Can you Wash Mildew Out of Clothes?
Mildew is a type of fungus that can grow on clothing. It’s caused by exposure to moisture and can have a musty odor. Mildew may cause discoloration, weakening, or unpleasant odors in clothes, blankets, furniture, and carpeting. The good news is that it can often be removed. Here’s how:
Steps to Follow
- Remove excess mildew: Start by removing as much of the mildew as possible. This may involve brushing off any loose pieces with a stiff brush and then laundering the stained fabric.
- Soak the clothing: Fill a basin or tub with hot water and add a mild detergent. Soak the clothing in the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Scrub the clothing: Gently scrub the clothing with a soft brush to remove any remaining mildew. Then rinse with cold water.
- Dry the clothing: Hang the clothing to dry in a sunny spot or tumble dry in the dryer.
In some cases, the mildew may still persist after these steps. If this happens, there are other options you can try, such as using white vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial mildew remover. For severe cases, you may need to have the clothing professionally cleaned.
Mildew can be stubborn, but with a little patience and elbow grease, you may be able to get those clothes looking and smelling like new.