Removing Mildew Stains

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

1.Removal from clothing and household fabrics

Remove mildew spots as soon as you discover them. Don't give 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 mildew spots remain, treat washable articles as described below. Dry clean non-washable articles.

Washable articles: Pretreat stains with prewash stain treatment or liquid laundry detergent. Launder in the hottest water appropriate for the fabric. Use chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric. If stain remains, sponge with hydrogen peroxide (available at drug stores). Rinse and launder.

2.Upholstered articles, mattresses, and rugs:

Remove loose mold from outer coverings of upholstered articles, mattresses, rugs and carpets by brushing with a broom in the outdoors to prevent scattering mildew spores in the house. If surface is vacuumed, remove and dispose of the bag to avoid scattering mold spores in the house.

Dry articles by using an electric heater and fan to carry away moist air. Sun and air articles to stop mold growth.

If mildew remains, sponge surface lightly with thick suds of soap or detergent and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Get as little water on the fabric as possible. Another way to remove mildew on upholstered furniture is to wipe it with a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol (1 cup denatured or rubbing alcohol to 1 cup water. Dry article thoroughly.

Mildewed carpets and rugs should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Dry in sun if possible. Contact commercial cleaning company for extreme cases. If mold has grown into the inner part of an article, contact commercial cleaner. The item may not be cleanable and will have to be disposed of.

3.Removal from painted walls

Scrub with a solution of trisodium phosphate, as a disinfectant, or a solution of ½ cup bleach and ½ cup mild detergent in a gallon of warm water. Dry thoroughly. Remove mildew thoroughly before repainting. Check with local hardware store. Some mildew resistant paints are available to use in areas prone to mildew.

4.Removal from woodwork and other woods

Dry wood with heat and ventilation. Wipe off mildew. Scrub with a solution of washing soda, trisodium phosphate or cleaner such as Spic and Span. Dry thoroughly. Test on an inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours.

5.Removal from basement

Scrub basement walls and floors with a disinfectant solution made with products like pine oil, Pinesol or Lysol or use a solution of chlorine bleach and water. Dry with heat and or ventilation.

6.Removal from shower curtains

Launder shower curtain on a gentle washer cycle. Add one to two white or light colored bath towels to the load and one cup chlorine bleach to the laundry water. Launder as usual. To counteract the action of the bleach, add one cup vinegar to the rinse water.

The information provided is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names do not constitute an endorsement by the University of Georgia and do not imply discrimination against other similar products.

Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-820 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.