47 When a piece of clothing has a mould growing on it, whether it’s made of wool or linen, 48 or whether it’s something woven from wool or linen, or something made from leather, 49 if the growth is greenish or reddish in colour, then it’s something that can spread and it must be shown to the priest. 50 The priest must examine the growth, and quarantine the article for seven days. 51 On the seventh day, if the growth has spread on that piece of material or leather equipment, and it’s confirmed as spreadable and is ‘unclean’. 52 The owner must burn the piece of clothing or equipment that contains the infection because it’s contagious, so it must be completely burnt up.

53 However if the priest notices that the growth hasn’t spread on the clothing or on the woven or leather material, 54 then the priest must order that the material be washed and then quarantined for a further seven days. 55 On the seventh day, the priest must inspect that washed material, and if the growth hasn’t changed its appearance, even if it hasn’t spread, then it’s ‘unclean’ and must be burnt in the fire—it’s a mildew that’s on the front or back of the material. 56 However, if the priest notices that the growth has faded after being washed, then it can be torn out of the clothing or piece of leather or woven material. 57 If it then reappears on that clothing or material, then it’s breaking out, so then that article must be burnt in the fire. 58 On the other hand, if the growth vanished after being washed, then it must be washed a second time and then it will be ‘clean’.

59 The above are the regulations concerning any growth on a piece of woollen or linen clothing or fabric, or any leather article, to pronounce it ‘clean’ or ‘unclean’.