How to Remove Mold & Mildew Stains With OxiClean?

Updated on 17-Feb-2025

Oxiclean Mold & Mildew Stain Removal

Discovering unsightly mold or mildew stains in your bathroom, on your favorite clothes, or even on outdoor furniture is a common and frustrating experience.

These stains are not only an eyesore but can also indicate underlying moisture issues that might affect your health and the integrity of your belongings.

If you’re looking for an effective and readily available solution, OxiClean might be the answer. 

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to effectively removing those stubborn mold and mildew stains using OxiClean, helping you restore the cleanliness and appearance of your home and belongings.

Understanding Mold and Mildew

Before tackling those unsightly stains, it’s helpful to understand what exactly mold and mildew are.

• Mold: Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments. It can appear in various colors, including black, green, and brown, and often has a fuzzy or slimy texture. Some types of mold, like black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), can pose health concerns.

• Mildew: Mildew is another type of fungus that also thrives in damp environments, but it’s generally less invasive than mold. It typically appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on surfaces.

• The Difference: The key difference lies in their invasiveness. Mildew grows on the surface and is easier to remove, while mold can penetrate deeper into materials, making it more difficult to eliminate completely.

What is OxiClean and How Does It Work?

OxiClean is a popular household cleaning product known for its powerful stain-removing capabilities.

The key to OxiClean’s effectiveness lies in its active ingredient: sodium percarbonate.

• Sodium Percarbonate: When sodium percarbonate comes into contact with water, it decomposes and releases oxygen. This process creates a powerful oxygen bleach that helps to lift stains and dirt from surfaces.

• Oxygen Bleach Action: Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is color-safe and gentler on fabrics. It works by oxidizing the organic compounds that cause stains, breaking them down into smaller, less visible particles.

General Safety: While OxiClean is generally considered safer than chlorine bleach, it’s still important to follow basic safety guidelines, such as avoiding contact with eyes and skin, and keeping it out of reach of children.

Safety Precautions When Using OxiClean

 Before you start tackling those mold and mildew stains with OxiClean, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some essential precautions to keep in mind:

• Protective Gear: Always wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation. Eye protection, such as goggles, is also recommended to prevent accidental splashes from getting into your eyes.

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the area you’re cleaning. Open windows and doors, or use a fan to circulate air, especially when working in enclosed spaces.

• Skin Contact: If OxiClean comes into contact with your skin, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.

• Mixing with Other Cleaners: Never mix OxiClean with chlorine bleach or other cleaning chemicals. This can create hazardous and potentially toxic fumes

How to Remove Mold and Mildew Stains from Bathroom Surfaces (Tiles, Grout)

Is mold and mildew making your bathroom tiles and grout look dingy?

Bathrooms are often hotspots for mold and mildew growth due to their consistently high humidity.

Over time, these fungi can leave unsightly stains on tiles and, particularly, grout.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively remove those stains using OxiClean:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover (powder form works best), warm water, a spray bottle or bucket, a scrub brush (an old toothbrush is great for grout), clean cloths, gloves, and eye protection.

2. Mix the Solution: In your spray bottle (or bucket), mix 1-2 scoops of OxiClean powder with 2 cups (16 ounces) of warm water. Stir until the powder dissolves completely. The solution should be clear.

3. Apply to Stained Areas: Generously spray the OxiClean solution onto the moldy or mildewed tiles. For grout, apply the solution directly using a small brush, making sure the grout lines are fully wet.

4. Let It Sit (Dwell Time): This is important! Let the OxiClean solution sit on the stains for 10-30 minutes. The longer it sits (within that range), the better it will work. Don’t let it dry out completely.

5. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub: Use your scrub brush to scrub the tiles and grout. You should see the stains lifting away. For grout, scrub back and forth to really get into the crevices.

6. Rinse Well: Rinse the tiles and grout thoroughly with clean, warm water. Make sure to remove all traces of the OxiClean solution.

7. Dry and Ventilate: Wipe down the tiles with a clean cloth. Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan to help the area dry completely. This prevents mold from coming back.

Important Notes:

• • Test First: Before applying OxiClean to a large area, test it on a small, hidden spot to make sure it doesn’t damage the tile or grout.

  • Stubborn Stains: For really tough stains, you might need to repeat the process or use a stronger OxiClean solution.

  • Don’t Mix: Never mix OxiClean with bleach or other cleaning products!”

How to Remove Mold and Mildew Stains from Fabrics (Clothing, Shower Curtains)

Got mold on your clothes or shower curtain? Don’t worry, OxiClean can often help! Here’s how to tackle those fabric stains:

1. Soaking is Best (for most washable fabrics):

   • Fill a sink or tub with warm (not hot!) water.

   • Add OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover. Check the package for the right amount – it depends on how much water you’re using.

   • Put the stained fabric in the water, making sure it’s completely covered.

   • Let it soak for 1-6 hours. For really bad stains, you can soak it overnight, but check it every few hours to make sure the fabric isn’t being damaged.

2. Washing Machine Power (for clothes and machine-washable curtains):

   • Add OxiClean along with your regular laundry detergent. Follow the OxiClean package for the right amount.

   • Wash on the warmest water setting that’s safe for the fabric. Check the care label on the item!

3. Spot Treatment for Small Stains (or delicate items):

   • Mix a tiny bit of OxiClean powder with a few drops of water to make a thick paste.

   • Gently rub the paste onto the stain.

   • Let it sit for no more than 5-10 minutes.

   • Rinse very carefully with cool water.

4. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! No matter which method you use, make absolutely sure you rinse the fabric really well to remove all the OxiClean.

5. Drying Smart:

   • Air drying is the safest option.

   • If you must use a dryer, check the item before you put it in. If the stain is still there, air dry it – the dryer can make the stain permanent!

Important Reminders:

• Always check the fabric care label!

• Test a hidden area first, especially with delicate fabrics or bright colors.

• Don’t use OxiClean on wool, silk, or leather.“

How to Remove Mold and Mildew Stains from Outdoor Surfaces (Furniture, Siding)

Is mold or mildew making your outdoor furniture , carpet or siding look grimy?

OxiClean can often help bring them back to life! Here’s how:

1. Prep the Surface – Get Rid of the Big Stuff First! Use a broom, brush, or even a hose to remove any loose dirt, leaves, cobwebs, or other debris from the furniture or siding. You want the OxiClean to focus on the stains, not on cleaning up general mess.

2. Mix the Cleaning Power – Follow the Directions Carefully! In a bucket, mix OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with warm water. This is important: read the OxiClean package carefully! The amount of OxiClean you need depends on how much water you’re using, and it’s easy to use too much or too little.

3. Apply the Solution – Choose the Right Tool:

   • For Furniture: Use a sponge, brush, or even a cloth to apply the OxiClean solution generously to the stained areas. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.

   • For Siding: A garden sprayer is usually the easiest way to apply the solution to siding. If you don’t have a sprayer, you can use a large brush with a long handle.

4. Let it Work its Magic – Give it Time to Soak! Let the OxiClean solution sit on the stained surfaces for 10-20 minutes. Don’t let it dry completely – if it starts to dry, lightly mist it with more solution.

5. Scrub Away the Grime – Elbow Grease Time! Use a brush or sponge to scrub the stained areas. You should see the mold and mildew stains starting to lift away. For siding, you might need a long-handled brush to reach higher areas.

6. Rinse it Clean – Get Rid of the Residue! Rinse the furniture or siding thoroughly with clean water. A garden hose works well for this. Make sure you remove all traces of the OxiClean solution.

7. Dry it Out – Prevent Future Growth! Let the furniture or siding air dry completely. Sunshine can also help to kill any remaining mold or mildew spores.

Important Things to Remember:

• Test in a Hidden Spot First! Before cleaning your entire patio set or the whole side of your house, test the OxiClean solution on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t damage the material.

• Protect Your Plants! OxiClean can harm plants, so cover any nearby plants before you start cleaning.

• Wear Protective Gear! Gloves and eye protection are a must when working with OxiClean, especially on a large surface like siding.

OxiClean vs. Other Mold and Mildew Removal Methods

OxiClean is a great option for removing mold and mildew stains, but it’s not the only option. Here’s how it stacks up against some other common methods:

• OxiClean vs. Bleach:

  • Effectiveness: Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and can kill mold and mildew, but it can also damage some surfaces and fabrics. OxiClean is generally gentler and color-safe.

  • Safety: Bleach can release harsh fumes and is corrosive, requiring careful handling. OxiClean is less harsh, but still requires precautions.

  • Verdict: Bleach is good for heavy-duty cleaning and disinfecting (when used carefully), but OxiClean is often a better choice for stain removal and general cleaning, especially on delicate surfaces or fabrics.

• OxiClean vs. Vinegar:

  • Effectiveness: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can kill some types of mold and mildew. It’s less effective on stains than OxiClean.

  • Safety: Vinegar is a safe and natural option, but its acidic nature can damage some surfaces.

  • Verdict: Vinegar is a good choice for light cleaning and maintenance, but OxiClean is more effective for removing stubborn stains.

• OxiClean vs. Baking Soda:

  • Effectiveness: Baking soda is a mild abrasive and can help to scrub away mold and mildew. It’s also a good deodorizer. It’s not as powerful as OxiClean for stain removal.

  • Safety: Baking soda is very safe and gentle.

  • Verdict: Baking soda is a good choice for light cleaning and deodorizing, but OxiClean is more effective for removing stains.

• OxiClean vs. Borax:
  * Effectiveness: Borax is a natural mineral and cleaning agent that’s known for its stain-removing and disinfecting capabilities.
  * Safety: Borax can be an irritant to the skin and eyes, so you should always wear gloves when using it.
  * Verdict: Borax and OxiClean have similar cleaning capabilities, but Borax isn’t the best at whitening.

Important Considerations:

• No single method is perfect for every situation.

• Always test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area first.

• Consider the type of surface you’re cleaning and the severity of the stain when choosing a cleaning method.

When to Call a Mold removal Professional ?

“While OxiClean can be a powerful tool for tackling mold and mildew stains, there are situations where it’s best to call in a Toronto mold removal professional. Here are some signs that you might need expert help:

• Large or Widespread Mold Growth: If the mold covers a large area (more than 10 square feet) or is spread throughout your home, it’s best to consult a professional mold remediation service.

• Persistent or Recurring Mold: If you’ve tried cleaning the mold yourself, but it keeps coming back, there may be an underlying moisture problem that needs to be addressed. Professionals can identify and fix the source of the moisture.

• Health Concerns: If you or anyone in your family is experiencing health problems that you suspect may be related to toxic mold exposure (such as allergies, respiratory problems, or skin irritation), consult a doctor and consider having your home inspected for mold.

• Hidden Mold: If you suspect that there may be mold growing in hidden areas, such as behind walls or under floors, it’s best to call a professional to investigate.

• You’re Not Comfortable Doing It Yourself: Dealing with mold can be unpleasant and even dangerous, especially for people with allergies or respiratory problems. If you’re not comfortable cleaning the mold yourself, there’s no shame in calling a professional.”