When discovered in time getting rid of mold on fabric or clothes is an easy process. As the weather starts getting warmer and you reach for your wardrobe to pull out some summer clothes, chances are you find some garments with a dark stain. Mold and mildew are fungus that thrive in damp conditions and feed on organic matter and dust which is in the fabric or leather of clothes. Mold leaves an ugly mark and if not removed it can damage fabric and leather clothing permanently. It will eat through the material. It also causes significant health risks such as runny nose, burning eyes, asthma, fatigue, and more. However, this doesn’t mean you have to throw away that lovely dress or leather jacket just because mold has attacked it.
How to avoid mold spreading
Once you notice mold on a garment, take it outside and take off as much as possible with a soft brush. This will avoid spreading to other items and affecting the health of family members since the spores are released into the air. Sunlight will eliminate mold so leave the garment in the sun for a few hours. If the musty odor still lingers then keep it out in the sun longer. Sunlight is a natural antiseptic and the best way to get rid of mold.
The next step is to soak the garment in cold water and then wash it with hot water and a detergent. If the stain remains then add 2 tablespoons of bleach to a liter of water, rub the solution onto the stain with a sponge, and let it sit for half an hour. This is suitable for colored garments. For white garments, you can soak them in the solution and then rinse it thoroughly before a final wash.
Removing mold from leather
Leather is expensive and you wouldn’t want to dispose of an expensive leather jacket or dress just because of mold. Start brushing the leather or use a dry sponge to wipe it off and then leave in the sun for a few hours. Use a solution of soap water to wipe it thoroughly with a sponge and then leave it out to dry in the sun once again. If the mold stain persists it is advisable to mix an equal proportion of water and rubbing alcohol and wipe the leather garment with a sponge dipped in the solution. Let it dry in the sun and repeat the process once more.
Prevent mold infestation
The best way to prevent mold growth is to make sure the environment you store your clothes in is well ventilated and a dry area. Humidity is one of the main reasons why starts to spread. Make sure the clothes are thoroughly dry before you store them.
However, if you do happen to spot mold, all it needs is a little bit of time and effort for removing it. A few inexpensive household cleaning products and lots of sun light will get your garments back in good shape. It would be prudent to make sure there are no leakages that could cause dampness throughout your home.