How to Remove Mould Stains from Clothes

Mould on clothing is something we treat regularly at our Maple Ridge facility — particularly through autumn and winter, when Greater Vancouver's high humidity and extended damp periods create the right conditions for mould to take hold on garments left in sports bags, wet laundry left overnight in the machine, or clothing stored in wardrobes with poor airflow. It shows up as grey, green, or black patches and a distinctive musty odour that standard washing at low temperatures will not remove.

Why Standard Washing Fails on Mould

Mould spores are remarkably resilient. A normal 30°C or 40°C wash cycle will remove the surface residue and potentially reduce the smell temporarily, but it often leaves spores alive in the fabric. When the garment is stored again — particularly if it is not fully dry — those remaining spores continue to grow and the problem returns, sometimes worse than before.

Effective mould treatment requires heat high enough to damage the spore structure, combined with a chemical booster that specifically targets mould. The two together are far more effective than either alone.

Containing Spores Before Washing

Before you bring a mouldy garment into the house or laundry room, shake it gently outside to dislodge loose surface spores. If you have a hand vacuum with a disposable bag, running it over the affected areas first reduces the number of spores you introduce to your washing machine. This matters because a heavily mouldy item washed without this step can leave spore contamination in your machine drum.

The Hot Wash and Booster Method

Set your machine to the hottest cycle the garment's care label permits. For cottons, linens, and most synthetic blends, this is typically 60°C or higher. Add your regular detergent and one of these mould-fighting boosters:

Borax placed directly in the drum is one of the most reliable options — it has antifungal properties and boosts the effectiveness of your detergent. White vinegar added to the fabric softener slot during the rinse phase provides additional antifungal action. Powdered oxygen bleach is effective on more stubborn mould stains on colourfast fabrics. Laundry sanitiser (products containing quaternary ammonium or other registered disinfectants) provides the strongest antimicrobial action and is the best choice if you are dealing with recurring mould problems.

For very stubborn mould spots, pre-soak the garment in warm water with powdered oxygen bleach for one to two hours before the main wash.

Dealing with the Musty Smell

A musty smell that persists after washing is the most reliable indicator that mould spores are still present. The smell comes from volatile organic compounds produced by active mould growth, and it will not fully disappear until the mould is gone. Repeat the hot wash with a sanitiser booster. If the smell remains after a second wash, the garment needs professional treatment.

Never put a garment that still smells mouldy in the dryer. Heat will not kill mould effectively in a short dryer cycle, and it can bake any remaining stain into the fabric.

Fabrics That Cannot Be Treated at Home

Wool, silk, cashmere, structured tailoring, and anything labelled dry-clean-only cannot tolerate hot water or harsh boosters. These fabrics are best brought to a professional cleaner for mould treatment. Attempting hot washing or oxygen bleach on wool will cause irreversible shrinkage and damage.

The Laundry Brothers offers wash & fold and dry cleaning pickup across Greater Vancouver, seven days a week. See service areas →