To prevent mold growth, keep fabrics dry. Dry wet textiles quickly and thoroughly. Dry soiled, damp laundry before placing it in a laundry hamper. Remove wet laundry from the washer immediately; air dry it, or thoroughly dry it in a dryer.
Clean all textiles before storing. Soil promotes mildew growth. Store in a dry environment that is well ventilated. Do not store in plastic bags for long periods. Textiles finished with soil and moisture repellents and bacteriostats are more resistant to soil, stain, and microorganisms and are thus more resistant to mildew growth than untreated fabrics.
To remove mold, work quickly when mildew is discovered. Brush, shake, sun, and air mildewed textiles outdoors. Microorganisms and stains that remain might successfully be removed with chlorine bleach. Check the care label to determine if chlorine bleach can be safely used. Pretest an inconspicuous area of the fabric for color change before using the bleach. Launder washable items with soap or detergent and chlorine bleach, when appropriate. Send non-washable items to the dry cleaner and inform the dry cleaner of the mildew stain. To remove stains on washable textiles that cannot be bleached with chlorine, use peroxygen bleaches containing sodium perborate or potassium monopersulfate. Apply at the hottest temperature safe for the fabric, and leave in place for up to 12 hours. Apply all detergents and bleaches according to the product instructions. Some mildew stains cannot be removed, and advanced mold growth may have rotted or weakened the material. These products cannot be salvaged and should be discarded.
