How to Get Mold & Mildew Stains Out of Colored Clothes

Mold and mildew on clothes can stain and leave a musty odor that's hard to ignore. If you've ever left wet laundry sitting too long, you know how easily mold can start growing. Find out how to get mold out of colored clothes with and without bleach.

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How to remove mold & mildew stains from bleach-safe fabrics

To determine if fabrics are bleach-safe, you can do a patch test on a hidden piece of the garment. When in doubt with colored clothes, assume that bleach will stain.

  1. Brush away spores

    Start by brushing away any visible mold or mildew spores to prevent them from spreading during cleaning.

  2. Machine wash with bleach

    Wash the clothing in the hottest water recommended on the care label using detergent and ⅓ cup of Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach. This method is effective for removing mold from fabric and eliminating stubborn mildew smells.

  3. Air dry and inspect

    Air dry the clothing and inspect for any remaining stains. Repeat the process if needed for heavy mold stains.

How to remove mold & mildew stains from non-bleach-safe fabrics

For clothes that aren’t bleach-safe, here’s an alternative method to get mold and mildew out of clothes:

  1. Brush away spores

    Remove visible mold or mildew spores with a brush.

  2. Pre-soak with stain remover

    Dissolve ⅔ cup of Clorox 2® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener Powder in 2 gallons of hot water (as per the garment label). Pre-soak bright colors for 30 minutes or other garments for an hour to loosen the mold and mildew stains.

  3. Machine wash

    Machine wash the load in the hottest water allowed, using detergent and additional Clorox 2® for Colors Stain Remover for thorough cleaning.

  4. Air dry and inspect

    Let clothes air dry and check for success. Repeat if necessary to completely remove mold and mildew from fabric.

Removing musty smells from clothes

If your clothes still have a mildew smell, try these steps:

  • Load the washing machine: Place the musty clothes in your washing machine.

  • Add Clorox® Laundry Sanitizer: Pour Clorox® Laundry Sanitizer into your fabric softener compartment or add it during the rinse cycle to kill odor-causing bacteria.

  • Machine wash and air dry: Wash as usual with your preferred detergent, then air dry. The laundry sanitizer works in cold water, too!

Tip

Clorox® Laundry Sanitizer even works in cold water.

Tips for preventing mold on clothes

  • Store in a dry area: Always keep your closet and storage spaces dry.

  • Avoid dampness: Don’t let wet or sweaty clothes sit too long in laundry baskets or hampers.

  • Use a fan or sunlight: Dry clothes in direct sunlight or with a fan to prevent mold growth.

  • Reseal stains: Avoid mold transfer by occasionally disinfecting your washing machine with bleach.

Alternative cleaning methods for mold and mildew removal

If you're looking for alternatives to bleach, try these DIY mold cleaning options:

  • Vinegar: Add 1 cup of white vinegar to a load of laundry to help eliminate mold smells.

  • Baking soda: Use ½ cup of baking soda in the wash to freshen clothes and remove odors.

  • Borax: Dissolve borax in hot water and pre-soak your clothes before washing to tackle tough mold.

For more fabric cleaning tips and products, visit our cleaning products category page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Clorox 2® for Colors with a High-Efficiency washing machine?

Yes, Clorox 2® for Colors is safe for both standard and HE washing machines.

Does Clorox 2® for Colors help clothes last longer?

Yes, it helps prevent fading and dullness caused by stains, extending the life of your clothes. Pre-treating stains gives the best results.