Can Mold Grow on Clothes? Is there a musty smell coming from the closet? That, combined with powdery white spots on clothes could indicate a mold issue! Though many think of mold only growing on the walls or floors of basements and attics, it can actually grow on many types of fabric. So how can […]
Is there a musty smell coming from the closet? That, combined with powdery white spots on clothes could indicate a mold issue! Though many think of mold only growing on the walls or floors of basements and attics, it can actually grow on many types of fabric.
So how can this issue be spotted, and can moldy clothes be saved? Find out more in this helpful guide.
Mold growing on clothes can be the result of many common issues, including:
Mold spores are everywhere, all the time. But their presence isn’t what can be harmful or irritating to us, it’s when spores gather and begin mold growth that it becomes an issue.
So, when mold spores attach to a damp surface in a suitable environment, they’re then able to thrive and develop into mold. This environment includes a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, water, oxygen, and food (any organic, carbon-containing matter in nature).
Most often, natural fabrics like cotton or wool are most susceptible to mold growth. This is due to their porosity and nature as a food source. But mold can grow virtually anywhere, and on any fabric, including nylon, rayon, and polyester, and any organic residue (dirt or dust) that accumulates on these materials.
Yes. As a very natural and absorbent material, cotton is extremely susceptible to mold growth. Cotton especially provides an ideal food source for mold to thrive, and its irregularly patterned fiber shape makes it easier for mold spores to bounce and spread around.
Yes. Leather is an organic material, making it an ideal source of food for mold if left in a damp or dark environment that helps foster mold growth. Additionally, the high porosity of leather makes it more susceptible to mold growth because any kind of dampness from excess humidity, improper drying, or even body oils can linger inside the material longer.
While it happens less often than with organic materials like leather or cotton, mold can still grow on polyester. Usually, mold will grow on synthetic fibers like polyester only when the environment around it encourages and sustains mold growth. Because polyester is a hydrophobic material though, it’s less likely that mold will grow as easily.
The easiest way to identify mold on clothes is by the smell first. Typically, mold will have a musty or earthy odor. Visible indications of mold growing on clothing include:
When it comes to mildew vs. mold on clothes, the main difference is usually smell and color. Mildew is often less musty smelling and is usually a white or gray dry, flat, powdery texture. While both are fungi, with mildew being a type of mold, mildew is less intrusive and harmful than mold. That’s because mildew only grows at a surface level and can easily be removed with household products. Getting mold out of clothes usually requires more intensive treatment and even professional removal.
Mold of any type (including mildew) can be dangerous to breathe in and cause irritation to the skin or respiratory system. Because of this, mold on clothing that is worn can be dangerous to someone’s health. For some people who are particularly sensitive to mold, this can result in asthma attacks, allergic reactions, or even respiratory infections. That being said, if the work is done professionally, clothing can be fully restored from mold damage.
However, the environment surrounding or causing that mold growth must be also treated.
Yes! Mold is a fungus and can therefore be killed. In some instances, however, if the mold growth is too severe and an immediate risk to someone’s health, the article should be thrown away.
Either way, mold should be handled with caution. If moldy clothing is discovered, wear protective clothing (at least a face mask and gloves) and place the items in a plastic bag or container. Then, contact a restoration specialist. Our team at Prism Specialties can restore clothing and other textiles or items within the home affected by mold.
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Closets are usually dark, closed-off rooms with little to no ventilation or sunlight. To keep mold from growing on clothing or walls inside closets:
Even when following these practices, mold growth can still happen after a flood or natural disaster. That’s why it’s important to contact a restoration expert immediately after water damage has occurred. The contracted restoration expert will inspect all affected items and ensure that the damage is restored.
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Moldy clothes can be restored if addressed quickly and professionally.
Our restoration experts at Prism Specialties use non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning materials to safely remove and treat mold. This way, all harmful mold and unpleasant odors are fully removed, not just masked, making restored clothing perfectly safe to wear for years and years. Call (888) 826-9429 or submit a claim online to get started.
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