Mildew Stains (1411)

Warm, damp weather often means mildew stains on fabrics. To remove a mildew stain, brush off any surface growth outdoors to prevent scattering the mildew spores in your house. Air fabrics thoroughly and hang them in the sun. Launder garments with powder or liquid detergent. Rinse well and dry in the sun. If the stain remains, soak 10 to 15 minutes in a solution of ¼ cup chlorine bleach and ¾ cup water (if safe for your fabric) or bleach with an oxygen-type bleach. Rinse and launder.

Dry-clean non-washable articles.

Clean clothing is less likely to mildew than soiled clothing. When mildew starts to grow on fabrics, it interlaces around the yarns and eventually grows into individual fibers. It looks like dark, irregularly shaped stains. The fabric takes on a musty odor; as it grows, the fibers eventually deteriorate and rot.

Try to remove the stain as quickly as possible. The longer it sets, the harder it is to remove.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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