A comprehensive guide to removing mould from household items
Due to the humid conditions, including the wet and rainy seasons mould is popping up everywhere. There’s nothing like decluttering your wardrobe and discovering spores all over your favorite jackets and sneakers. Instead of throwing everything out, why not try salvaging them?
Here are the four common household items that will remove mould:
1. Hot water
One of the simplest ways to remove mildew from fabric is to wash them in hot water. Before washing anything, check the care labels first to see if a hot wash is suitable. Then set the water temperature on your washing machine as high as you can for at least 10-30 minutes.
Although a hot wash will kill the mould and mildew, it won't remove the stains or prevent the mould returning. Its best to remove the stains before you dry the clothes as once dried the stains are harder to move.
2. Vinegar and baking soda
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is quite effective at killing mould and works as a great stain remover too. Mix 2 parts baking soda to 1 part of white vinegar and add this to a bucket of hot water and soak the clothes in it before washing them. However, do not mix vinegar and bleach as this combination can release a dangerous gas.
3. Borax
Borax not only kill mould, but is water soluble, making it an easy addition to a load of washing. Check your garments' care labels, especially on any delicate clothing items to make sure they won't be damaged. Also, best to do a small spot test first before adding to the whole wash.
4. Bleach
Bleach is known as an effective mould killer and stain remover. But as bleach tends to cause clothes to fade quickly, a spot test is recommended.
Pre-soak the clothes in bleach for 30 minutes to an hour before adding them to a regular hot wash. It should be noted that bleach may be effective at killing mould spores hidden deep in the fabric, but it does weaken the cloth fibres and will shorten the lifespan of your clothing.
Also, bleach should only be used in well-ventilated areas and never be mixed with other chemicals or vinegar.
Tips to prevent your clothes from getting mouldy
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Don't leave damp clothes and laundry at the bottom of washing machines or the laundry basket.
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When you do a load of laundry hang it out as soon as possible to dry in the sun.