How to Get Mold Out of Bathing Suits

Mold strikes in moist environments, and can grow on bathing suits inadvertently left in a plastic bag after use. The moist suit or bikini first passes into the foul-smelling mildew phase, and if left untreated, the mildew phase can become the full-on mold phase. Mold can penetrate the fabric, as well as grow loosely on top, and must be removed completely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Removing Mold

Things You’ll Need:

Moldy bathing suit Household scrub brush Gloves Protective mask Color-safe bleach Sponge Laundry detergent White vinegar
Moldy bathing suit
Household scrub brush
Gloves
Protective mask
Color-safe bleach
Sponge
Laundry detergent
White vinegar

Step 1

Take the moldy bathing suits or bikinis outdoors. Wear gloves and, depending on the amount of or intensity of the mold's growth, a protective mask. Use the household scrub brush to scrape and brush away the mold from the surface of the cloth. Avoid breathing in any mold spores, as they can be dangerous to your health.

Step 2

Let the bathing suits dry out completely. Mold needs moisture and humidity to grow, so drying out the clothing completely is necessary. Ideally, hang the bathing suits in the sun on a hot day until they are very, very dry.

Step 3

Wash the bathing suits in hot water with detergent after pre-soaking them for a while in cold water. If stains or odors persist after washing, move on to the next step.

Step 4

Dilute the color-safe bleach according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Using the sponge, apply the bleach/water solution to the affected area of the bathing suit and rub it in thoroughly. After the solution has been given the opportunity to penetrate the fabric (for about 10 minutes) rinse the bathing suits out thoroughly.

Step 5

Wash the bathing suits again with hot water and detergent and let dry completely.

Vinegar Method

Step 1

Place 3/4 quarters of a cup of white vinegar into the washing machine along with the moldy bathing suits. Vinegar is remarkably effective in removing mold stains and their unpleasant odor.

Step 2

Repeat with the same amount of vinegar if you are not satisfied with the stain removal after one cycle.

Step 3

Run the bathing suits through the washing machine again with detergent, once you are satisfied that the mold stain and smell are gone. The detergent will remove the vinegar smell.

Step 4

Dry them completely and quickly, ideally out in the sun and fresh air or in the dryer.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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