How to Remove Mildew From Fabric
Mildew on fabric is not only ugly, but it can create health problems as well. So, it is important that your remove the mildew from the fabric as soon as you see it. If left unattended, this mildew can grow and destroy the fibers in the fabric and possible make you sick.
Supplies
- 1/4 lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 Tablespoon liquid detergent
- Water
- Basin/bucket
- Rubbing alcohol
- Brush
- Get a brush and brush the mold off the fabric outside to so the mildew does not spread inside.
- Obtain all the supplies you need to remove the mildew from your clothing. The items necessary are available at your favorite grocery store at minimal cost.
- Pretest the fabric before you start the project. Take the rubbing alcohol and pretest in an inconspicuous area such as around the hemline. The material should retain its color after the testing if it runs; you have to use another method to remove the mildew.
- Get an equal amount of water and buttermilk. Place the two ingredients in a basin or bucket, and mix together. Take the material and place it in the solution to soak overnight.
- Wash the material the next day either in your washing machine or hand wash with cold water and your favorite liquid detergent and rinse. This should eliminate all the mildew on the fabric. For white fabrics, use bleach when you wash to get the whites brighter.
- Remove overlooked spots that you did not notice prior to washing and drying. Get 1/4 cup of salt and combine the salt with 1/4 cup lemon juice and warm water to form a paste and rub gently on the spot. Leave the paste on the material for at least 30 minutes, and wash and dry as normal.
- Prevent mildew from forming on your fabric. Do this by making sure your clothing is cleaned before placing in your closet and the closet has sufficient ventilation. Clean clothing seldom gets mildew build up.
- Brush dry clean fabric and refer to your dry cleaner for treatment.