Originally Posted by bearisgray
I'm from the country -
If - as far as you know - the mice are healthy in your part of the world -
and you are reasonably healthy and not pregnant -
I would take the fabrics outside - (I might consider a mask and gloves at this point)
Shake the loose stuff off -
Sort according to colors - wash the fabrics in HOT water with almost any detergent (maybe for 10 minutes) - on the most gentle cycle you have available. Don't overload the washer.
I would rinse the fabrics twice.
Then dry - either on a clothesline or in a dryer.
I think it's agitation and abrasion that makes fabric look old before it's time.
So - just fill the washer about half full of fabric - use maximum fill for water - and off you go.
Unless you are in a water restriction area - then just store everything in covered plastic bins until water is available. I still would shake the loose stuff off first.
I agree with this. I wouldn't get too worried about the mouse dropping issue. The mask to shake out any droppings, nesting material, etc is a good precaution but you really don't have to overworry about this. I'm afraid the little devils are just about everywhere and we are exposed to them and their waste a lot more than most of us want to think about. As long as you have a healthy immune system and there is not a disease problem going on in your area (like NM had several years ago with Hantavirus), you will be fine and the washing well will clean the fabric adequately. This is IMHO, of course--country girl here.