Wondering how to clean clothes exposed to mold spores? Look no further than my simple 3-step method for getting clothes fresh, clean and in some cases, like new.
Mold spores and mycotoxins love to contaminate porous items—especially clothes!
My Mold-Clothing Breakup Story
Prior to my toxic mold journey, I was a fashion diva! A collector of clothes! I loved dressing up, looking cute and of course, my Lululemon (you can never have too many yoga pants!).
Then toxic mold happened and I faced a REALLY tough decision: Keep it OR toss it?
Long story, I learned the HARD way, that, for most of my stuff from my toxic home, I was better off without it.
During my initial first move out of my toxic home, I attempted to keep some things that had been lightly worn, hanging in bags in my closet or boots—that graced my feet (surely far enough away from my body). Come to find out, mycotoxins followed me, and simply put: I just didn’t feel well in my clothes that were exposed to mold spores.
And I had NO IDEA how to clean my clothes exposed to mold spores! (I thought Tide would do the trick…WRONG).
Although it was hard at first to say “good bye” to my Frye cowboy boots and Citizens for Humanity jeans, ever since walking away from everything that was contaminated with mold, I have become an EXCELLENT minimalist, built an amazing capsule wardrobe AND learned how to clean clothes exposed to mold spores (so I don’t have to “throw away” any moldy clothes again).
Face it, mold IS inevitable in life. We can’t run it completely. We will face it.
However, when you know how to clean clothes exposed to mold spores and maintain a mold-free space, you can live more peacefully and stay on top of it.
How to Clean Clothes Exposed to Mold Spores: My Simple 3-Step Method
Cleaning clothes exposed to mold spores may seem like a rigorous process, but once you learn the ropes, it becomes second nature.
First, before the 3-step method on how to clean clothes exposed to mold spores, we need to gather supplies.
Supplies for Cleaning Clothes Exposed to Mold Spores
- Borax Detergent
- EC3 Concentrate or Laundry Additive
- Branch Basics Laundry Detergent
- Free & Clear Laundry Detergent (any non-toxic will do like Seventh Generation)
- Epsom Salts (plain or with essential oils like Eucalyptus, Lavender, or Mint)
- Optional: Dryer Balls
Although it may seem like “a lot”, a little will go a long way and you will thank me later when your clothes feel fresh and clean again.
Simple 3 Step Method for Cleaning Clothes Exposed to Mold Spores
Step 1: Make Your Laundry Cocktail
Add a cap full of your Free & Clear Laundry Detergent, PLUS 1/4 cup Borax, PLUS 1/4 cup Epsom salts, PLUS one cap full of EC3 Concentrate, PLUS one cap full of Branch Basics.
Step 2: Wash for Two Cycles (at Least) in Warm Water
Wash clothes in warm water. When finished, repeat the same “recipe” for your clothes one more time. Wash.
Step 3: Fluff & Smell
Dry clothes with dryer balls to “fluff.” Do the smell test. If clothes don’t pass the smell test, consider doing ONE more round of washing, then drying again.
Pro Tip: Store any “questionable” clothes in a big trash sack and place in a plastic bin. Keep separate from your “cleaner”, more “mold free” clothing to avoid cross contaminating. Do the same with old cloths versus new clothes. Gradually, you will build up your “new clothes” reserves and the old clothes will fade away.
And seriously…consider building a capsule wardrobe! #minimalism #Moldfree