Mold on Bibs

The last thing you want to discover is black spots on your bibs. And finding out these spots are mold is devastating.

Cause

Mould is a fungal growth that forms and spreads through damp and decaying organic matter. It grows where there’s lots of moisture. This, combined with the lack of airflow and high humidity is the perfect breeding ground for mold. An example is a wet bib covered in saliva placed in a laundry basket. Or a bib that hasn’t been dried and stored properly.

Why is mold bad for babies?

According to moldblogger, it can be harmful to babies and can cause;

• Lung Issues
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Rashes

We recommend seeing a doctor if you have any concerns about your baby’s health.

Preventing mould on bibs

The best way to prevent mould from forming on bibs is to wash them daily. Once cleaned they should be dried straight away. Cotton bibs that are dried slowly or not at all increase the chance of mold growing on them. See our instructions for more care and maintenance tips.

What should I do if my bib has spots?

If they have black spots we recommend throwing them out. The safety of your baby should be your top priority.

If you are determined to keep the bib you can try to remove the mold. This should be done as soon as it’s discovered. The longer you wait the harder it will be to remove.

How to remove mould on fabric bibs

If you decide to try and remove it, Persil offers these suggestions;

• White Distilled Vinegar – Dilute and work directly into the stain. Or pre-soak in a bucket of water with one cup of vinegar.
• Bleach -This is great at killing mould but also fades colours. And can only be used on certain materials. It’s not the safest of chemicals to use either.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – You can create a solution of hydrogen peroxide. But this can only be used on organic fabrics.
• Household Soap – Use household soap by rinsing and rubbing into the fabric. Wash, then dry the bib in the sun.
• Borax – Also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. This is a multi-purpose cleaner. And it has antifungal properties. This can be found in most supermarket chains throughout Australia.

We hope this article has helped with any issues you may have with mould. Please see these posts for more resources about bibs.

This article was updated in September 2024 to include our products.

Designer Profile – This article was written by Luisa Figueroa — I am the owner, designer, and maker of the My Little Love Heart range of bibs and accessories.