Mold is a fungus that is often produced on various fabrics and materials as a result of humid and damp conditions. The mold develops into mildew over time and may appear as a blackish or whitish color with or without an odor. Mold and mildew often form in the bottom of gym bags due to the humid, dark and sometimes wet conditions of outdoor fields and gym locker rooms. Use a few common household items to remove mold and mildew stains from the fabric of gym bags.
Pour 2 tbsp. of liquid detergent into a bucket of warm water.
Dip a wash cloth into the detergent. Ring out any excess water. Wipe away the mold in the bag with the cloth.
Mix 2 tbsp. of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 quart warm water in a bucket. Make sure you are wearing plastic gloves when handling bleach.
Dip a sponge into the bleach solution. Apply the bleach to the mold stain and allow it to sit for five to 15 minutes.
Rinse the fabric with water to remove all bleach and allow the bag to dry in an open-air environment such as outside.
Tips
Test a small area of the gym bag fabric with the chlorine bleach solution to ensure no damage is done to the color or surface of the fabric.
Warning
Chlorine bleach should never be used on fabrics such as wool, spandex or silk. The bleach will ruin the material. Use a simple mixture of liquid detergent and water and reapply until the mold is completely removed.
Check the label of your gym bag for special care and wash instructions. When in doubt, take your gym bag to a dry cleaner for cleaning.
