How to Remove Mould from Clothes: A Complete Guide

Melbourne’s damp, cold winters and humid summers make mould one of the most common problems people bring to us at Laundry Box. Whether it’s a coat that’s been in storage too long, a jacket or suit that got damp and never fully dried, mould on fabric isn’t just unsightly — it can be detrimental to your health whilst also damaging fibres permanently and trigger allergies if left untreated.

Why Mould Grows on Clothes

Mould needs three things to thrive: moisture, warmth, and organic material to feed on. Natural fibres like wool, cotton, and silk are especially vulnerable because mould spores feed directly on the fabric itself. Storing clothes in plastic garment bags, damp wardrobes, or basements without airflow creates the perfect breeding ground.

Can You Remove Mould at Home?

For light surface mould, brushing the garment outdoors (to avoid spreading spores indoors) and airing it in direct sunlight can help. Sunlight’s UV rays kill mould spores naturally. However, DIY solutions — vinegar soaks, baking soda pastes, or off-the-shelf stain removers — often only address the visible mould, not the spores embedded in the fabric weave. This means mould frequently returns within weeks, especially on wool and silk.

Household bleach is commonly recommended online, but it can and often does weaken fibres, cause colour loss, and simply isn’t safe for delicate garments like suits, wedding dresses, evening gowns or wool coats.

Why Professional Cleaning Works Better

At Laundry Box, we use nontoxic plant-based cleaning solvents that penetrate fabric fibres to remove mould spores at the source — not just the visible surface staining. This matters because surface treatments alone rarely stop mould from regrowing once the garment is stored again.  Our process also identifies whether mould has caused permanent fibre damage or discolouration, so you know upfront whether a garment can be fully restored before we begin.

Preventing Mould from Coming Back

Once your garment is properly cleaned and all mould is removed:

• Store clothes in breathable cotton garment bags or with no bag at all
• Keep wardrobes ventilated — a small dehumidifier helps in humid Melbourne homes
• Never store garments that are even slightly damp
• Avoid overcrowding wardrobes, which restricts airflow
• Get as much natural light into the storage area as possible

Bring Your Mouldy Garments to Laundry Box

If you’re dealing with mould on clothing, coats, or curtains, don’t risk further damage with harsh home remedies. Our organic dry cleaning process is designed to treat mould safely and effectively, even on delicate fabrics.  Visit one of our friendly Laundry Box locations today that are conveniently open 7 days a week and let us assess your garment before any at-home treatment potentially makes things worse.  Our locations can be found here: https://laundrybox.com.au/contact-us/