Can I safely clean moldy blankets without spreading spores?« Back to Previous Page

The safest method is to seal and discard heavily mold-infested porous items like blankets, as spores are already embedded and nearly impossible to fully remove. For items you wish to attempt saving, take them outside immediately to prevent spreading spores indoors.

Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Outside, vigorously shake the blankets to dislodge as much dry mold as possible downwind. Soak the blankets in a solution of hot water and a mold-killing detergent for at least an hour. White vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water) are common options, but check the fabric care labels first to avoid damage. Scrub the affected areas thoroughly, then run the blankets through a complete wash cycle with hot water if the material allows. Sun-drying is highly effective, as UAE sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant.

Given your children's symptoms and that this was found in storage, the mold growth is likely a symptom of a broader humidity issue in your villa, common here due to air conditioning creating condensation in closed spaces. The act of cleaning will aerosolize spores. For your family's health, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify any other hidden colonies in the AC system, behind furniture, or within walls that could be affecting your indoor air quality.