularly important when using harsher chemicals like bleach. Additionally, ensure that you have read all care labels on the fabric and adhere to their guidelines. 

Vinegar - Vinegar (white vinegar is ideal) mixed with baking soda is a very common natural mould removal treatment to remove mould from fabrics. Most people mix 2 parts baking soda to 1 part vinegar in a bucket of warm to hot water and allow clothes to soak. 

Dry Cleaning - It is a more costly option but for certain fabrics, it may be the only option. 

Antibacterial solutions – Some antibacterial solutions that are found on the shelves at major retailers are effective at removing mould. Many opt to apply the antibacterial solution to a cloth and gently rub the mould away. 

Bleach - Bleach is often considered the ultimate stain remover however it can also discolour certain fabrics and may potentially damage the fibers of the fabric. Depending on how much mould is on the fabric, you can spray the mould affected areas or submerge the fabric in diluted bleach for 15 to 30 minutes. If it is a machine washable item of fabric, once you have taken the fabric out of add to a regular hot water cycle.    

Borax - Borax is known for being a mould killer and is often a very good choice to remove mould from fabrics, especially those that can be machine washed as it is able to be added to a regular hot water washing cycle. 

Conclusion

Whilst there are many DIY methods to remove mould from fabric, ultimately it is best to replace the fabric where possible. When this is not an option you can attempt to remove mould from fabric using a variety of different natural and chemical remedies however, mould growth that is found on fabrics is often an indicator of a larger problem at play within your home and it is best to contact professionals like Mould & Hygiene Solutions to get a real solution to your mould problem.