Does Laundry Detergent Kill Mold?
Yes, the many different laundry detergents will kill mold, along with many other cleaners that we've used for a long time, such as bleach, vinegar, etc.
But, there is a significant difference between killing mold and removing it from within the fibers of your clothing, blankets, sheets, etc. The fact that the odor is gone does not mean that there isn't still dead mold within your fabrics and if left there, can still cause allergic respiratory and skin reactions. If you or someone you live with experiences significant reactions when exposed to mold of any kind, then it may be time to invest in a more specialized detergent that is capable of washing it away.
Why Do I Need Special Detergent To Get Rid Of Mold?
Being able to kill the mold isn't the issue, because there is a wide variety of cleaning substances that can handle that part, like bleach. The difficult part of the process is using something that contains the right type and amount of surfactants and emulsifiers that can reach the mold that has embedded itself deeply into your fabrics. If you don't have a detergent with these properties, then you can't make the most of your washing machine's potential when it comes to removing dirt, mold, and other debris from your clothing.
If you or someone you love continues to have unexplained skin problems or allergies and you suspect that it's related to the clothing worn, it may be time to try a new detergent.
Here is a list of people who may need special mold killing detergents:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Those with unexplained respiratory allergic symptoms
- Those with unexplained dermatologic allergic symptoms
- Anyone with an unexplained neurological disorder
- Anyone involved in occupations that will regularly expose them to mold, such as plumbers, water damage and mold remediation specialists, those who spend time in crawl spaces or attics, etc
- Anyone with chronic sinusitis
- Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions
Best Laundry Detergent to Remove Mold
When selecting a laundry detergent that's capable of removing mold instead of just killing it, you need to pick something that has both emulsifiers and surfactants. While surfactants help separate dirt, mold, and other debris from fabrics, emulsifiers encase it so the rinse and spin cycles can do their jobs.
