Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500333
06/24/03
Removing Mildew in Fabrics
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.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .