How To Remove Mildew

I don’t know anybody that’s a fan of mold and mildew.

I, for one consider mildew to be on the Top Ten List of things I’d like banned from the earth.

Believe me, the list is very long and mildew removal is at the top of it!

What is Mildew

Mildew is a nasty, rotten, smelly substance that can be white or blue-green in color. Moisture and warm temperatures create a happy climate for optimum growth of the fungi.

This creates problems and hard work for the person who needs to get rid of it.

The smell is unmistakable. Once you experience the musty stench you will be able to recognize it immediately. It is really bad and harmful to your health as well.

Mildew On Clothing

You make your way into the attic and struggle with the containers of winter clothes. You manage to navigate the narrow, ladder-like stairs without breaking your neck.

You figure that you are home free until you open the boxes. Your precious clothes that you so carefully packed away in the spring are speckled with mildew.

The clothing can be saved with a little time and effort. The most important thing is to get the affected items outside.

Thoroughly vacuum the areas that the boxes passed through and bring the vacuum outside to empty the cup or bag. Wash the cup with hot, soapy water before bringing it back indoors.

• A stiff bristled brush should be used to get as much mildew off of the fabric as possible.
• Cut a lemon in half and rub the area with the lemon until the spot is moistened.
• Cover the area with salt and sit it outside in the fresh air and sun to dry.
• Launder as usual and your clothes should be good as new!

Cleaning Leather

So, you open up the last box which contains that expensive leather coat that you scrimped, saved and skipped a whole lot of lunches to buy. It’s covered with mildew and you’re about ready to scream but there’s no need to worry. You can fix this quite easily.

• Bring the coat outdoors in the sunlight.
• Mix a half cup of rubbing alcohol with a half cup of warm water.
• With a soft cloth, clean the mildew spots with the solution.
• Continue to clean it until all evidence of the mildew is gone.
• Finish it off with a good cleaning using saddle soap.

Mildew Prevention

Proper methods of storage can stop the problem before it starts. Do not use cardboard boxes or plastic trash bags to store your valuable clothing. You are just asking for mildew to attack your garments.

Plastic containers can be found at any department store. They are air tight which makes them perfect for keeping your articles of clothing free from damage. There are a variety of brands and a wide range of costs of containers. Choose the one that is right for your needs. This will save you time in the long run.