How to Remove Mildew Stains

Mildew is a thin, black or white growth that is caused by mold. It needs moisture and warmer temperatures to grow and commonly grows in humid, summer weather without ventilation. When it comes to clothing, mildew stains are usually found on more natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon, silk, wool and leather, while synthetic fabrics usually resist mildew. If mildew stains are left untreated, they'll first cause an odor, then discolor the fabric and finally eat through some fabrics, causing them to rot and fall to pieces. This is why you'll want to remove mildew stains as soon as you notice them to save your clothes.

To get rid of mildew stains, follow these tips to make your own mildew stain remover from household products. Mildew stains are definitely not pleasant, but they can be treated with proper care.

Prevention Is Key
Just knowing what causes mildew can be helpful in preventing mildew stains before they start. Mildew is most likely to grow on soiled surfaces with humidity in the air and poor ventilation. Therefore, make sure that all dirty clothes are regularly cleaned and dried completely. Store clothes in a dry, ventilated area or in clean drawers and closets, free from humidity. Keeping your clothes clean, dry and vented will prevent mold and mildew from growing, saving you from dealing with mildew stains.

Lemon Juice and Salt
Begin by brushing off any mildew spores you can gently off of the fabric outside so that spores don't have a chance to spread indoors. Place a few drops of liquid dish detergent or laundry detergent into some water and wash the fabric in the solution to remove mildew stains. Allow to air dry. Treat the remaining stain with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, which acts as a bleaching agent. Spread the stained fabric in the sun to bleach out the stain. Launder as normal.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Begin by brushing off any mildew spores you can gently off of the fabric outside so that spores don't have a chance to spread indoors. Using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, dab some hydrogen peroxide on the stain and blot up the mildew. This works as a natural bleaching agent to get rid of mildew stains and kill the mildew. (Test on a hidden area of the fabric first.) Once the mildew stain is gone, rinse the stained area and launder as usual.

Sun & Chlorine Bleach
Begin by brushing off any mildew spores you can gently off of the fabric outside so that spores don't have a chance to spread indoors. Spread the stained fabric in the sun to kill the mildew and bleach it out. When it has faded, rinse with cold water and then launder in detergent with hot water to remove mildew stains. Dry the fabric in the sun again. If the stain still persists, mix 2 tablespoons chlorine bleach with 1 quart of water and dab the solution on the stain with a sponge or clean cloth. (Use the appropriate kind of bleach for the fabric you're working with.) After 10 minutes, rinse, launder as usual again and dry in the sun.

Sources:
extension.missouri.edu
doityourself.com
ehow.com