When clothes remain damp for an extended period, weather stains, also known as mildew stains, can form. These black spots are caused by mold. Once mildew has deeply penetrated the fabric, it can be difficult to remove. We’ve gathered 7 tips you can try to get rid of them.

Mold Caused by Moisture
In a humid environment, mold can develop quickly. When it comes to clothing, black spots appear. The best way to prevent this is never to leave wet (bath) clothes in a bag or in the washing machine for too long. Hanging wet clothes to dry helps prevent this.

However, if the damage has already been done, here are a few methods you can try to remove the stains. Be sure to check if the fabric of the item you’re treating is compatible with the product you’re using. Always consult the care instructions.

1.Hot Washing
The easiest way to remove weather stains is to wash the garment in the washing machine. Wash it separately from other clothes to prevent mold spores from transferring. And wash it at the highest possible temperature according to the fabric type.

The hotter the water, the more likely the mold will be removed. If this doesn’t work, you can try one of the following options, especially with cotton clothing as it may shrink at high temperatures.

2.Cleaning Vinegar
Mix one part cleaning vinegar with four parts warm water and soak the garment for a few hours. The acidity of the vinegar helps prevent further mold growth and bleaches the stains. An added benefit is that vinegar also eliminates musty odors. After soaking, wash the clothing in the washing machine.

3.With Salt
Salt can also be a helpful remedy for removing weather stains. Dissolve a cup of salt in warm water and soak the garment in it. Rinse it with clean water, then wash it in the washing machine.

4.With Bleach
For white clothing, you can use bleach.

Do not use bleach on colored clothing, as it will cause discoloration. Add a small amount of bleach to a bucket of water. Wear gloves to protect your skin, then apply the mixture to the stains using a cloth. Rinse the garment with cold water, then wash it in the washing machine.

5.With Sunlight
Mold that survived the washing machine can still be eliminated by drying the garment in direct sunlight. The sun’s rays have a natural bleaching effect that can help remove the stains.

6.With a Special Mold Remover
There are also products available that are specifically designed to remove mildew stains from fabrics. Apply these products as directed, and hopefully, the stain will be gone in no time.

Always follow the instructions on the label.

7.Dry Cleaner
If all else fails, consider taking the garment to a dry cleaner. They specialize in removing a wide range of stains. If the item is particularly precious to you and none of the above methods work, professional cleaning may be worth the cost.