When black mold invades your home, a slew of problems can follow. Black mold can cause health problems, deteriorate the surface on which it is growing and leave stains, all while spreading to other areas of your home. Once the fungus finds its way onto fabric, it will quickly damage the item and leave unsightly black spots that cannot typically be removed with a simple washing.
Step 1
Move the fabric outside. Hold the fabric away from you and brush the surface mold off with a dry cloth. When brushing the mold off, make sure the wind does not blow it back onto you.
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Step 2
Fill a container large enough to hold the fabric with hot water. Add 1 cup oxygen bleach and mix with a long-handled spoon until dissolved.
Step 3
Submerge the fabric in the mixture. Use your hand to agitate the water and fabric -- mimicking the motion of a washing machine -- for several seconds. Let the fabric soak for 30 minutes. Remove the fabric from the container and gently squeeze -- do not twist -- the fabric to remove the excess liquid.
Step 4
Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting allowed for the specific fabric and let the washer drum begin to fill with water. Add 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar to the water. White vinegar kills mold and mildew while removing any lingering musty odors.
Step 5
Submerge the fabric into the washing machine and close the door. Let the machine complete a full cycle. Remove the fabric immediately from the washing machine and hang to dry in sunlight.
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