How to get mildew stains out of cloth lawn furniture?

Question

These are big cushions that can't be put in a washer. I tried steam cleaning them but the green stains did not come out.

Answer 1

Great question ~ great answers. Does Heloise have a web site? I'll have to check that out.


M

Answer 2

The answer is washing soda!
I first learned about the wonders of washing soda when I needed to peel wax off a floor. I'd read that this mineral was the basis of old folk formulas for tough cleaning jobs, so I decided to give it a try. Wow, did it do the job! I used a thick, damp paste, let it set for 3-4 hours, and it peeled the wax right off. I've been sold on the product for heavy-duty cleaning jobs ever since.

Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is also known as soda ash, and it can be found in the laundry section at the supermarket. It has many uses besides being a laundry booster, and it also neutralizes and eliminates odors.

Here are some fabulous old-fashioned (and not so old-fashioned) formulas for cleaning outdoor furniture and grills.

Plastic Lawn Furniture Cleaner

1/2 cup washing soda
1 gallon hot water

Dissolve the washing soda in a bucket of hot water. Wearing gloves and using a sponge, slather the water onto the furniture, and let it set for ten minutes or so before rinsing. For stubborn stains, redo leaving the water on the plastic for an extra ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Mildew and Mold Cushion Cleaner
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is a broad spectrum fungicide. It is available in health food stores.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spot test on cushions to make sure there is no discoloration. Spray on the cushions. Don't rinse. In a few days both the strong smell of the tea tree oil and the mold will dissipate.

Cushion Cleaner
Assuming you can rinse your cushions, after you have killed the mold and mildew, spot clean cushions using the Plastic Lawn Furniture Cleaner, above. Rinse.



try this site also

Answer 3

I have seen some good answers. I say try them all and see which one works best and if you have anymore problems with mildew then you will know what to do.

I just bought the tilex mildew remover and sprayed it on a corner of the shower. With no scrubbing, it turned white again. Don't know how long it will last. But for now, looks great. I would be interested to know what worked best. Post a response in the comments after you question is closed.

Answer 4

1. You could try this spray mildew remover. It works great in the bath and tub, Tilex mildew remover. Just spray it on and leave it for 5-10 minutes and spray with water. Don't let it evaporate.

2. If you can transport these in your car, take it to your local self-serve carwash. Blast it with the high pressure soap wash. It will shoot hot water and remove the mildew. If you have a high pressure sprayer at home, even better.

I'm not sure but you might have set the mildew in with the steam.

Good luck

Answer 5

Hope this helps Good Luck !




How to Remove Mildew

Click here to play .mp3 version.

Do you think you have mildew in your home? It may be that you see it growing on walls or floors or perhaps you smell a musty odor. It's important to correctly identify mildew before taking steps to remove it. Sometimes dirt on paint, tile or wood also looks like mildew. To be sure if it is mildew, put a few drops of household bleach solution on the discolored surface. Mildew will bleach out in a minute or two but most dirt will not.

Mildew grows when it is warm, moist and dark. Mildew grows on clothing, other textiles in the home, leather, books, paper, upholstery, mattresses, rugs, and wood. Treatment varies depending on the type of item or surface you need to clean.

To remove mildew from clothing or other fabrics begin by brushing the mildewed area. It's best to do this outside. Dry the item in the sun if possible. If stain remains, colorfast items or items that cannot be put in to the washer can be sponged with a diluted chlorine bleach solution. This is 2 T. bleach to 1 quart warm water. Test the fabric first before treating the entire item. White clothing can be soaked in the chlorine bleach solution, then washed, rinsed and dried as usual.

If papers or books are mildewed, dry them in a well-ventilated area. Then take them outside and brush off any loose mildew. Damp wallpaper can be dried either by heating or air conditioning the area. Then rinse the area with a cloth soaked in suds and rinse with clear water. For stubborn stains, use the chlorine bleach solution mentioned earlier. Be sure to test in an inconspicuous area first. Painted areas can be scrubbed with a solution of 3/4 c. bleach and 1 gallon water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

According to Iowa State University chemists, painted areas can be scrubbed with a solution of 1 quart chlorine bleach, 1 T. liquid detergent and 9 quarts water. Use a brush to scrub grout lines. Ordinarily we suggest not mixing chlorine bleach with any other cleaning products. So be sure that when you're working in the bathroom with this solution that it's well ventilated and that you avoid being directly in the line of the fumes. Rinse areas with plenty of water. Dry thoroughly. Never mix ammonia products with bleach

Answer 6

The mildew will never totally come out of the cloth. Your best bet is to buy new ones. I suppose oxyclean will help get some of the stains out. Scrub the cushions with oxyclean & water & let sit for10 mins. Then take a wet dish towel, put over the stain & iron it. The heat from the iron is suppose to lift the stain out. I know it helps with stains in the carpet.

Answer 7

Really depends on the material the cloth is made from.
I would suggest bleach diluted with water in a 1/4 cup bleach to 3/4 cup of water and sprayed on the affected area. Would not allow the solution to stay there for long, rinse right away.

Answer 8

I say just get new ones mildew stains are pretty tough to wash out or clean and it's best not go through so much trouble just throw them away and get new ones -OR- turn them white with bleach! (Although sometimes bleach doesn't work but it's worth a try of you want to save your cushions)

Answer 9

You Can try bleach it kills mildew on wood and vinalsiding good luck

Answer 10

Maybe you could disguise the damage somehow? Could you dye it in an interesting pattern to match? You see, I picked up this god-awful lacy tablecloth for free at a yard sale. It was ripped and stained and the lady wanted it GONE! I dyed it with tea bags and voila', brand new look for a tablecloth! I couldn't resist bringing it back over to show the original owner and she was amazed at what a little ingenuity could do!