How to Clean Mold and Mildew from Fabric

All of us at one time or another may have left a damp towel or an article of clothing too long in the clothes hamper waiting to be washed.  Unfortunately, left behind too long mold and mildew will grow and can create unsightly stains and odor.  Here at Clean It Guide, we would like to show you how to use these stain removal techniques to help renew your fabrics and stop mold in its tracks.

Washable Fabric

• Brush off as much mold and mildew as possible using a dry scrub brush. Do this outdoors if possible to avoid spreading mold spores.
• Fill an empty spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. If there is a visible stain, spray and saturate the moldy fabric with the vinegar solution and allow to stand for five minutes.
• On the smallest load setting, fill the washing machine with the hottest water allowed for the fabric. Adding one cup of vinegar to the water, let fabric soak for no less than two hours. Add laundry detergent and wash fabric as usual.
• After washing cycle has finished, inspect for any traces of mold or mildew. Then allow the fabric to dry in the sun. Heat from the clothes dryer may make spots harder to remove.
• If stain and odor persists, pour lemon juice onto the stain, sprinkle with table salt and rub it in with fingers. Lay the fabric in the sun to dry.
• Rinse thoroughly with water and wash fabric as usual in the hottest water allowed for the fabric.

Spots on dry-clean materials that cannot be washed should be pointed out to your local cleaners.

Extending the life of your fabric

Mildew is a fact of life, however, you don’t have to suffer from this problem. Mold and mildew stains can pop up just about anywhere.  Whether you decide to choose a homemade remedy or a commercial mildew remover for fabric, cleaning mold and mildew stains gives your fabric renewed life.