How to Remove Mold from Clothes and Shoes

If you're like me, you probably rock a low-key wardrobe and don’t stress over fashion trends. But if you're like most people, you care about keeping your clothes looking good—and nothing kills that fresh look faster than finding white fuzzy spots on your favorite suede shoes or leather jacket.

That’s likely mold.

But don’t panic. As a licensed mold assessor, I’ll walk you through exactly how to:

• Identify mold on clothing
• Understand what causes it
• Know when to clean or toss moldy items
• Remove mold from clothes the right way
• Clean mold off shoes and leather safely

---

🧼 How to Remove Mold From Clothes (Quick Steps)

To clean mold from clothes effectively, follow these steps:

1. Apply white vinegar directly to moldy spots and scrub gently with a toothbrush.
2. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on the mold or combine it with vinegar.
3. Soak clothes in hot water mixed with vinegar or borax for 30–60 minutes.
4. Use a soft scrub brush to lift mold residue.
5. Add oxygen bleach (color-safe) and run the clothes through a hot wash cycle.
6. Repeat if necessary, then dry clothes fully in sunlight or with high heat.

🧠 Pro Tip: Make sure the source of moisture is fixed or mold will return.

🧫 How to Identify Mold on Clothes

You can’t know 100% it’s mold without lab testing, but there are strong signs. If you see a white, powdery substance on multiple items in your closet or drawer, it’s likely mold—usually Penicillium/Aspergillus or Cladosporium.

Common mold colors on fabric include:

• White (most common)
• Green
• Black

Most Affected Materials:

Mold thrives on cellulose-based fabrics, including:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Wool
• Silk

Most Visible On:

• Leather
• Suede (Usually shoes, handbags, and jackets)

---

💧 What Causes Mold to Grow on Clothes?

Mold grows when three things exist: moisture, warmth, and poor airflow. Common causes:

1. AC Turned Off

If you leave your home unoccupied and turn off the HVAC system (common with snowbirds), humidity levels spike. That’s prime time for mold.

⚠️ The EPA warns that indoor humidity above 60% can lead to mold growth. EPA Mold Guide

2. HVAC Left in “On” Mode

This keeps blowing cold air, even when not needed. That creates condensation on surfaces and clothing—fuel for mold.

3. A/C Failing to Dehumidify

Your home might feel cool but still be too humid. Without a hygrometer, you may not notice until mold appears.

4. Poor Closet Ventilation

Closets with tight doors and no airflow trap humidity. Without a louvered door or regular airflow, clothes can become mold magnets.

---

🗑️ When Should You Throw Away Moldy Clothes?

In most cases, you don’t have to. Mold can be cleaned off clothing safely.

But here’s when to toss:

1. They were soaked and not dried quickly (e.g., flood damage)
2. They sat in a space with toxic black mold (Stachybotrys) for weeks or months

CDC guidance: "Porous materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours should be removed and discarded." CDC Mold Cleanup

---

🧼 How to Remove Mold from Clothes

1. HEPA Vacuuming

If possible, use a HEPA vacuum to remove loose mold spores before washing.

2. Regular Washing Method

• Wash with detergent on hot cycle
• Add 1 cup white vinegar to kill mold
• For whites, add chlorine bleach if safe for fabric
• Run a second cycle with just detergent

3. CO₂ Dry Cleaning Method

Specialized dry cleaners can use liquid CO₂ cleaning to restore mold-damaged clothing.

4. Vinegar Method

• Add 1–2 cups vinegar to your laundry
• Rinse again with detergent to remove vinegar smell

---

👟 How to Remove Mold from Shoes

Toothbrush + Vinegar Method:

1. Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 cup water
2. Dip toothbrush into solution
3. Gently scrub moldy spots
4. Wipe with damp cloth
5. Pat dry

⚠️ Don’t soak suede—mild dabbing is safer

---

✅ Pro Tips to Prevent Mold on Clothes

• Keep indoor humidity below 60%
• Install vented closet doors
• Leave closet doors partially open
• Use a dehumidifier in humid months
• Run HVAC in Auto mode, not On
• Don’t leave damp clothes in laundry baskets

---

🧠 Final Thoughts from Brad

Moldy clothes aren’t always a lost cause. With the right approach, you can clean, sanitize, and wear them again—as long as the mold source is fixed.

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a larger problem like black mold or chronic moisture, schedule a professional mold inspection.

---

❓ FAQ: Mold on Clothes

Is mold on clothes dangerous?

Generally not. But exposure to mold spores can irritate allergies or asthma.

Will vinegar kill mold on clothes?

Yes, vinegar can kill most mold spores. Combine with detergent and hot water for best results.

Can mold come back after cleaning?

Yes—if the source of moisture isn’t fixed, mold may return.

What’s the best way to stop mold from growing on clothes?

Lower humidity, increase ventilation, and never store wet clothes.

---

---

Explore Related Topics:

• Mold Removal Methods
• Air Duct Cleaning For Mold
• How To Get Rid Of Mold In The Bathroom
• Mold On Carpet - How To Remove and Clean Mold on Carpet
• Does Heat Kill Mold? Yes, But There is A Catch