How to safely clean moldy clothes myself?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been having a runny nose and a weird cough for the past month that just won't go away. I just pulled out a stack of winter clothes from the back of the wardrobe in our master bedroom and found a bunch of them covered in black and green fuzzy spots. I’m really worried this is making us sick. What’s the safest way for me to clean this myself without risking our health further?
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Okay, so you're dealing with a classic UAE issue. The high humidity here, especially with AC systems, creates a perfect breeding ground for mold, and finding it on stored clothes is very common. Given the kids' symptoms, it's a serious concern that needs immediate and careful action.
First, safety is paramount. Do not handle the moldy clothes in the bedroom. Take them outside to a well-ventilated area, like a balcony. You MUST wear proper PPE: an N95 respirator mask (not a simple dust mask), goggles to protect your eyes from spores, and disposable gloves. This is non-negotiable. For clothing that is valuable or you wish to attempt salvaging, brush off the mold outdoors. Then, wash the items on the hottest setting the fabric allows with a heavy-duty detergent. Adding white vinegar or a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle can help. Sun-drying is highly effective, as UV light is a natural disinfectant. However, a major word of caution. DIY cleaning only addresses the surface contamination you can see. The fact that you found this in a wardrobe, combined with the persistent health symptoms in your family, strongly suggests a larger, hidden problem. The mold growth on the clothes is likely just a symptom of elevated humidity and spore levels within the room itself, possibly from the AC unit or a hidden leak. For your family's health, a professional inspection is crucial. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to find the hidden source you can't see. Improper cleaning can aerosolize toxins and make the situation worse. Please, get a professional assessment. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a proper inspection. We can identify the root cause and ensure its safely remediated to protect your kids. |
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