How to Remove Mildew from Clothing
Wet clothing can accumulate mildew on them. Not only is the mildew harmful but it also smells bad. The mildew can stay on the clothing and make the fibers in the item fragile and weak. It can also rot the clothing item. The mildew should be removed as soon as it is recognized.
Materials Needed
- Mask
- Protective clothing
- Clothesline
- Clothespins
- Detergent
- Mildew is one type of mold, which can be harmful to people that come in contact with it. Place a mask over your nose when handling the item. You should also protect your skin because mildew can also cause skin infections.
- Remove the item to the outdoors and shake the clothing item. This will cause the mold spores to float in the air so use care around it. You also want to avoid shaking the item inside because the mold spores can get on other objects in the home. This can cause the mildew to spread and create a harmful environment.
- Hang the item up on a clothesline with clothespins to allow the item to dry in the sunlight. The rays from the sun are good for killing mold and mildew.
- Fill a sink or bathtub with cold water. Soak the item in the cold water. This will pretreat any stains on the clothing item as well as the stains left by the mildew.
- Wash the item in the washing machine with detergent. Make sure the setting is set to hot wash. This will remove any mildew that was missed.
- Once the item has been washed, shake it out to remove the wrinkles. Hang the item out in the sun to completely dry.