| About mold and mildew
Q. How can I prevent mildew in my closet?
A. In addition to the unpleasant musty smell, mildew can cause
considerable damage by discoloring fabrics and sometimes eating into them
until the fabric rots. Prevention is the best policy – if closets
are kept clean, well ventilated and dry, you are less likely to have a
mildew problem. Molds that cause mildew need moisture and a certain temperature
to grow.
Here are some steps you can take to help prevent mildew. Avoid putting
clothing and shoes that are damp from sweat in the closet. Do not store
clothes in the plastic bags from the drycleaner – they inhibit the
fabric from breathing and can cause mildew. Do not put soiled clothes
into the closet. Soil on articles can supply enough food for mildew to
start growing when moisture and temperature are right.
Poor circulation of dry air can also lead to mildew. When away on a trip,
open your closet doors to allow air to circulate and reduce the moisture
in the closet.
Q. What’s the best way to get rid of smoke or mildew odors?
A. Believe it or not, smoke or mildew often become trapped in textiles,
making them impossible to remove by normal cleaning techniques. Most of
these odors, however, can be removed by your dry cleaner through the use
of ozone generators.
Ozone is formed through the process of oxidation, which causes the material
with which the oxygen is combined to change its molecular configuration
by losing one or more of its electrons.
Ozone generators work by passing dry air through a high frequency electrical
field. This electrical discharge splits an oxygen molecule into two free
atoms, which then combine with an oxygen molecule that has not been split
to form ozone. The contact between ozone and the odors embedded in the
textile causes oxidation to reoccur, resulting in elimination of the odors
and the release of oxygen. If you are ever faced with a disaster such
as a fire or flood, this service can be most helpful.
Q. How can
we prevent moth damage?
A. Most moth damage occurs when garments are in home storage. The International
Fabric Institute (IFI) offers six ways to minimize the problem:
1. Have garments professionally cleaned before storing them away. If there's
any trace of food or body oils on your clothes, it will attract the hungry
larvae and damage will be done before you know it.
2. If home washing, tumble dry at temperatures above 120ºF to kill larvae.
3. Freeze garments in individual self-sealing storage at 0ºF for 48–72
hours before storing to kill larvae.
4 . Use cedar, eucalyptus, or lavender products. Remember, however, that
such products have a limited life and should be replaced regularly and
these methods are not guaranteed.
5. If possible, store items in tight containers or sealed garment bags.
In order for any insect protection to be truly effective, the storage
container must be tight so that the insects cannot get in.
6. Storage areas should be kept clean. Vacuum the floors, shelves, and
walls to remove dust, webs, and any inconspicuous eggs or pesky insect
larvae.
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