To prevent the spread of mold spores and moldy dust, place clothing that smells musty or that contains visible mold growth carefully into a plastic bag before you move the clothing through the house.

The molds you may find on your clothing are called mildew and are plant-like organisms that grow along surfaces and that require moisture and food. Cotton, wool and leather are organic materials that mold can use for food. Nylon, polyester and acrylic are synthetic fibers that mold cannot use for food, but mold can digest any biodegradable dust that may be on the surfaces of these synthetic fabrics. If clothing has remained damp for more than 24 to 48 hours, mold can begin to grow. It’s impossible to remove all foods for mold from an environment, but you can reduce moisture, which will minimize mold growth. Breathing in living or dead mold spores can cause health symptoms, so you don’t want to wear clothing that contains mold growth.

Clothing can smell musty, however, and not contain mold, because some molds produce chemicals that impart a musty odor and which clothing can absorb. Clothing might also contain some mold spores if you’ve disturbed mold growth – whether indoors on a wall or outdoors on dead leaves. Still, this clothing should be cleaned.

Before You Begin Cleaning the Clothing

Put on your PPE and place the clothing into plastic bags.

Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner comes in concentrated packets.It is an oxygen-enzyme technology formulated for the cleaning and deodorization of mold and mildew stains on any porous or nonporous surface that is washable with water. Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner is biodegradable and eco friendly.It’s harmless to plants, contains no bleach or ammonia, and is non-flammable.It can be used safely in areas with limited ventilation.

Directions for use in washing machines or clothing

For the deodorization of musty odors in washing machines, just toss a packet of the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner in with a regular load of laundry, or run an empty cycle with the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner. Washing machines, especially front loaders, tend to build up moisture and musty odors on a regular basis, so continued maintenance with Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner may be necessary.

Clothing itself can be difficult, if not impossible to treat. Mold and Mildew Stain Cleanercan remove musty odors from most clothing, especially light weight clothing.However, for heavier items (jackets, sweatshirts, jeans, etc.) strong musty odors can be impossible to remove.These items should be disposed of.Also, clothing with visible mold growth on it should be disposed of as well.When in doubt, check with a local mold remediation company or a drycleaner.

Directions for use indoors

Mix one packet of Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner with two gallons of warm water.Apply with a pump sprayer or a sponge to any porous or nonporous surfaces that’s water washable.Nonporous surfaces can be wiped down and rinsed off to remove mold stains.Porous items like wood, concrete and other surfaces may require strong scrubbing with a stiff brush to remove some of the harsh stains molds can leave behind.Rinse the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner off of the surface afterward with water. Wood, if the mold has been growing on it for more than a few days, may even need to be sanded.

Directions for use outdoors

Mix one packet of Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner with two gallons of warm water.Apply with a pump sprayer, sponge or pressure washer.For small, easy to reach areas, the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner can be sprayed on, scrubbed and washed off.For larger more difficult jobs, pressure washing may be an option.This can help to remove mold stains from driveways, block or brick walls, most siding, and even roof shingles if done carefully and correctly.

These are P-100 (particulate) respirators that, when used with appropriate cartridges, can also protect against Organic Vapor, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Hydrogen Fluoride, Chlorine Dioxide, Ammonia, Methylamine and Formaldehyde.

These are Nitrile, powder free 4 mil examination gloves. Mold Inspectors use these when sampling for mold to avoid the cross contamination of testing equipment.These will protect the wearer from mold spores and most water based chemicals, however, work gloves may be necessary as well when cutting out or removing mold damaged materials, or when working in a crawlspace or an attic.

This is a safesplash goggle, made of soft vinyl, with indirect ventilation to prevent the intrusion of chemicals and particulates.

Either have your clothing dry cleaned or wash it in a washing machine, depending on the directions for cleaning each item.

If washing, place the clothing by itself (not with other clothes you may want to wash) into the washing machine and wash as normal, but using a disposable packet of an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide rather than clothing detergent. If the clothing still smells musty after being washed and dried, run the clothing through one more wash and dry cycle. If this doesn’t remove the musty smell, hang the clothing in the sun to air it out. Any items that were dry-cleaned should also be hung in the sun to air out.

If the mold growth was extensive or the clothing still smells after being dry-cleaned or washed and dried several times, it may have to be discarded.

Don’t place damp boots or shoes on a carpet. Don’t let clothing remain damp. If you are in a cold climate and a closet has an exterior wall, don’t let clothing come in contact with that wall. Avoid going into moldy spaces without wearing PPE, including coveralls. Don’t disturb mold growth. If clothing is on sale, be sure to smell it before buying it. Sometimes clothing has been stored in a damp, musty space, even if new, and has thus acquired a moldy smell.