How to Remove Mildew From Stuffed Toys and Decorative Pillows

Living in Western WA, mold and mildew are common because of all the rain. So, I have found these useful tips to help remove the mildew stains and musty smell from toys, clothing, and furniture I have had to store in damp storage areas.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Oxygen based bleach (oxy power)
• hydrogen peroxide, the kind you get at the drugstore, for wounds
• chlorine bleach for whites
• borax soap

1. Read the tags of all items with mildew, to see if they can be washed in the washer. Also check if they are color fast and if they can be dried in a dryer.

2. Xse about a 1/8 of a cup of chlorine bleach, (Which is the best mildew killer) to a large load size of hot water if the items are white and can be washed. Fill the wash basin with the hot water and bleach first. Agitate water to mix bleach into water. Add items with mildew and wash as a normal load of clothes. Then dry on the delicate setting.

3. If items are not washer safe, white or colorfast, then soak the items in 1/4 teaspon of oxygen based bleach, 1/4 teaspoon of borax in some warm water. Soak for a half hour.

4. Squeeze out excess water and place in dryer on delicate or low.

5. In the summer hang mildew stained items in the hot sun. The heat from the sun will kill the mildew. Hang in the sun as long as possible. Spraying with a fabric spray that kills bacteria, (such as Oust) will give items a fresh smell and help kill any remain molds.

Tips & Warnings

• Sunlight bleaches naturally so be careful with colored items.