What is it?

Mildew is a fungus growth that has the appearance of an irregular stain. It's color usually ranges from gray to black, although it can also be yellow, orange or red. A musty odor can often be detected.

Mildew usually develops on soiled garments or households items under moist, warm conditions, usually in the absence of light. Mildew growth frequently occurs on shower curtains, on drapes and rugs in basements, or on clothes stored damp or soiled in poorly ventilated areas. Mildew can be a greater problem in warm, humid parts of the country.

Effects on Fabrics

Mildew usually attacks cellulose fibers such as cotton, linen, and ramie, which are derived from plants. Mildew is also likely to grow on other natural fabrics and material such as wool, silk and leather. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon and acrylic, generally resist mildew, but if these fabrics are stored in a soiled condition in a warm, damp place, they too can be attacked by mildew. The stains on the fabric attract the fungus, and moisture and warmth aid its growth.

When mildew start to grow on fabric, it interlaces around the yarns, and eventually grows in to individual fibers. The growth shows up as dark, irregularly shape stains. The fabric takes on a musty odor, and the growth eventually deteriorates the fibers to the point of rotting. Depending on the length of time mildew has been allowed to grow and the fiber damage it has caused, complete restoration of mildewed fabrics may not be possible. Even if the stains can be completely removed, the fabric may bee weakened to the extent that it will fall apart.

Removing the Odor

An ozone treatment before cleaning is the only method to permanently remove the musty smell of mildew. Garments with an excessive odor problem should always be give ozone treatment. this treatment chemically breaks down and eliminates all organic odors. The ozone treatment is done before any attempt to remove the mildew.

Not every cleaner has the equipment to conduct ozone treatment. Contact firms that deal in fire restoration work and odor removal and if necessary contract out the work.

Cleaning Mildew

Mildew is insoluble and cannot always be removed from the fabric. The only effective way to remove the mildew discoloration is to wet clean or launder the fabric, and then treat the stained area with an oxidizing bleach. Sodium perborate or hydrogen peroxide are the only suitable bleaches for silk, wool, or nylon. Sodium Hypochlorite (chlorine) bleach is use on linen, cotton, and on most synthetic fibers. Only chlorine bleach actually kills the mildew, but other treatments lighten the mildew stain.

Wetcleaing

Wet cleaning may present a problem When the garments has a label that says "dryclean only". Wetcleaning is not possible if immersion in water will alter the size, shape, appearance, or hand of the garment.

To wet clean, completely immerse the soiled article in a solution of 1/2 ounce neutral synthetic detergent per gallon of water and follow with several clear water rinses. Then extract and finally use the appropriate bleach.

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International Fabricare Institute Bulletin
IFI Fabricare News/August 1987
Technical Operating Information TOI-592
Page 5
Copyright © 1987 IFI
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