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How to Prevent and Remove Mold on Baby Clothes

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How do I Remove Mold on My Baby’s Clothes?

A Mold Blogger reader asked the following question:

Question

I have a 3 month old who spits up a lot and as often as I change her clothes or put bibs on her etc, she is constantly wet by her neck and chest.

I let her clothes air dry after removing them from her but before putting therm in the hamper. Recently, however, her clothing started to get moldy up by the neck.

I now have one cotton, one terry and one velor stretchy of hers that is no longer wearable. I tried soaking these outfits in vinegar before washing but saw no difference.

I also tried rubbing some oxy-clean solution on before washing but that did not do it either. Any suggestions? I am looking forward to a response on how to best remove this mold (and how to prevent mold from growing on other outfits.) Thanks.

Answer

How to Prevent Mold on Baby Clothes

One suggestion I have in preventing the mold from growing is to wash and dry the baby’s clothes and bibs immediately after wear.

This will prevent any chance there might have been for mold growth. If mold does grow, like in the case above, soaking the outfits in vinegar water or bleach will kill the mold. Rinse thoroughly and wash as usual.

Thoroughly dry them on high in your dryer, or outside directly in the sun. Remember, mold DOES stain. Not every time, but it does stain, though it looks a little faded.

Its the same as spilling spaghetti sauce on clothing, even after washing, there is sometimes an orange stain left. Whether you want to continue using the bib for your baby is a personal decision, but know that the mold is not there growing, its only a stain.

You can also smell check the area for a musty, moldy smell as well.

Further Recommended Reading:

How to Remove Mold and the Smell from Clothing

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17 comments

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daniela May 1, 2011 - 7:20 am
Ok so you explained how to kill the mold from the baby clothes, now what can I use to remove the horrible black stains left behind after washing washing it? The same happened to me with spit up on clothes, but I dint catch it on time so it spread on a lot of my baby's clothes in her hamper and my first instunct was to put dreft stain remover and wash it in cold water, but the black moly stains were still very visible. Now I have them hang drying waiting to find another solution to remove those stains before I wash them again and dry them in the dryer. A little help please!
armenian Gramma May 14, 2012 - 12:20 pm
I just looked at my Sons baby clothes stored in dry attic in plastic lidded Bin. clothes were washed and dryed before putting any away about 13 yrs ago.. Help I tryed baking soda and 80 % came out.. can I use vinegar now and try again.. thanks dishearted on Mothers Day !!
Lori Tondini August 21, 2012 - 10:33 pm
I would be concerned that there are high levels of mold spores in living area, as this is not a normal occurence that should happen when a baby bib gets wet. And any clothing that has had severe contamination, such as severe staining, is most likely not safe to wear or put on a baby, in my opinion.
Bright mum October 15, 2014 - 6:32 pm
Mold happens, not always dangerous, just more so annoying... I washed out our washer with white vinegar and a hot cycle...then I fill the washer on a large load pre soak hot hot delicate cycle, and once the water is half full, I put vinegar, dr eft, AND a little oxiclean powder in the water, and in with her clothes, then another cycle with just dreft...vwallllla! Baby mold stains gone!!!
daun January 14, 2016 - 8:13 am
I have learned with baby stains you can get rid of them by taking an old tooth brush and brushing the stain with vinegar and baking soda mixture. I let it sit for a little to "pre-soak" but gets the yellow and the black right out!
Christina Walton January 27, 2017 - 8:35 am
When soaking with bleach, do I use cold or hot water?
krystle January 27, 2017 - 3:44 pm
I wouldn't treat mold with bleach. I personally would use vinegar (nontoxic) along with some drops of tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil.
krystle January 27, 2017 - 4:29 pm
Also, the sun helps dry and kill mold, so you could hang your baby clothes outside on sunny days. This also helps fade stains from mold on clothes.
pat February 21, 2017 - 10:46 pm
I am trying to remove the smell of old moldy scent from doll clothes that were stored for 15 years. I tried 3 times using Tide, baking soda and vinegar. It still has an order. Any suggestions? I also have let them air dry.
krystle February 22, 2017 - 8:24 pm
Have you tried adding tea tree oil in the wash/rinse cycle?
Margaret June 18, 2017 - 3:02 am
Really it such an informative post. Your blog is essential for all parents, you have guided in good issue. I’ve read so many amazing things about your article! Seriously thank you for all this awesomeness! you have no idea how much hope you gave me !! And thanks for sharing your thoughts regarding this important topic. I am waiting for your new post.
KTK June 20, 2017 - 6:30 am
Lori- this is a completely normal occurrence, especially with formula (more prone to staying wet that BM), and moreso if you live in a hotter/damper like, basically anywhere in the southeastern US. I've been dealing with this as well. I don't trust the clothes or bibs AFTER the mildew has occurred. I do, however, try and wash them immediately to prevent the growth to begin with. Vinegar and tea tree oil is also wonderful. Hope that's helpful to whoever is concerned about this.
Stephanie July 5, 2017 - 12:56 am
What type of vinegar do you use ? I left mine damp in the washing basket ...bad move!
krystle July 5, 2017 - 4:30 pm
Regular white vinegar will work!
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