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Hi,
I don't know if this is the right forum to post this but i don't see a better one.
I had some things in storage including a large heavy duty duffle bag and stored in it were some tapestries, blankets and clothes.
This is on the west coast where it's very damp in the winter and my things were stored for over 3 years.
When i opened that duffle bag recently i realized that everything just reeks of mildew / mold. (not sure which .... probably both?).
I've washed almost everything and the lighter fabrics no longer smell but i have some heavier cotton fabrics that still stink after going through a hot wash with a lot of detergent.
Is there a product (hopefully not a toxic one) that addresses this issue?
Also, in that bag was a large shaneel <sp? bedspread and a large, heavy quilt from Mexico.
Both of these items would normally need to be dry cleaned and i'm wondering if that process will take care of the mildew / mold and if not, how they should be treated.
Thank you in advance.
Also, if there's a more appropriate forum to post this on, please let me know.
Oh, I've had to deal with that. After many hours of research, I learned that I was supposed to dry clean twice and wash three times to ensure that fabrics were mold or mildew free.
That said, it's not always necessary. If something comes back from the cleaners and looks clean, smells fresh, the item might be OK. If you have any doubts, send it again.
With anything that can go through the wash, I found that it was better to 'do it up right' the first time. I would soak in OxiClean or Biz for a while, drain the tub, wash the clothes in the hottest water temp that they would take, add white vinegar to the rinse water (and let the clothing soak in that for a bit) then put the clothes through a second rinse cycle. After they go through the dryer or hang outside on a nice, hot sunny day, you won't have a problem.
Oh, I've had to deal with that. After many hours of research, I learned that I was supposed to dry clean twice and wash three times to ensure that fabrics were mold or mildew free.
That said, it's not always necessary. If something comes back from the cleaners and looks clean, smells fresh, the item might be OK. If you have any doubts, send it again.
With anything that can go through the wash, I found that it was better to 'do it up right' the first time. I would soak in OxiClean or Biz for a while, drain the tub, wash the clothes in the hottest water temp that they would take, add white vinegar to the rinse water (and let the clothing soak in that for a bit) then put the clothes through a second rinse cycle. After they go through the dryer or hang outside on a nice, hot sunny day, you won't have a problem.
Thank you so much.
Good advice (oxi-clean seems like a good bet) although i'll have to wait quite a few months for that hot, sunny day.
For the items that need to be dry cleaned, i'll take them in and see what the results will be.
I agree with the vinegar. It has disinfectant properties and kills 82% of mold spores -- although how you're supposed to know which kind of mold is growing on your clothes is beyond me.
Wash in as warm (or hot) water. Add 1/2- 1 cup of vinegar to the load instead of fabric softener. Depending on how bad it is, you might need to wash it twice. Drying in dryer would be ideal (if possible).
Try laying them out in the sun for a day. (If they are dark colors they may fade some).
For some clothing I have found that the only solution is kerosene and a match and then a trip to the seaonal sales at Meijer or K-mart.
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