Removing Mold
Believe it or not you may not find me dumpster diving back in Sun City, but in Finland you will! I found a nearly brand new stroller in the dump! Only thing is...it was totally moldy! I still had hope for it so I used the following on the shade and seat cover:
Regular detergent...didn't work
Chinese laundry soap (Hand washed)...didn't work
Regular detergent with bleach at rinse cycle...didn't work
Soaked in buttermilk and washed in machine...didn't work
NOW...I am going to hand scrub this puppy in gall soap! That's right, straight from a pigs gall bladder made into soap! My mommy-friends said it works great on poopy stains. We'll see. Since it is colored fabric, I read that a lemon and salt solution may help. Otherwise I may just wash it in bleach!
We'll see if it works! Any other great ideas?
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Answer - Chosen by Asker
Depending on what First, remove loose mold from outer coverings of upholstered articles, mattresses, rugs and carpets by brushing with a broom or stiff brush. Do this outdoors if possible to prevent scattering mildew spores in the house. Next, run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of the article to draw out more of the mold. Remember the mold spores are being drawn into the bag of the vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum cleaner has a disposable bag, remove and dispose of it immediately. If not, empty the bag carefully (preferably outdoors) to avoid scattering mold spores in the house. Do everything conveniently possible to dry, sun and air the article to stop the mold growth. If mildew remains on upholstered articles or mattresses, sponge lightly with thick suds of soap or detergent, and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. In doing this , get as little water on the fabric as possible so the filling does not get wet. Another way to remove mildew on upholstered furniture is to wipe it with a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol. Dry the article thoroughly. Sponge mildewed rugs and carpets with thick suds or a rug shampoo, then remove the suds by wiping with a cloth dampened with clear water. Dry in the sun, if possible. If molds have grown into the inner part of the article, send it to a reliable disinfecting and fumigating service. Such services are listed under "Exterminating and Fumigating" or "Pest Control" in the yellow pages of your telephone book.
Mildew is mold - a living organism that thrives in warm, humid environments. If your clothes become mildewy, your best bet is to act right away. The longer it stays on the fabric, the more time mildew has to weaken or even rot your clothes.
Steps:
1. Take the mildewy clothing outside and brush off any loose mold growth. (You don't want those spores floating around your house.)
2. Leave fabric in the sun to dry out - heat and sun kill mildew.
3. Presoak remaining stains in cold water, then wash in hot water with detergent. Allow to dry in the sun.
4. If stains still persist, sponge the area with diluted chlorine bleach (use 2 tbsp. bleach to 1 qt. water). After about 10 minutes, rinse.
5. Launder as usual, rinse and allow to dry in the sun.
Tips:
Take nonwashable clothing to the drycleaner and identify the stain.
And just to warn you:
Chlorine bleach will damage or ruin silk, wool, nylon or Spandex.
or:
Our boat-cushion covers had quite a bit of mildew on them after a winter on the water. I tried laundry soap and bleach with no luck. TILEX mildew spray for the shower removed all the stains. I had to reapply it in several areas, but the cushions looked like new. I have tried this on several other mildew stains on fabric and it also worked.
Also you could:
Add 3/4 cup white vinegar to a load of wash. It will remove sour smell and mildew from clothes. Repeat until smell is gone; then you may have to use detergent.
2 years ago
Source(s):
PROFESSIONAL CLEANER