Buzz
Mildew isn't limited to just your bathroom surfaces.
Photo by Jack Hollingsworth/Photodisc/Getty ImagesMildew is an unavoidable part of life, but you don't have to put up with its ugly stains. These marks can appear anywhere, so use these effective techniques to tackle and eliminate them for good.
Once you've identified the stained material, follow these steps to get rid of mildew stains:
- Fabrics that cannot be washed such as Acetate, Carpet (both synthetic and wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool
- Fabrics that can be washed such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
- Household surfaces including Bamboo, Cane, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering
- Ceramic Tiles and Grout
- Leather and Suede
- Wood
Fabrics That Can't Be Washed
Follow these instructions to remove mildew stains from Acetate, Carpet (synthetic and wool), Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, and Wool fabrics:
- Brush (gently sweep staining material with a stiff-bristled brush onto a piece of paper) off any excess stain carefully.
- Flush (apply stain remover to help loosen the staining material and the residue from the remover) using Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- Apply a dry spotter and amyl acetate.
- Gently scrape (use a dull tool to lift off solid or caked-on stains) or blot the stain with an absorbent pad dampened with dry spotter.
- Flush with a dry-cleaning solvent and allow the fabric to dry.
If the stain persists:
- Sponge (lightly apply a dampened pad with outward strokes from the center of the stain) using water, then apply a wet spotter and a few drops of white vinegar.
- Use a scraper or an absorbent pad dampened with wet spotter to work on the stain.
- Flush with water and allow it to dry.
- Apply rubbing alcohol and blot the stain with a pad soaked in alcohol.
- Flush with alcohol and let it dry. (Avoid using alcohol on acetate, rayon, or triacetate.)
- To completely remove the stain, follow the instructions on the package label for an oxygen bleach treatment.
- For carpets, blot up excess liquid, apply an absorbent pad, and weigh it down until no more moisture is absorbed.
Machine-Washable Fabrics
Follow these instructions to remove mildew stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, and Spandex. Most mildew stains can be eliminated during regular washing if they are dampened first.
If the stain remains:
- Test the fabric for colorfastness.
- If there is no color change, apply a paste of lemon juice and salt to the stain.
- For cotton and linen, make a paste from oxygen bleach, water, and a few drops of ammonia.
- Let the paste sit on the stain for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and launder again.
Household Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove mildew stains from Bamboo, Cane, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, and Vinyl Wallcovering.
- Gently wipe the stain with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water mixed with a few drops of ammonia.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a cloth.
If the stain is stubborn:
- Test the product on a hidden area first.
- Follow the instructions on the mildew stain remover packaging.
- Avoid using the product on fabric or flocked wall coverings.
Ceramic Tile and Grout
Follow these steps to eliminate mildew stains from Ceramic Tile and Grout:
- Apply a mildew stain remover to the stained area.
- Alternatively, dampen the stain with water and gently rub it with bar soap – avoid deodorant soap.
- Rinse the area thoroughly.
- Blot off excess moisture and let it dry completely.
Leather and Suede
Follow these steps to remove mildew stains from Leather and Suede:
- Rub the stained area with petroleum jelly.
- If the stain persists, gently sponge the area with a mixture of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol (test for colorfastness first).
- For leather, use leather cleaner or saddle soap to condition the material.
Wood
Follow these steps to remove mildew stains from Wood:
- Gently blot the stain with a cloth dampened in a solution of 5 tablespoons washing soda per gallon of water.
- Rinse with a clean cloth soaked in clear water, then polish or wax the wood as soon as possible.
