Remove Stains From Mildew, Mold

Apparel/Fabrics

Brush off mildew out of doors. Apply detergent to stain and launder. If stain remains, soak for 10 to 15 minutes in a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric) or sodium perborate bleach and 3/4 cup water. An alternative to bleach is to treat with salt and lemon juice and dry in direct sunlight. Rinse. Launder.
Brush off mildew out-of-doors. Flush with a commercial cleaner.* Apply amyl acetate. Pat the stain with a pad of absorbent material dampened with a commercial cleaner.’ Work cautiously as mildew weakens fibers. Flush with a commercial fabric/upholstery cleaner. Allow to dry. Sponge with water. Apply diluted hand dishwashing detergent and vinegar. Pat stain with absorbent material. Flush with water. Allow to dry. Apply alcohol and pat with dampened pad of alcohol. Flush with alcohol. Repeat if necessary. Allow to dry. If any stain is left, use chlorine bleach if safe for fabric.

*Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene, methylene chloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, Goof Off, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r.

CAUTIONS:

Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation

Carpets

Blended Fibers, Hemp, Jute, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Wool

When mildew is detected on carpet surfaces (usually you will notice a musty, sour odor in the room), the first step is to STOP its growth. Use a dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the air and carpet. As long as the moisture level is low, mildew will not grow. Open up windows and use fans tr circulate air over the carpet. If mildew growth is on the surface, open draperies to allow sun to shine c the carpet. Even artificial light will help. Usually mildew will first grow on the back of the carpet. If possible, lift up the carpet and circulate air underneath. By attaching the hose to the exhaust of a vacuum cleaner, it can be inserted under the carpet and used to flow air. (Care should be taken when using electrical appliances around a wet carpet to prevent electrical shock.)
It is imperative that the mold spores be killed. If possible, take a rug or small carpet outside where it can be exposed to the direct rays of the sun. Allow 1 or 2 days of direct sunlight to kill the spores. To speed up the action, make a solution of 1 part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts water. Paint this solution on the affected back part of the rug or carpet and place in the sunshine. Now, you are ready to wash the mildew stai n from the carpet.
Run a vacuum attachment over the carpet surface to draw out the mold. Sponge the carpet with thick suds. (Put dishwashing detergent in a bowl of water and swish vigorously to create thick suds. Remove the suds by sponging with a cloth or sponge dampened with clean water. Dry in the sun if possible. If not possible, blot the area thoroughly, removing all excess moisture. Allow to dry thoroughly. (Remember that the mold spores are being drawn into the bag of the vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum has a disposable bag, remove and dispose of it immediately. If not, empty the bag, preferably outdoors, to avoid scattering mold spores in the house.)
If the stains remain, sponge the area using a commercial dry-cleaning solvent.* Blot thoroughly Then apply a Dry Spotter, made by combining 1 part of coconut oil or mineral oil and 8 parts liquid dry· cleaning solvent.’ Very gently pat the stain with an absorbent pad dampened with Dry Spotter. Sponge with dry-cleaning solvent.’ Blot thoroughly and allow to dry thoroughly.
If stains persist, sponge with water and apply a Wet Spotter, made by combining 1 part glycerin, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. To the Wet Spotter, add a few drops of white vinegar. Apply the Wet Spotter to an absorbent pad and sponge the stained area. Sponge with clear water and allow to dry. Excess moisture can be removed by applying an absorbent pad over the wet area and weighing it down with a heavy object, leaving it in place until all moisture is drawn out.
Follow the cleaning process by applying a commercial aersol or dry-packet foam of a mildew retardant. This is especially good to use in mildew-prone areas

*Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon SLlrh as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans!containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.
Alcohol will damage acetate, triacetate, modacrylics and acrylic fibers. Dilute with 2 parts water on acetate.

Hard Surface Floors

Brick, Concrete, Resilient, Stone/masonry, Tile, Wood, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl

Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in warm, sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.
If stain persists, test i.n an inconspicuous place, then apply a commercial mildew stain remover (such as X-14), and use according to package directions.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Furniture

Aluminum, Bamboo, Cane, Cast/wrought Iron, Fiberglass, Lucite, Marble, Melamine, Permawicker, Plastic, Rattan, Steel, Synthetic Resin, Vinyl, Wicker, Wood) Bamboo, Cane, Permawicker, Vinyl, Wicker

Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.
If stain persists, test in an inconspicuous place, then apply a commercial mildew stain remover, and use according to package directions.

Upholstered Furniture

Blended Fibers, Fiberglass, Fur, Leather, Natural Fibers, Synthetic Fibers, Vinyl, Vinyl Coated, Wool

Remove loose mold spores from outer coverings of upholstered articles by brushing with a soft-bristled broom. Do this outdoors, if possible, to prevent scattering spores in the house. Wash broom before re-using. Run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of the article to draw out more of the mold. If the article is moist or damp, dry by using an electric fan and electric heater to heat and carry away the moist air. If possible, place the article in direct sunlight and air to stop mold growth. (Remember that mold spores are being drawn into the bag of the vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum cleaner has a disposable bag, remove and dispose of it immediately. If not, empty the bag carefully – preferably outdoors – to avoid scattering mold spores in the house).
Sponge with a commercial dry-cleaning solvent.* Blot. Allow to dry. Sponge with water. Mix a Dry Spotter (1 part coconut oil and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent* plus a few drops of ammonia). Apply with an absorbent pad. Sponge with water.
Another method that can be used is to wipe the stain using a cloth moistened with a diluted alcohol solution made by combining 1 cup denatured or rubbing alcohol and 1 cup water. Blot thoroughly and allow to dry (in the sun and air, if possible).

* Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylene methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-l Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determ i ne colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.
Overwetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migrate and thus leave a circle in the treated area.
Ammonia damages silk and wool. If you must use on these fibers, dilute with equal amounts of water and use sparingly.
Alcohol will damage acetate, triacetate, modacrylics and acrylic fibers. Dilute with 2 parts water on acetate.

Walls And Ceilings

Acoustical Tile, Dry Wawgypsum Board, Plaster, Tile

Rub the mildew stain with petroleum jelly. Remove with a soft, clean cloth and apply a commercial leather conditioner to the surface.
If stain persists, sponge the area gently with a solution made by combining equal parts water and rubbing alcohol.
If the mildew stains remain, wash the article or surface with thick suds made of soap or detergent, saddle soap, or soap containing a fungicide or germicide. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry in an airy place. Upon completion of the cleaning process, apply to the leather surface a commercial leather conditioner. This will return oil to the leather and will prevent cracking. Rub in the oil with the fingers. Allow the excess to soak in for an hour or so, then wipe the surface to prevent pickup of grit. For suede, you can purchase a commercial s· ,ede cleaner/conditioner to use on tr.e cleaned surface.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation.

Paper – Plastic Coated, Vinyl (Fabric Backed, Paper Backed, Solid)

Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.
If stain persists, test in an inconspicuous place, then apply a commercial mildew stain remover, and use according to package directions.

CAUTIONS:

Do not use the product on fabric or flocked wallcoverings.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation.

Wood Or Paneling (Painted, Stained)

To remove mildew from painted wooden surfaces, make a solution of 8-10 tablespoons of Washing (sal) Soda or Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) and 1 gallon of water. Scrub the mildewed area thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse well with clear water, and allow the wood to dry thoroughly.
If the mold has grown under the paint or varnish, remove all the paint or varnish from the stained areas. Scrub with a solution containing 8-10 tablespoons of Trisodium Phosphate, and 1 cup of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. (Stronger solutions can be used if necessary.) Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.
If stain remains, apply oxalic acid (3 tablespoons to 1 pint of water). Finally, rinse the surface thoroughly with clear water. Dry completely before refinishing.

CAUTIONS:

Oxalic acid is poisonous. Do not allow to touch your skin. Use rubber gloves.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

NOTE: Mildew-resistant paints are available in all colors for wood surfaces from paint and hardware stores. Manufacturers have formulated their products with fungicides to help combat mildew attachment and growth.

Paneling (Plastic Coated)

Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.
f stain persists, test in an inconspicuous place, then apply a commercial mildew stain remover, and use according to package directions.

CAUTIONS:

Mildew-resistant paints should not be used on window sills, play-pens, or toys because these paints can be injurious if they reach the mouths of small children.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation.

Other/interior

Acrylic Plaster, Alabaster, Ceramic Glass, Enamel, Fiberglass, Grout, Ivory, Jade, Kitchen/bathroom Cabinets, Mirror, Mylar, Plastic, Plexiglas, Melamine, Corelle, Silverstone, Teflon, Grout

For light mildew, wash with a solution of 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup Washing (sal) Soda and 1 gallon warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
For heavy mildew stains, make a paste of baking soda and bleach, then scrub with a small brush. An old toothbrush makes an excellent tool for cleaning grout. Rinse thoroughly.
If the above two formulas fail to clean away the stain, purchase a commercial mildew stain remover and use according to directions on the container label.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous at first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate venti lation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.

Mattress

Remove loose mold spores from outer coverings of mattress by brushing with a soft-bristled broom. Do this outdoors, if possible, to prevent scattering spores in the house. Wash broom before reusing. Run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of the article to draw out more of the mold. If the mattress is moist or damp, dry by using an electric fan and electric heater to heat and carry away the moist air. If possible, place the mattress in direct sunlight and air to stop mold growth. (Remember that mold spores are being drawn into the bag of the vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum cleaner has a disposable bag, remove and dispose of it immediately. If not, empty the bag carefully – preferably outdoors – to avoid scattering mold spores in the house.)
Sponge with a commercial dry-cleaning solvent.’ Blot. Allow to dry. Sponge with water. Mix a Dry Spotter (1 part coconut oil and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent’ plus a few drops of ammonia). Apply with an absorbent pad. Sponge with water.
Another method that can be used is to wipe the stain using a cloth moistened with a diluted alcohol solution made by combining 1 cup denatured or rubbing alcohol and 1 cup water. Blot thoroughly and allow to dry (in the sun and air, if possible).
Follow the cleaning process by applying a commercial low-pressure spray containing a fungicide to get rid of mildew. Respray frequently, especially if mildew is a problem in your home.

* Look for products containing petroleum distillates or hydrocarbon such as trichloroethane, xylt methylenechloride, methane, benzene and/or naphtha. These chemicals may be found in such spot removers and cleaners as Guardsman’s Afta, Dap Cleaner and Thinner, GOOF OFF, M-1 Remover, Goo Gone, K2r, etc.

CAUTIONS:

Always pretest each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area first to determine colorfastness.
When using caustic, toxic, aromatic or flammable cleaning solutions, be certain to provide for adequate ventilation. Do not have an open flame near flammable cleaning solutions. Wear rubber gloves.
When using solvent-based cleaners on carpet or upholstery, be careful not to overwet the carpet or the fabric. Solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding used in upholstery.
Overwetting with water may cause the finish on the upholstery fabric to migrate and thus leave a circle in the treated area.
Ammonia damages silk and wool. If you must use on these fibers, dilute with equal amounts of water and use sparingly.
Alcohol will damage acetate, triacetate, modacrylics and acrylic fibers. Dilute with 2 parts water on acetate.

Exterior Surfaces

Foundations

Brick, Concrete, Cement, Masonry, Stone

Mildew can be removed by washing with a solution of water and a mild detergent. Wet the surface with water first. Wash from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Rinse.
For stubborn areas, apply moistened detergent to the stains and leave for about 5 minutes. Then scrub with a sponge and rinse off.

Wood

Scrub mildewed surface with a brush, using a solution of either: a. 1 quart liquid chlorine bleach 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent 2/3 cup of a strong household cleaner containing trisodium phosphate (TSP) 3 quarts warm water or b. 3 ounces trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 ounce detergent 1 quart chlorine bleach 3 quarts warm water.
After washing with the cleaning solution, rinse area well with clean water and allow to dry. The solution can also be applied with a garden sprayer. Use a long-handled brush to scrub, and then rinse with water from a garden hose. If mildew returns in several days or weeks, repeat the process.

NOTE: Trisodium Phosphate is available from paint and hardware stores. Commercial mildew remover products which are labeled safe for use on painted or stained wood surfaces may also be used.

CAUTIONS:

To protect shrubbery and plantings around the area where you are working, cover them with polyethylene plastic.
Take care not to use a detergent or cleaner containing ammonia. Mixing ammonia and chlorine bleach can produce harmful fumes. Wear rubber gloves when applying the cleaner and avoid splashing the solution in your eyes.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products!cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chiIdren.

Porches, Decks, Patios

Brick, Concrete, Cement, Masonry, Stone

Mildew can be removed by washing with a solution of water and a mild detergent. Wet the surface with water first. Wash from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Rinse.
For stubborn areas, apply moistened detergent to the stains and leave for about 5 minutes. Then scrub with a sponge and rinse off.

Wood

Scrub mildewed surface with a brush, using a solution of either: a. 1 quart liquid chlorine bleach 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent 2/3 cup of a strong household cleaner containing trisodium phosphate (TSP) 3 quarts warm water or b. 3 ounces trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 ounce detergent 1 quart chlorine bleach 3 quarts warm water.
After washing with the cleaning solution, rinse area well with clean water and allow to dry. The solution can also be applied with a garden sprayer. Use a long-handled brush to scrub, and then rinse with water from a garden hose. If mildew returns in several days or weeks, repeat the process.

NOTE: Trisodium Phosphate is available from paint and hardware stores. Commercial mildew remover products which are labeled safe for use on painted or stained wood surfaces may also be used.

CAUTIONS:

To protect shrubbery and plantings around the area where you are working, cover them with polyethylene plastic.
Take care not to use a detergent or cleaner containing ammohia. Mixing ammonia and chlorine bleach can produce harmful fumes. Wear rubber gloves when applying the cleaner and avoid splashing the solution in your eyes.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used. • Be sure to store and dispose of products/canslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of chi Idren.

Roofs

Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, Asphalt, Fiberglass, Slate, Tile General

A good method to prevent/control growth of mildew/moss on roofs is to eliminate the source of growth. Shade trees planted close to the house cutting off sunlight and creating constant dampness, are a common cause of mildew/moss growth. Removing branches that overhang the house or shade the house will allow air and sunlight to penetrate and dry up the dampness.

Brush off as much of the moss as possible with a stiff brush. For asphalt roofs, keep the mossy area wetted down as you work, so granules on the shingles are not removed. Use one of the following solutions to kill the moss: a. spray on a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach and 3 cups water, b. spray with a solution made of 1 lb. ammonium sulfate (alum) per 10 gallons of water, c. spray a solution of 5 ounces copper sulfate and 4 gallons water. (This amount will cover a 1,000 sq. ft. area.) When the moss has dried and lost its color, brush off the remainder with a stiff brush. The process you use may have to be repeated (or another one tried) if all the moss is not ki lied or if it grows back.
Roofs with moss can be pressure washed usi ng hot water and fungicides, which remove the moss and retard future growth. Wood shake roofs will need to be re-sealed after the pressure HOMECARE 1 3-34 washing. Commercial firms which do pressure washing may be listed under that heading or under “power washing” in the telephone book yellow pages. Check also under “truck washing and cleaning” or”sandblasting” if you do not find a listing for “pressure washing” or “power washing.”

CAUTIONS:

To protect shrubbery and plantings around the area where you are working, cover them with polyethylene plastic.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Wood (Shakes, Shingles)

General

Brush off as much of the moss as possible with a stiff brush. Spray on a solution of 5 ounces copper sulfate and 4 gallons of water. (This will cover a 1,000 sq.ft. area.)
To prevent future growth, scrub the roof with a stiff brush and an alkali cleaner such as chlorine bleach or Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) mixed with water.

CAUTIONS:

To protect shrubbery and plantings around the area where you are working, cover them with polyethylene plastic.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/canslcontainers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Siding/walls

Aluminum

Mildew can be removed by washing the siding with a solution of water and a mild detergent. Wet the wall surface with water first. Wash from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Rinse.

Vinyl

Mildew can be removed by washing the siding with a solution of water and a mild detergent. Wet the wall surface with water first. Wash from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Rinse the dirty, sudsy area off immediately — do not let it dry on the surface of the wall.
For stubborn areas, apply moistened detergent to the stains and leave for about 5 minutes. Then scrub with a sponge and rinse off.

Wood (Painted, Stained, Shingles, Shakes)

Scrub mildewed surface with a brush, using a solution of either: a. 1 quart I iquid chlorine bleach 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent 2/3 cup of a strong household cleaner containing trisodium phosphate (TSP) 3 quarts warm water b. 3 ounces trisodium phosphate (TSP) 1 ounce detergent 1 quart chlorine bleach 3 quarts warm water
After washing with the cleaning solution, rinse area well with clean water and allow to dry. The solution can also be applied with a garden sprayer. Use a long-handled brush to scrub, and then rinse with water from a garden hose. If mildew returns in several days or weeks, repeat the process.

NOTE: Trisodium Phosphate is available from paint and hardware stores. Commercial mildew remover products which are labeled safe for use on painted or stained wood surfaces may also be used. Mildew inhibitors may also be applied to a clean, dry exterior wood surface. One product, Sure Cote, can be used on a variety of exterior and interior surfaces, incl uding siding, roofs, concrete, showers, draperies and furnishings. For information on how to obtain this product, contact: Jomaps, Inc., P.O. Box 88583, Atlanta, GA 30356-8583 or telephone (404)396-0547. Other such products may be available at your local paint and hardware stores.

CAUTIONS:

To protect shrubbery and plantings around the area where you are working, cover them with polyethylene plastic.
Take care not to use a detergent or cleaner containing ammonia. Mixing ammonia and chlorine bleach can produce harmful fumes. Wear rubber gloves when applying the cleaner and avoid splashing the solution in your eyes.
Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.

Other/exterior – Vinyl Gutters/hashing, Screens, Shutters/window, Mantelsitrim

Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry.
If stain persists, test in an inconspicuous place, then apply a commercial mildew stain remover, and use according to package directions.

CAUTIONS:

Be careful any time a commercial product or combination of cleaning supplies are used.
Be sure to store and dispose of products!cans/containers as recommended. Keep out of reach of children.