Question: How do I remove mildew stains from fabric?
How to remove mildew stains from laundry: Mildew is a live, growing organism that can attach to cellulosic - cotton, linen, ramie, rayon - and hair - silk, wool - fibers. Mildew eats the fibers, damaging and weakening the fabric.
Answer: To remove mildew, first shake or brush the item outdoors to prevent spreading the mildew inside your home. Pretreat the stains with a heavy-duty liquid detergent. Allow to work for at least 15 minutes. Then launder the fabric in the hottest water suitable for the material. Use chlorine bleach on white cottons to help restore whiteness.
Fabrics that are dry clean only should be brushed outdoors and taken to a professional dry cleaner. Be sure to tell the cleaner that mildew was present.
