GrandPa (a new member was in live chat) and needs to know how to get mildew out of cotton fabrics?

I think I'd soak the fabrics in an Oxy-Clean solution for a while then launder them - hot water, detergent and more Oxy-Clean. Don't dry the fabrics if the mildew hasn't come out, just repeat soaking and laundering again.

I am surfing to help find us some help. If you have any great ideas please post them so we can let the new member know about how to get mildew out of cotton fabrics

http://www.rd.com/home-garden/mildew...icle24247.html

I bought some blue jeans I LOVED at a garage sale, that after I washed, just STUNK of mildew. I tried vinegar, Baking soda, nothing worked til I soaked them in amonia.

When I moved to AZ from Hawaii, EVERYTHING smelled mildewy. It permeated the entire house. I just kept rewashing stuff until the smell was gone. Perseverance furthers
:lol: :lol:

well if you mean the smell, buy a gallon of vinegar and mix about 1/4 or 1/3 of the gallon into some warm water and soak the cotton in it. that should work. If not buy 'BORAX' and wash in your washing machine you can soak it for awhile too.

Do a test piece first, but this works for mildew stains. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stained area, and put in sun for a few hours, wash and the stain should be gone.

It is important to test a bit first in case the fabric is discoloured by the juice.

I have used Borax in hot water and it worked real well.

Thanks to all... This has been a war fighting against the mildew smell and I'm beginning to believe it's hardly worth it. I even washed it in Mean Green along with a detergent, rinsed it well, and then washed it again in with Vinegar and Baking Soda. It helped but some odor lingers still. :( So, next I will get some Borax and try it and that will be my last attempt.

I tell ya, I did this because I wanted to salvage some retro fabric and I love a challenge but this is something else.

I'll let you know how the Borax does. Oh my...

Thanks everyone and esp. craftybear. Blessings, GrandPa

Welcome, GrandPa. This is a great place to be!

Thanks and yes, this seems like 'home'

Just got some Borax... We'll see how that works and I'll let you know...

I did OxyClean and some bleach, plus detergent (I use Era)- soak for 1/2 hour or more in hot water. Wash normally.

I never had "bad" mildew, just light, and this has worked for me.

Welcome GrandPa from east Texas.

And the winner is.... the Mules!!! 20 Mule Team Borax did it with the exception of the poly/cotton. I let it soak for a couple hours along with a liquid detergent, rinsed well and dried and it is OK!

This has been a 'real' learning experience. One of many more to come! Blessings to all!!

wash the materal then take it out side in the sun and let it dry. i did this with old blocks and it work for me, hope it works for you.

Welcome from outside St. Louis,Mo.