How to Remove Mildew Stain From Clothing

Mildew can form on any clothing in humid conditions -- kids leaving wet clothes in the bottom of the closet, clothes left in storage in a damp basement. It might be tempting to just toss the clothing. But with a few easy steps, mildew stains can be removed and the clothing saved.

Things You'll Need

• Dull knife
• Chlorine bleach
• Laundry detergent
• Borax
• Lemon
• Salt

Instructions

1. Take the mildewed clothing outside and scrape off as much loose mildew as possible using a dull knife.

2. Wash white or colorfast clothing in the laundry with chlorine bleach. Follow label directions on how much to add for the size of the load.

3. Soak colored clothing in 2 quarts of water containing 1 cup of laundry detergent and 1 cup of borax. Wash as usual. Dry in the sun.

4. Mix some lemon juice and salt if the washing and soaking did not work. Sponge the area with the mixture, dry in the sun and then wash using bleach safe for colored fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry in the sun. Do not dry in the dryer. If any stain remains, the drying process will set the stain.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: How to Prevent and Remove Mildew -- Home Methods
• Reader's Digest: Mildew Cleaning Solutions