How to Disinfect Clothes from Fungus

Fungus is a spore-producing organism that feeds on organic matter like mold, yeast, etc. The fungus can also feed on human bodies and clothes. It is produced through tiny spores present in the air. So, what to do in such a situation? How to disinfect clothes? Humans can get in contact with fungus by inhaling air. As a result, the fungal infection starts in the lungs reaching out to the skin. People having weak immune systems often get affected by fungal infections.

Now, how do fungus get on clothes? Well, summers are here, and obviously, there will be humidity all around. Due to this humid weather, clothes do not dry out completely. As a result, damp clothes are kept in the cupboard. Damp clothes are breeding grounds for fungus. And this is the reason why our clothes get infected due to fungus. You must be wondering as to what type of fungus grows on clothes? Clothes usually have Aspergillus Strain. This kind of fungus also grows on walls and floors.

Well, to get rid of the fungus, there are various ways that you can try. Washing and disinfecting clothes is very important to remove the fungus. So, below are some of the methods that you can follow to disinfect and prevent fungus from entering your clothes.

How to Disinfect Clothes

Fungus growing on clothes is very hazardous for health. Fungus is in the form of white powdery mold that can penetrate through your skin from clothes. That is why it is important to wear clean clothes. Here are the ways that you can follow to keep yourself and your clothes clean.

Put your Clothes under the Sun

Sun is a natural way to disinfect your clothes and kill all the fungus and microbes lurking in. Keep your clothes out in the sun. The sunrays help in removing the moisture from your clothes, thereby making them completely dry. Once the clothes are dry, there is no point where fungus can come in. Let the sun rays fall on the clothes as much as they can. Sun acts as a natural disinfectant that removes odor from the clothes, shoes, etc. Try disinfecting your clothes under the sun.

Silica

You might have seen that new clothes, water bottles, etc., come with a packet that says ‘Do Not Eat.’ Well, those are the silica gel pouches that eliminate bad odor and keep things fresh. Silica gel pouches can be kept in cupboards between the clothes. Silica has the ability to soak up moisture. And as we know, no moisture means no fungus. Once the moisture from the cupboard or clothes is dried, it becomes very easy to get rid of the fungus. Keep 2-3 pouches between the piles of clothes to eliminate the moisture and disinfect the clothes.

Vinegar

Whenever we talk of some cleaning agent, vinegar is bound to make it to the list. It is one of the best cleaning agents that can clean almost anything. Ranging from the kitchen to doors, to clothes – vinegar cleans everything. If you have discovered fungus in your clothes, then it is best to wash it with vinegar. Add 3-4 cups of white vinegar to the washing machine or a tub and soak your clothes in it. Let the clothes remain there for one hour. After an hour, take out the clothes and wash them under running water. After washing your clothes with vinegar, you will see that the mold patches and the musty smell have been visibly reduced. Vinegar is a great way to disinfect clothes as you will discover no fungus after that. Isn’t that amazing!?

Lemon & Salt Scrub

When it comes to cleaning, the lemon and salt combination is also amazing. Lemon eliminates bad smells and salt cleanses the clothes effectively. Combine lemon and salt together and create a thick paste from it. Rub the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a while. After 15-20 minutes, wash the infested clothes under running water. This combination of ingredients will immediately remove the fungi from clothes leaving a mild fragrance in them.

Use Hot Water for Washing

One of the best and easiest ways to kill microbes, fungi, and bacteria is by washing your clothes in hot water. Hot water kills spores and eliminates fungi. Soak your clothes in boiling water and let them remain soaked for 30 minutes. Take out the clothes and further apply a stain remover or sanitizer gel to your clothes. This will help you get rid of the infestation, thereby giving you fresh and clean clothes.

Neem

Whenever we fall ill, our mothers always make a paste of neem and give it to us. Neem has antibacterial properties that kill the germs present in our bodies. The same is the case with our clothes. By putting a few arcs of neem stems in the clothes, the odor will visibly be reduced. The antibacterial properties of the neem will remove the fungus while giving you clean clothes. You can also make a paste of these leaves and apply it to the affected area. After 15-20 minutes, wash the clothes with a liquid detergent. You will see the patch marks will be reduced effectively.

So, these are some of the ways that you can try regarding how to disinfect clothes. The fungus can be very dangerous and can cause ill-health if not treated. It can penetrate into our skin through the clothes. Thus, try the methods mentioned above and disinfect your clothes effectively. Try them and tell us which one was the most effective.

FAQs

Which is the most effective method of disinfecting clothes from fungus?

All the methods are effective and you can use any one of them. However, if you have to try one method, then it is best that you try the vinegar method or the hot water method. They both are highly effective.

Can bleaching clothes remove fungus from clothes?

Yes, bleach can remove mildew or fungus from your clothes. But it can damage the clothing as well. It is not advised to use bleach if the infestation has taken place on a delicate fabric. Follow the ways mentioned above instead of using bleach.

How long can fungus live on clothes?

Fungus marks are hard to discover if they have just started infesting your clothes. However, they form large patches on your clothes over 12-20 months. So, yes, they can last for a year in your clothes if they are not washed properly. As a result, you can fall prey to ill-health too. So, make sure you wash your clothes and disinfect them after wearing them.