| Removing Mildew in Fabrics Information |
Remove mildew spots as soon as you discover them. Do not give the mold growth a chance to weaken or rot the material. Brush off any surface growth outdoors to prevent scattering the mildew spores in the house. Sun and air fabrics thoroughly. If any mildew spots remain, treat washable articles as described below. Dry-clean non-washable articles.
Wash mildew-stained articles at once with detergent and water. Rinse well and dry in the sun. If any stain remains, use lemon juice and salt or another bleach. If you use a bleach, be sure to first test colored fabrics for colorfastness.
Lemon juice and salt -Moisten stain with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Spread in the sun to bleach. Rinse thoroughly.
Peroxygen bleach -Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium perborate or a powdered bleach containing sodium perborate or potassium monopersulfate with 1 pint of water. Use hot water if it is safe for the fabric; otherwise use lukewarm water. Sponge the stain or soak the stained area in the solution, or sprinkle the dry powder directly on the dampened stain. Let solution or powder remain on the stain 30 minutes or longer, then rinse thoroughly.
If mildew stains have been on the fabric for some time, it may be necessary to soak the fabric in the bleach solution overnight. Applying sodium perborate solution at or near the boiling point may remove stubborn stains. First be sure this treatment is safe for the fabric.
Chlorine bleach -Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 quart of warm water. Sponge the stain or soak the stained area in the solution from 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse. An additional soaking in weak vinegar (2 tablespoons to a cup of water) will stop further bleach action. Never use a chlorine bleach on silk, wool, or Spandex fabrics. Some fabrics with wash-and-wear or other special finishes may be damaged by chlorine bleaches. Articles with such finishes usually have a warning on the label attached to the garment when it is sold.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA bulletin, How to Prevent and Remove Mildew.
MSU 2003
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