how to get mildew out of a quilt that has become wet while in a plastic bag?

Question

I embroidered a 50 state quilt and had stored it in a plastic bag. The closet got we and I would like to know how to get the mildew out of the quilt. In places it has yellowed. Would like to get the yellow out.

Answer 1

One gallon of buttermilk added to the wash machine filled with warm water and then let this quilt soak over night.

Never store quilts in plastic bags. (tip) Always refold quilts over a period of time,using a white bed sheet folded with the quilt helps them from gaining any yellowing lines.

I also hear lemon juice helps break down those yellowing lines,spray and soak.

Good luck

Answer 2

As a quilt maker, I agree, no plastic for storage. I also recommend unfolding the quilt every year and re-folding in a diffrent way, to prevent creases. Or store it rolled up.

I would try a clorox bleach pen just on the stains, and then wash the whole quilt with oxy clean. If there is still discoloration, brush on a light coat of fabric paint. The quilt won't look the same, but it won't be ruined anymore.

If you wash the quilt, don't hang it while wet. Dry it on a clean tarp outdoors or inside. if you dry it inside, towel up the water every few houser and turn the quilt several times a day.

Answer 3

You can try dry bleach or pre-treat the spots with a stain stick, then wash in a commercial size washing machine. Maybe you'll be lucky and the spot and smell will come out.

Because of the risk of mildew, experts recommend that you avoid storing quilts in plastic bags. If it will fit in a pillow case, that's a good storage container. If not, buy some muslin and make a drawstring bag the appropriate size for the quilt.

Answer 4

That's awful that the quilt is ruined.
Unfortunately you should NEVER store a quilt in a plastic bag. It's going to be almost impossible to get the mildew out but you might try Orvus quilt soap, available at any quilt/fabric store. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Burn it.

Seriously, it's really difficult to get mildew out of anything because it works its way into the fibre of materials and destroys them. Even if you get rid of the discolouration the fibres will still be damaged and weakened.

You could try washing it at as high a temperature as it will tolerate or treating it with an anti-fungal treatment but that may discolour or ruin it even more. If it's white you could try chloride bleach or a fabric bleach may work on coloured. I've also heard that treating with vinegar or leaving fabric to bleach in the sun can be effective.

The bad news is the best way to treat mildew in fabrics is to avoid it in the first place!

Answer 6

What can I do to remove mildew from clothing?


1. Shake or brush the items outdoors to remove loose growth.
2. Pre soak in cold water.
3. Wash in hot water and heavy duty detergent. If items are white, add 1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach to wash load. If colored, use all fabric bleach.
4. With permanent press or synthetic fabrics, use the permanent press cycle with automatic cool down before the spin cycle to prevent wrinkles.
5. If staining remains on items, repeat washing before drying.
6. Dry thoroughly; heat and sun tend to kill mildew.

Mildew attacks and destroys fibers, so clothing may not be restored to original appearance.


I like Oxiclean to.