RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
How to remove mold from colored clothing (probably works with white, too). Worthy of the Good Housekeeping Nobel Prize!
First, let me tell you, I tried everything. I tried a bleach alternative stick, Wisk with bleach alternative, soaking in bleach alternative. It would lighten the black spots, but do nothing for the mold smears and discolorations, and it would always come back, worse than ever.
When it got so bad that I was going to throw my beloved Calvin Klein down coat away, I decided to try one last thing. The Mold Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Remover said not to use it on nylon, but I tried it on a moldy nylon bra that I was going to throw out, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the result!
This is for black mold. It has black spots, and stains like you smeared something on it. It doesn't smell.
I can not attest to mildew, which does smell, but I have some suggestions below.
1. As SOON as you see the start of mold, take care of it. It will get worse, the spores will spread other places,. your other clothes will become moldy, then your house, and then you will die (just kidding). But take it seriously.
2. Go outside, and brush the spores off. Do not spread the spores throughout your house.
3. Put on clothes you don't mind accidentally getting bleach spots on. Or better yet, go naked!
4. Put on rubber gloves.
5. Completely soak fabric in WARM water (cold water will set stain), and wring out. Make sure everything is wet, or you will have bleach stains.
6. Spray on Mold Armor Instant Mold and Mildew Remover. I got it at the hardware store.
NOTE: My coat and the bra were off white, sort of tannish. If your fabric is darker, you might want to try a test patch in an area that's not noticeable. Just spray it on that area, scrub brush it, let it stay on 5 minutes, and rinse it out. You'll see if there's any discoloration. If there isn't any, continue with the rest.
7. Scrub with a soft toothbrush. Scrub in all directions- back and forth, up and down, and in circles until stain is gone.
8. Let it stay in about 5-10 minutes, no longer, or it will stain.
9. Soak in warm water, and rub it around until fully rinsed.
10. Remove water and rinse again in cold water.
11. Wring out.
12. Dry in the hot sun if at all possible. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. If not possible, dry in dryer, then put in sun if possible.
If you missed any spots, repeat.
I couldn't believe the results on my down coat! The ugly smears that no other product would even touch were gone. I had missed a few small places, so alas, I went through the whole obsessive compulsive procedure again, but it was well worth it. I was SO proud of myself. I have not tried this for mildew, so I can't guarantee it for mildew. But I would try steps 1-8 (5 minutes only) and then soak the fabric in a mixture of warm water and Armor Mold and Mildew Remover for 5 minutes. Then steps 9-12. If you don't have any spots, just the mildew smell, skip steps 5-8 and just soak in the mixture of water and mold remover for 10 minutes, and then steps 9-12.
I have heard that a cup of white vinegar in your wash works for the mildew smell, too. You might want to try that first if you have no mildew spots.
Posted on 08/22/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from couch
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By Ursula G. (Guest Post)
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How to remove the smell of mold & mildew from your couch?
Posted on 02/20/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
My daughter has a beautiful old fashioned little pram and the fabric is linen type. It was left in the shed after summer and now has light mould all over it. Grandma will be annoyed as it was a Christmas present from her last year! Please help, I cannot remove the cover so will have to use something by hand. Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Posted on 12/04/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
just got back after being away for a month and there is what looks like black mold on my fabric couch also greenish looking mold on an imitation leather recliner and a strong odour in the room suggesting it is in the carpet which is a dark brown color. Any suggestions please
Posted on 10/09/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
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By elizabeth (Guest Post)
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I had the same problem with colored linens. I washed them with Lysol- about a cup, and oxyclean (tons) and some detergent. I also used a colored fabric bleach. the laundry will stink. then you rewash with a deodorizing detergent, like arm and hammer. then you dry with TONS of fabric softener sheets.
It worked completely. nothing got ruined but don't be scared about the Lysol smell- it goes away in the second wash and the dryer. and there are no more mold spores in the stuff- I have asthma so I would know. I made up this solution for myself (nothing lives past lysol) and oxyclean is just that along with the colored fabric "bleach". On the white stuff use clorox. Good luck. I was just lucky. I had to throw out the bag they were in however. I never could get it out.
Posted on 09/27/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
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By Joni Hill (Guest Post)
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I have a double stroller with a little mold and is trying to get it removed I've tried grease lightning and regular water but nothing seems to help? Please if you have any solutions please contact me! jhill2723 AT yahoo.com
Posted on 09/17/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
Do not use chlorine bleach fo rthis. bleach only removes the top layer of mold and leaves the roots, which allow more mold to grow. Bleach containers even say that they do not clean mold.
Use a straight solution of 5% acidity distilled white vinegar. This cleans the mold and prevents it from coming back, because it also kills the roots
Posted on 07/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
Forgot to mention... can be used on fabrics/carpet etc and will not discolor like bleach.
Posted on 03/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
Can you get some QUATERNARY GERMICIDAL CLEANER this is what the professional water restoration companies use when dealing with mold. It is very concentrated and can be used to disinfect as well as kills mold/mildew.
Posted on 03/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
Chlorine bleach is best to kill mold. Spray it on or apply on whites - You could use with light colors, too - Also - put anything with mold in strong sunlight - (You will probably have to use a bleach - or hyrogen peroxide to get rid of mold stains.)And use dehumidifying dryers to absorb moisture - avoid putting things in plastic, so the moisture sweats & creates an environment good for mold - make sure there is good ventilation in storage areas....
Posted on 03/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Removing Mold from Fabric
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By Sylvia@evadin.com.br (Guest Post)
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Soak the fabrics in water ,smear on soap abundantly and lay them in the sun for some hours. Wash and repeat if necessary. In Brazil, also tropics, we have white coconut soap bars, which is the best for washing.Hope this helps.
Posted on 03/14/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse
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