How to Remove Mildew from Fabric
Dissolve 2 cups (408 grams) of borax in 2 quarts (2 liters) of warm or hot water., Add your mildew-stained fabric into the solution and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes., Gently brush your normal detergent into the fabric., Wash on the highest...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Dissolve 2 cups (408 grams) of borax in 2 quarts (2 liters) of warm or hot water.
This method of removing mildew from fabric uses a borax soak to pre-treat your laundry before washing it.
To start, make a mixture of borax and water with a ratio of about 1 cup (204 grams) of borax per 1 quart (1 liter) of water, then add more borax and water if needed.
Use a clean bucket or tub to hold your mixture.
Borax is a cheap, readily available laundry additive.
You can find it in more grocery stores alongside the other laundry detergents.
If you can't find any borax, use an ordinary detergent or non-chlorine bleach that's safe for your fabric.
In general, hot water cleans stains (including mildew) better than cold water, making it a good, default choice for laundry.However, not all fabrics may be safe for hot water cleaning.
If your fabric can't be washed in hot water, allow the mixture to cool first.
Don't mix borax into cold water; it will most likely clump up. -
Step 2: Add your mildew-stained fabric into the solution and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a stick or spoon to agitate the fabric.
Make sure all of—not just the mildewed portion—gets a chance to absorb the solution.
If your fabric won't stay under the solution, you can weigh it down with a jar. , Once your fabric has had a chance to soak, remove it from the solution and gently squeeze it over a sink or drain to remove the excess water.
Next, apply a small dot of normal detergent to the mildew stain and use a soft-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush) to scrub the stain away.
It's a good idea to scrub the stain from the opposite side of the fabric when possible.
Doing this can work the stain away from the fabric, rather than driving the stain further into it.
It also reduces the appearance of wear-and-tear on the article. , Your fabric is now pre-treated and ready for the wash.
In general, hot water and a long, high-powered wash will be most effective at cleaning your fabric.
However, these conditions can damage some fabrics, so obey all instructions on your item's care label.
Unless your item is seriously soiled, you can safely do an entire load of laundry at this point without fear of harming the other clothes, so don't be afraid to toss in similar fabrics with your soiled item.
For whites, you may add bleach to the wash.
For colored fabrics, use only colorfast bleaches or similar detergents that won't cause them to bleed. , When your wash is done, hang the clothes up on a clothesline to dry.
Don't put them into a dryer, as heat will set in the stains—including mildew.
Once the clothes are dry, inspect them; if you notice any mildew, repeat the cleaning process.
Try to dry your clothes in the sun.
This will help further kill any mildew.
If you must use a clothes dryer, use the no-heat setting. -
Step 3: Gently brush your normal detergent into the fabric.
-
Step 4: Wash on the highest setting allowed for your fabric.
-
Step 5: Air-dry the item
-
Step 6: and repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
Detailed Guide
This method of removing mildew from fabric uses a borax soak to pre-treat your laundry before washing it.
To start, make a mixture of borax and water with a ratio of about 1 cup (204 grams) of borax per 1 quart (1 liter) of water, then add more borax and water if needed.
Use a clean bucket or tub to hold your mixture.
Borax is a cheap, readily available laundry additive.
You can find it in more grocery stores alongside the other laundry detergents.
If you can't find any borax, use an ordinary detergent or non-chlorine bleach that's safe for your fabric.
In general, hot water cleans stains (including mildew) better than cold water, making it a good, default choice for laundry.However, not all fabrics may be safe for hot water cleaning.
If your fabric can't be washed in hot water, allow the mixture to cool first.
Don't mix borax into cold water; it will most likely clump up.
Use a stick or spoon to agitate the fabric.
Make sure all of—not just the mildewed portion—gets a chance to absorb the solution.
If your fabric won't stay under the solution, you can weigh it down with a jar. , Once your fabric has had a chance to soak, remove it from the solution and gently squeeze it over a sink or drain to remove the excess water.
Next, apply a small dot of normal detergent to the mildew stain and use a soft-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush) to scrub the stain away.
It's a good idea to scrub the stain from the opposite side of the fabric when possible.
Doing this can work the stain away from the fabric, rather than driving the stain further into it.
It also reduces the appearance of wear-and-tear on the article. , Your fabric is now pre-treated and ready for the wash.
In general, hot water and a long, high-powered wash will be most effective at cleaning your fabric.
However, these conditions can damage some fabrics, so obey all instructions on your item's care label.
Unless your item is seriously soiled, you can safely do an entire load of laundry at this point without fear of harming the other clothes, so don't be afraid to toss in similar fabrics with your soiled item.
For whites, you may add bleach to the wash.
For colored fabrics, use only colorfast bleaches or similar detergents that won't cause them to bleed. , When your wash is done, hang the clothes up on a clothesline to dry.
Don't put them into a dryer, as heat will set in the stains—including mildew.
Once the clothes are dry, inspect them; if you notice any mildew, repeat the cleaning process.
Try to dry your clothes in the sun.
This will help further kill any mildew.
If you must use a clothes dryer, use the no-heat setting.
About the Author
Joshua Kim
Writer and educator with a focus on practical cooking knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: