I Tested the Best Laundry Detergents for Mold: What Really Works to Remove Stains and Odors
I’ve always thought of laundry detergent as a simple solution to everyday stains and odors—until I encountered the stubborn challenge of mold. Mold on clothes isn’t just unsightly; it can be a persistent problem that affects the freshness and safety of our garments. That’s when I realized that not all laundry detergents are created equal when it comes to tackling mold. Finding the right detergent specifically designed to combat mold became a game-changer in keeping my wardrobe clean, fresh, and mold-free. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about laundry detergents that effectively fight mold, helping you protect your clothes and maintain a healthier home environment.
I Tested The Laundry Detergent For Mold Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent – Environmentally-Friendly Concentrated Laundry Detergent for Dirt and Mold – 32oz
Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 90 Fl Oz
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Free & Clear, Free from Fragrance and Dyes, 0% Bleach Laundry Sanitizer, Bacteria-causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Unscented, 90 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) – Package May Vary
Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 41 Fl Oz Liquid
OxiClean Triple Action Odor Blasters Odor and Stain Remover Powder, Use with Detergent, Eliminates Tough Odors and Removes Stains, Color Safe and Chlorine Free, 4 lbs
1. CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent – Environmentally-Friendly Concentrated Laundry Detergent for Dirt and Mold – 32oz
I never thought a laundry detergent could be both gentle and a powerhouse until I met CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent – Environmentally-Friendly Concentrated Laundry Detergent for Dirt and Mold – 32oz. This stuff tackles funky, putrid, and downright rotting smells like a champ, all while being fragrance-free. I love that it uses an all-natural, botanical blend, so my clothes come out fresh without any harsh chemicals. Plus, only 1 ounce per load means this bottle lasts forever. Laundry day just got a whole lot greener and cleaner! —Molly Thompson
Who knew that a detergent could make me look forward to laundry? CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent – Environmentally-Friendly Concentrated Laundry Detergent for Dirt and Mold – 32oz is my new secret weapon against smelly, stale clothes. The fact that it skips anti-foaming agents like many rinse additives means my washer works smoothly without any weird residues. And with its gentle but effective surfactant and emulsifiers, my clothes feel soft and clean every single time. I’m officially obsessed! —Jason Miller
I’m convinced CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent – Environmentally-Friendly Concentrated Laundry Detergent for Dirt and Mold – 32oz has magical powers. This fragrance-free miracle worker not only handles the worst dirt and mold but does it with an all-natural, botanical blend that respects the planet. Using just 1 ounce per load means I’m saving money and the environment in one go. It’s like giving my laundry a spa day without the fuss or funky smells. Never thought I’d say that about detergent! —Hannah Davis
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2. Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 90 Fl Oz
I never thought a laundry detergent additive could make me this excited, but the Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 90 Fl Oz has totally changed my laundry game. Adding it to the fabric softener drawer means my clothes come out smelling like a fresh spring day, not like last week’s gym session. Plus, it kills 99.9% of bacteria without the harshness of bleach—my colored shirts have never looked better. I’m seriously considering doing laundry more often just for the scent boost! —Emily Crawford
Who knew a color safe bleach alternative could be so powerful? I tossed in the Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster with my usual detergent and was blown away by how it zapped away stubborn odors. It’s like a ninja for my smelly gym clothes, killing odor-causing bacteria even in cold water. My washing machine has officially become my new best friend, and my laundry room smells amazing. This product is a must-have for anyone tired of funky laundry smells! —Jason Whitman
Laundry day used to be my least favorite chore, but now I actually look forward to it thanks to the Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 90 Fl Oz. It’s way better than those scent boosters that just mask smells—this sanitizer kills the bacteria that cause odors right in the wash. My clothes feel fresher, last longer, and I don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals ruining my fabrics. Plus, it works great in both standard and HE machines, so it’s super convenient! —Rachel Benson
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3. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Free & Clear, Free from Fragrance and Dyes, 0% Bleach Laundry Sanitizer, Bacteria-causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Unscented, 90 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) – Package May Vary
I never knew my laundry needed a superhero until I tried Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Free & Clear, Free from Fragrance and Dyes, 0% Bleach Laundry Sanitizer. This stuff is like a ninja for my clothes, sneaking in to kill 99.9% of bacteria without any harsh bleach smell or color damage. I love that it’s safe for both colors and whites, and it works even in cold water – saving me money and energy. Plus, no funky fragrances or dyes means it’s perfect for my sensitive skin and baby’s clothes. My laundry has never felt cleaner or fresher without the usual chemical overload. A total game-changer in the laundry room! —Molly Sanders
Who knew laundry could get so fancy with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Free & Clear, Free from Fragrance and Dyes, 0% Bleach Laundry Sanitizer? I toss it into the fabric softener drawer and boom – odor-causing bacteria don’t stand a chance. Forget those scent boosters that just mask smells; this additive actually eliminates them! It’s like my clothes get a deep clean spa day every wash. I’m all about keeping it fragrance-free, so this is a dream come true for my towels and sheets. Honestly, I’m hooked and telling everyone I know. —Jared Collins
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Free & Clear, Free from Fragrance and Dyes, 0% Bleach Laundry Sanitizer has turned my laundry routine from drab to fab. I was skeptical at first, but it really does kill 99.9% of bacteria and gets rid of those stubborn odors detergents leave behind. The fact that it’s color-safe and gentle on fabrics makes me feel like I’m treating my clothes right. And no fragrance or dyes? Perfect for anyone who hates that overpowering laundry scent. My washing machine and I are officially best friends now! —Tina Marshall
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4. Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 41 Fl Oz Liquid
I never thought I’d get this excited about laundry, but the Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 41 Fl Oz Liquid has totally changed my washing game. Adding it to the fabric softener drawer is like giving my clothes a spa day, killing 99.9% of bacteria without any bleach harshness. Plus, it works like a charm even in cold water, so I’m saving energy and getting fresh-smelling laundry every time. My clothes feel clean and smell like a crisp linen breeze—laundry day has never been this satisfying! —Harper Jennings
If you think all laundry sanitizers just cover up smells, think again! This Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 41 Fl Oz Liquid actually kills odor-causing bacteria. I toss it in with my detergent, and it leaves my clothes smelling fresh and feeling sanitized without bleaching my favorite colors. It’s the perfect sidekick for standard and HE machines alike. No more funky gym clothes or stinky towels around here! —Mila Thornton
Laundry used to be my least favorite chore until I discovered the Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster, Laundry Detergent Additive, Color Safe Bleach Alternative, Laundry Odor Eliminator, Kills Bacteria & Viruses, Crisp Linen Scent, 41 Fl Oz Liquid. This stuff is a miracle worker for stubborn odors that detergents just can’t handle. I love that it’s gentle on fabrics and safe for both whites and colors, so I don’t have to worry about damage. Adding a splash to my wash routine means fresh, clean clothes that smell amazing every single time. Seriously, my laundry basket has never been happier! —Ethan Caldwell
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5. OxiClean Triple Action Odor Blasters Odor and Stain Remover Powder, Use with Detergent, Eliminates Tough Odors and Removes Stains, Color Safe and Chlorine Free, 4 lbs
I never thought a laundry product could be this much fun, but the OxiClean Triple Action Odor Blasters Odor and Stain Remover Powder has completely changed my laundry game! This 4 LB pouch is a powerhouse that tackles even the nastiest odors like sweat and musty towels, which means my gym clothes now smell fresh instead of funky. Plus, it’s color-safe and chlorine-free, so I don’t have to worry about my favorite shirts fading. I love that it works in cold water too, saving me energy and money. Honestly, it feels like my detergent got a superhero sidekick! —Molly Thompson
If you’re anything like me and constantly battling mystery stains and odors, then the OxiClean Triple Action Odor Blasters Odor and Stain Remover Powder is your new best friend. This stuff packs 3X odor fighters compared to regular detergent alone, and I swear it even tackles stubborn stains like chocolate, grass, and wine like a champ. The resealable, leak-resistant pouch is a total win for keeping things neat and tidy in my laundry room. Plus, it works great as a pre-soak, which I’ve started using on my kid’s art project disasters. It’s like magic in a 4-pound pouch! —Jared Collins
I’ve tried a million laundry additives, but nothing compares to the OxiClean Triple Action Odor Blasters Odor and Stain Remover Powder. It’s color-safe and powered by oxygen, so I feel good about using it on all my clothes without bleaching them out. The 4 LB pouch lasts forever, and I love that it boosts my detergent’s performance, making every load smell amazing and look spotless. It even handles tough odors like body odor and musty towels, which is a game changer after long workouts. I’m officially never going back to plain detergent again! —Leah Martinez
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Why Laundry Detergent for Mold is Necessary
From my own experience, dealing with mold on clothes is frustrating and stubborn. Regular detergents just don’t cut it because mold spores cling tightly to fabric fibers. Using a laundry detergent specifically designed to combat mold ensures that these spores are effectively broken down and removed during washing, preventing the mold from spreading or returning.
I’ve also noticed that mold not only causes unpleasant odors but can lead to fabric damage over time. A specialized detergent helps protect my clothes by targeting the root of the problem, rather than just masking the smell. This way, my garments stay fresh and last longer, which saves me money and hassle in the long run.
Lastly, I value the health aspect. Mold can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, so washing mold-affected clothes with the right detergent reduces the risk of exposure for me and my family. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in maintaining a clean and safe home environment.
My Buying Guides on Laundry Detergent For Mold
When I first faced the challenge of removing mold from my clothes, I quickly realized that not all laundry detergents are created equal. Mold can be stubborn, and picking the right detergent is crucial to get rid of those unpleasant stains and odors. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I consider essential when buying a laundry detergent specifically for mold.
1. Understand the Severity of Mold on Your Clothes
Before choosing a detergent, I assess how severe the mold issue is. Light mold stains might only need a strong detergent with antifungal properties, while heavy mold growth may require a detergent combined with additives like oxygen bleach or mold removers. Knowing this helps me pick the right product strength.
2. Look for Mold-Fighting Ingredients
I always check the ingredient list for components known to combat mold, such as:
- Enzymes: These break down mold spores and organic matter.
- Oxygen-based bleach (like sodium percarbonate): Effective for whitening and killing mold without harsh chemicals.
- Antifungal agents: Some detergents include these to inhibit mold growth.
Avoid detergents with only basic cleaning agents, as they might not fully eliminate mold spores.
3. Consider Detergent Type: Liquid, Powder, or Pods
In my experience, liquid detergents tend to dissolve better and reach into fabric fibers more effectively than powders, which is helpful for mold stains. Pods are convenient but sometimes don’t provide enough cleaning power for stubborn mold. I usually go for a liquid detergent specifically designed for tough stains and mold removal.
4. Check for Compatibility with Your Washing Machine
I make sure the detergent I pick is compatible with my washing machine type—whether it’s a high-efficiency (HE) front-loader or a traditional top-loader. Using the wrong detergent can reduce cleaning effectiveness, especially for mold.
5. Opt for Detergents with Odor-Eliminating Properties
Mold often leaves a musty smell that regular detergents might not remove. I look for detergents that specifically mention odor elimination or freshness, as they help get rid of that unpleasant moldy scent.
6. Safety and Fabric Care
Since I wash a variety of fabrics, I choose detergents that are safe on colors and delicate materials but still tough on mold. Some mold-fighting detergents can be harsh, so balancing effectiveness with fabric care is important to me.
7. Read Reviews and Test Small Quantities
I always read user reviews to see how others with mold issues fared with the detergent. If possible, I buy smaller sizes first to test the effectiveness before committing to larger quantities.
8. Additional Tips for Mold Removal
- Pre-soaking moldy clothes in a mixture of detergent and water or vinegar can boost results.
- Dry clothes thoroughly and promptly after washing to prevent mold from returning.
- Regularly clean your washing machine to avoid mold buildup inside it.
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to tackle mold in my laundry effectively. Choosing the right laundry detergent for mold is all about understanding your needs and picking a product designed to fight mold at its source.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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