Have you noticed musty odors or spots on your clothes, sheets, or towels? This could be a sign that fungus has taken up residence in your laundry. Getting rid of fungus can be challenging, but choosing the right laundry detergent can help kill fungus and prevent it from coming back.
Why Does Fungus Grow in Laundry?
Fungus likes to grow in damp, warm environments where organic matter is present. This makes laundry the perfect habitat for mold, mildew, and other fungi. Leaving wet laundry in the washer or dryer allows fungus to take hold and spread. Using too much detergent can also lead to residue buildup that feeds fungus growth.
Signs You Have a Fungus Problem
Several signs can tip you off to a fungus infestation in your laundry:
- Musty, earthy smells from clean or damp laundry
- Discolored spots or patches on fabric
- Visible mold or mildew, which may be white, gray, or black
- Allergy symptoms when handling laundry
If you notice any of these, it’s time to treat your laundry. Ignoring the issue allows fungus to spread further.
Laundry Detergents That Kill Fungus
When choosing a laundry detergent, look for ingredients designed to kill fungus and prevent it from returning. Here are some top options:
Oxygen Bleach Detergents
Oxygen bleach releases hydrogen peroxide to break down fungus at a cellular level. Brands like OxiClean and Clorox Oxygen Action contain oxygen bleach. They kill mold, mildew, and other fungi in all cycles, including cold water washes.
Enzyme Detergents
Enzymes in detergents like Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release digest proteins and cell walls in fungus. This stops fungus growth and removes musty smells. Enzyme detergents work in both hot and cold water cycles.
Antibacterial Detergents
Detergents with antibacterial ingredients inhibit fungus growth. Gain + Aroma Boost contains Bac-Shield, an antibacterial agent to kill fungus and bacteria. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer adds bacteria-killing action too.
Vinegar or Borax
For a non-toxic boost, add white vinegar or borax to your regular detergent. The acidic vinegar kills mold and mildew spores. Alkaline borax removes soap residue where fungus can feed.
Treatment Plan for Fungus in Laundry
Killing existing fungus in your laundry takes some extra effort:
- Wash all laundry showing fungus signs in hot water with an oxygen bleach or enzyme detergent. Vinegar or borax can be added too.
- For serious fungus cases, pretreat with a hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach solution before washing in hot water.
- Dry on the highest heat setting items can handle to kill lingering spores.
- Wipe down the inside seals and doors of your washer with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Leave the door open between loads.
- Going forward, always remove laundry from the washer promptly. Make sure loads dry completely.
Choosing the most powerful fungal-fighting detergent for your regular laundry routine helps prevent the problem from returning. With some diligence, you can rid fungus from your laundry for good.
References
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mold Information and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
[2] Environmental Protection Agency. A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture in Your Home. https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-and-moisture-your-home
[3] Clorox. Killing Mold and Mildew Stains in Laundry. https://www.clorox.com/how-to/mold-mildew-stains-in-laundry/
[4] Tide. How to Treat Mold and Mildew in Your Washer. https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-do-laundry/how-to-treat-mold-and-mildew
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.