Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500039
06/24/03
Preventing Mildew In Fabrics
Keep fabrics dry.
Never let clothing or other fabric articles lie around
damp. Dry soiled clothes before putting them into the
hamper. Wash out dishcloths and hang them to dry. Spread
out washcloths and damp towels. Stretch out wet shower
curtains. It is the wet curtain left bunched together or
sticking to the wall or tub that is most likely to mildew.
Sprinkle only as many articles as can be ironed in a
day. Shake out and dry those not ironed.
Dry washed garments and fabrics thoroughly and
quickly. Fabrics dried slowly may get sour and musty
smelling--a sign of mold growth.
Wash or dry-clean before storing, as soiled articles
are more likely to mildew than clean ones. Unless you
know that your laundry starch contains a mildew inhibitor,
do not leave starch in fabrics you are going to store;
molds feed on starch.
From time to time on warm, dry days, sun and air
the articles stored in closets. It pays to occasionally
inspect cotton, rayon, leather, and woolen clothing
stored in garment bags. A closed bag, dampness, and hot
summer weather make ideal growing conditions for molds.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA
bulletin, 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 .