The Easy Way To Remove Mildew Stains From Your Clothes

If you leave damp clothes in the dirty laundry basket, on the floor, or in another poorly ventilated space for too long, you risk the fabric developing mildew. The combination of water, lack of airflow, and organic material debris on clothing or in places like the washing machine creates suitable conditions for mildew to grow, so make sure you know the best ways to prevent mold and mildew from building up in your washer. While mildew typically sits on the surface of fabrics, it can also create stains on your clothing that can be tough to remove without the right techniques. Mildew often appears powdery and is typically white or gray, but stains left behind can be darker in color. Once you have identified a mildew stain, you can use powdered oxygen bleach and water to remove it from fabrics of any color.

After brushing as much mildew off as you can outdoors, you can start the stain removal process. Combine the powdered oxygen bleach and lukewarm water according to your product's label, and submerge the fabric completely in the water. Then, leave the fabric to soak for a few hours. For mild stains, you may be able to remove the fabric after one hour. For severe stains, you can repeat the process with a freshly made solution or leave the fabric to soak overnight. Just be sure to check the fabric periodically to make sure it is not damaged by the solution. Once the stain is no longer visible, wash the garment as usual.

While you can use regular bleach on whites, powdered oxygen bleach works on all colors. It will not damage or ruin the color of your favorite items, but it still kills bacteria and brightens clothing. It is also safer for your skin and the environment. You should still avoid using it on delicate fabrics and items that are not washable, and it is a good idea to patch test if you are worried about a particular dye. For most items, though, oxygen bleach is an effective stain remover. Its ability to break down organic particles makes it particularly well-suited for removing mildew stains, which are organic. You can even tackle algae and mildew on vinyl siding with the laundry room staple, making it a multi-purpose product.

Although oxygen bleach is gentler than chlorine bleach, there are still some safety precautions to take. Powdered oxygen bleach can cause skin irritation and eye damage, so wear gloves and eye protection to stay safe from splashes, and wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or any food. You will also need to take care when working with mildew. Gloves and eyewear can help protect you from exposure and prevent any allergic reactions or other symptoms. With these safety measures and steps, you should be able to remove all pesky mildew stains on your clothing. Once the spores are killed and the stains removed, do not forget to get the mildew smell out of your laundry with these easy steps and allow the garment to dry thoroughly, ideally outdoors for maximum ventilation.