How to Remove Moldy Odors From Clothing

John Adams • September 16, 2016

Our mold testing and mold removal company recommends that every homeowner and business owner be aware that mold can and will proliferate in environments of high humidity and warmth. One potential consequence is that when given the right opportunity, mold can grow on the organic fibers in your clothes. If you have ever accidentally left your clothes in the washing machine, you are familiar with the musty smell that can accompany wet clothes. Fortunately, if you treat the growth of mold quickly, you can avoid any potential health concerns connected with the growth of mold.

The Clothes Washing Process is Key

The simplest way to destroy mold in clothing is to launder the affected items by presoaking with cold water and washing with diluted chlorine bleach. Clothes should then be dried completely in the sun or on high heat with care to make sure the dryer is not overfilled and the clothes are not still wet before the cycle terminates. However, this may not be an option for all clothing as it puts a lot of stress on the internal fibers in your clothing.

Another option is to sponge clothing carefully with a solution of about five percent diluted bleach. This works well for white fabrics that are resilient to the effects of bleach on color, but for colored clothing you may want to use a solution of lemon juice and salt.

A final potential option would be the use of fungicide sprays or mildicide to directly destroy any lingering trace of mold or mildew on your clothing. However, you must be very careful and follow all directions in applying fungicide or mildicide because these chemicals can be very dangerous to your health in the case of prolonged exposure.

If you are concerned that mold in your clothing is part of a larger trend of mold in your home, contact PowerBees for our mold testing services as soon as possible.

Colonial-style home in Cohasset, MA where PowerBees cleaned a 35-foot dryer vent with an attic boost
September 11, 2026
Dryer vent cleaning at a Cohasset, MA home addressed restricted airflow, wet lint and a heavily clogged booster fan in a 35-foot exhaust system
Mold testing at a townhouse in Bedford, MA following professional mold remediation
September 10, 2026
Follow-up mold testing at a Bedford, MA townhouse confirmed normal indoor spore levels after remediation, allowing bathroom reconstruction to proceed.
Air Duct Cleaning at a two-system home in Belmont, MA where mold growth was discovered inside the at
September 4, 2026
PowerBees cleaned two HVAC systems in a Belmont, MA home and discovered significant mold growth inside an attic air handler that required replacement.
Commercial dryer vent cleaning at a Framingham, MA apartment building with 72 dryer vents and 12 com
August 21, 2026
See how PowerBees cleaned 72 dryer vents and 12 common exhaust stacks at a Framingham, MA apartment building to improve airflow and reduce fire risk.
Mold Testing at a townhouse in Reading, MA following winter ice dam water intrusion
August 18, 2026
PowerBees performed mold testing at a Reading, MA townhouse following winter ice dam water intrusion. Testing identified one localized mold concern while results throughout the remainder of the home were normal.
Air duct cleaning in Reading, MA after mouse droppings and decades of accumulated debris were found
August 14, 2026
Professional air duct cleaning in Reading, MA can help remove accumulated dust, mouse droppings and debris, support Indoor Air Quality, improve airflow, and maintain HVAC system efficiency.
Dryer Vent Cleaning at a Colonial-style home in Stoneham, MA
August 12, 2026
Professional dryer vent cleaning in Stoneham, MA can help remove lint buildup, support proper airflow, improve dryer efficiency, and reduce potential dryer vent fire risks.
Professional mold testing in a Stoneham, MA home
August 11, 2026
Professional mold testing in Stoneham, MA can help identify potential moisture and mold concerns in a home. Learn how PowerBees approaches mold testing and indoor air quality.
Professional air duct cleaning service removing dust and debris from HVAC ductwork in a Medford, MA
August 5, 2026
Professional air duct cleaning in Medford, MA helps remove dust, debris, and construction buildup from HVAC systems. PowerBees improves indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency with professional duct cleaning services.
Professional dryer vent cleaning service performed in a Medford, MA home to remove lint buildup
July 31, 2026
Professional dryer vent cleaning in Medford, MA helps improve dryer efficiency, reduce lint buildup, and support a safer home. Learn how PowerBees helps homeowners maintain proper airflow and indoor air quality.