5 Best Laundry Detergent That Kills Fungus (2025)

Common fungi like mold, mildew, and yeast can thrive on damp fabrics, compromising our health and the cleanliness of our garments. 

Fungal infections not only affect the appearance and smell of clothes but can also cause allergies, skin irritations, and respiratory issues, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or compromised immune systems.

The problem with fungus on clothes is that they may not be completely removed from your clothes even when machine-washed and may be transferred to other clothes.

That is why it’s crucial to use a laundry detergent that kills fungus.

Here are the top 5 laundry detergents that can effectively kill fungus:

What Laundry Detergent Kills Fungus?

1.

Tide Heavy 10x Duty Power Pods are a powerful and effective laundry detergent solution designed to tackle tough stains, odors, and yes, even fungi. These innovative laundry pods are formulated with advanced cleaning agents and active ingredients that not only remove dirt and grime but also kill fungus, mold, and mildew lurking in your clothes.

They contain powerful antifungal agents that penetrate deep into the fabric fibers, effectively eradicating fungus and preventing its growth.

Dimensions(L x W x H) ‏: ‎10.98 x 9.06 x 4.72 inches
Weight: 5.47 Pounds

2.

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, a powerful solution that goes beyond regular detergents to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. This EPA-registered sanitizer is formulated to effectively eliminate harmful microbes, but it also targets odor-causing bacteria that can cling to clothes and fabrics. Say goodbye to unpleasant smells as this sanitizer effectively removes odor-causing bacteria from various items such as bedding, towels, children’s clothes, baby’s clothes, underwear, gym clothes, and even pet beds.

This sanitizer additive contains 0% bleach, making it gentle on fabrics. You can trust its compatibility with most fabrics, including whites and colors.

Using Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is effortless. Simply add it to the fabric softener compartment or during the rinse cycle in your standard or HE machines to effectively sanitize your laundry and eliminate odor-causing bacteria. It’s a convenient and reliable solution for maintaining hygienic and fresh-smelling clothes.

Dimensions(L x W x H) ‏: ‎4.16 x 7.5 x 11.31 inches
Weight: 5.63 Pounds

3.

Tide Plus Bleach Powder Laundry Detergent is a powerful detergent that brightens whites and colors while effectively removing stains. It achieves this without the need for chlorine bleach, thanks to its active enzyme formula. The detergent reduces the presence of chlorine in water, which helps preserve the vibrancy of colors. Additionally, the active enzymes in Tide Plus Bleach work to eliminate fungus, providing a thorough clean and preventing fungal growth on garments.

Dimensions(L x W x H) ‏: ‎11.4 x 6.6 x 11 inches
Weight: 9 Pounds

4.

This all-purpose smart value detergent provides an extraordinary clean that leaves your clothes smelling fresh and revitalized.

Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent features a concentrated formula, delivering twice the cleaning power in every drop compared to our standard Purex liquid detergent. With its impressive cleaning capabilities, you only need to use half the amount to effectively remove ground-in dirt and stubborn stains.

Packed in an 82.5-ounce bottle, this Purex 2X Concentrated liquid laundry detergent provides enough detergent for approximately 110 loads. It offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for your laundry needs.

When it comes to combatting fungal infections, Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent’s powerful cleaning action helps eliminate fungal spores that may be present in your laundry. Removing ground-in dirt and stains, it provides a hygienic and fungus-free clean for your clothes.

Dimensions(L x W x H) ‏: ‎7.5 x 4.14 x 11.37 inches
Weight: 5.16 Pounds

5.

Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent is a premium laundry detergent powder designed to wash off tough stains and odors from your activewear. It is formulated with plant-powered ingredients, making it safe for all types of fabric, including delicate clothes and sensitive skin. This all-natural detergent is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and free from harsh chemicals such as bleach, dyes, parabens, phosphates, and artificial fragrances. It utilizes plant-based enzymes to effectively clean and eliminate fungi that may be present in your activewear.

Dimensions(L x W x H) ‏: ‎10.06 x 6.81 x 2.49 inches
Weight: 0.88 Ounces

What will kill fungus in laundry?

Several laundry additives and practices can effectively kill fungi in your laundry.

Here are some options:

1. Hot Water: Washing clothes in hot water (at least 140°F/60°C) can help kill fungus and eliminate fungal spores present on fabrics. Be sure to check the garment care instructions to ensure that hot water is suitable for the fabric.
2. Laundry Detergents with Antifungal Properties: Use laundry detergents that specifically mention antifungal properties such as the ones in this article. These detergents are designed to kill fungus and prevent its growth on fabrics.
3. Vinegar: Adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help eliminate fungus and prevent its growth. Vinegar has antifungal properties and can effectively kill fungi on fabrics.
4. Borax: Borax is a natural laundry booster that can kill fungus and inhibit its growth. Add half a cup of borax to your laundry load along with your regular detergent.
5. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal properties. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your laundry can help kill fungus and prevent its recurrence. However, be cautious when using tea tree oil on certain fabrics, as it may cause staining or discoloration.
6. Fungal Laundry Additives: Some specialized laundry additives are specifically formulated to kill fungus and eliminate fungal spores from laundry.

Does alcohol kill fungus on clothes?

Yes, alcohol can be effective in killing fungus on clothes. Alcohol, particularly isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol), has antifungal properties and can help eliminate fungi on fabric surfaces.

To use alcohol for eliminating fungus on clothes, follow these steps:

1. Dilute the alcohol: Mix the rubbing alcohol with water to create a diluted solution. A commonly recommended ratio is 1 part rubbing alcohol to 1 part water, but this may vary depending on the specific concentration of the rubbing alcohol being used.
2. Test in an inconspicuous area: Before applying the alcohol solution to the entire garment, perform a spot test in a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to check for any adverse reactions or color fading.
3. Apply the solution: Using a clean cloth or sponge, gently dab the diluted alcohol solution onto the affected areas of the fabric where the fungus is present. Make sure to saturate the fabric thoroughly but avoid soaking it.
4. Let it dry: Allow the alcohol solution to air dry on the fabric. Avoid rinsing the fabric unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer or if the alcohol concentration is very high.

It’s important to note that alcohol may not be suitable for all types of fabrics or colors. Some delicate fabrics or colors may be sensitive to alcohol and may experience color fading or damage. It’s always recommended to check the care instructions of the garment and perform a spot test before applying alcohol to the entire fabric.

How long can fungus live on clothes?

The lifespan of fungus on clothes can vary depending on various factors, including the specific type of fungus, environmental conditions, and the fabric’s moisture level. Generally, fungal spores can survive on clothing surfaces for extended periods, ranging from 12 to 20 months.

Fungi thrive in damp and humid environments, making moist fabrics more susceptible to fungal growth. If clothes are stored in a dark and humid area or left damp for an extended period, it creates an ideal environment for fungi to survive and multiply.

To prevent fungal growth on clothes and minimize the risk of infection, it is recommended to maintain proper laundry hygiene practices. This includes ensuring clothes are thoroughly dried before storing them, washing them regularly using appropriate detergents, and storing them in well-ventilated areas to prevent moisture buildup.

References:

• Mold prevention on clothes
• Understanding fungus

Related Articles:

• Can You Use HE Detergent In A Regular Washer? (Important Facts)
• Does Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach Clothes? (Important Things You Need To Know )
• 13 Amazing Fabric Softener Alternatives That You Must Know
• Do Gas Stations Sell Laundry Detergent? (Find Out Here)
• Can You Mix Hydrogen Peroxide And Laundry Detergent? (Important Notes)