Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Removing Stubborn Black Mildew Stains From Fabric

My friend just bought a quilt from a thrift shop. It's not a vintage quilt, but it had those dreaded black mildew spots that can be very hard to remove. She's laundered it but the spots are still there. So I did some digging around for more info on spot removal and came across this advice from 'How To Clean Stuff'.
Now I've written previously about using Oxyclean, Clorox II or the cheaper alternatives you can buy at the dollar stores.  I've used them with great success for most stains.
The Dollar General brand is:
DG home
All Fabric Powder Bleach
-Phosphate free/Non-chlorine
-Color safe
-Safe for septic systems

 If that doesn't work; the article suggests:
Test a small area first to ensure that the color is not affected, as lemon juice can have a bleaching effect on some fabrics.
    Spread the paste over the stained areas.
    Allow it to set for 15 to 30 minutes.
    After the paste has set on the stain, scrape it away and flush the area with water.
    Launder again as usual.
    For cotton and linen fabrics, oxygen bleach can be used (oxygen bleach is different from chlorine bleach, which is not recommended).
    Mix powdered oxygen bleach (do NOT use chlorine bleach), water and a few drops of ammonia.
    Test a small area first.
    If the test area goes well, and there are no adverse effects, spread the paste over the entire stained area.
    Allow it to set for 15 to 30 minutes.
    Remove the paste and flush the area with clean water.
    Launder the piece as usual.
    Check the fabric thoroughly before drying to ensure the stain is completely removed. It works well to allow the piece to air dry the first time to check


Do not soak darker color fabrics such as red, black or navy with pastels or whites!  Even today's modern fabrics dyes can be unstable and bleed.  We all learn from trial and error, but that should be at the top of the list of  'thou shalt nots'.  Hubbys usually commit this crime early in the marriage.  Sorry, fellas....we love you to pieces, but the next time you throw that red football jersey in the washer with my white chiffon blouse;  you will suffer unspeakable pain.
Men, just write this caveat down when you take up residence with your other half:
Don't pi$$ off the cook!