Preventing mildew on clothing

Mildew commonly develops in the humid summer weather. Here are a few tips from our resident expert, Arthur Anton, Jr., on keeping your clothes free from mildew:

• Keep closets, dresser drawers, and storage areas as clean as possible.
• Keep fabrics dry. Do not put clothing or shoes that are damp (including wet from rain or perspiration) in the closet.
• Be sure clothing is clean before putting away in the closet. Even though some synthetic fabrics such as acetate, acrylic and polyester are resistant to mildew, soil can supply enough food for mildew to start.
• Do not store your clothes in the plastic bags from the drycleaner – they inhibit the fabric from breathing and can cause mildew.
• Store clothes in a dry, well ventilated area. Temperature swings can cause moisture to form in clothing and create mildew problems.
• Circulate the air in your closet. Hang clothes loosely so that air can circulate around them. When you can, leave your closet doors open to allow air to circulate and reduce the moisture in the closet.
• Remove mildew spots as soon as you discover them. Brush off surface growth outdoors to prevent scattering the spores in the house. Sun and air fabrics thoroughly. If any mildew spots remain, dryclean non-washable articles and wash mildew-stained articles once with soap and water, rinse them well and dry them in the sun.

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Arthur C. Anton, Jr. is an expert in clothing care. He wants to share his experience so email him your questions.

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Check our archives of useful clothing care tips, to the right.

• Closet care
• Clothing care labels
• Clothing Care Resolutions
• Dry cleaning questions
• Emergency care for spills
• Garment care
• Holiday clothing
• Household items
• Mold, mildew & moth damage
• Seasonal storage tips
• Sewing buttons
• Shirt laundry
• Stain and spot removal
• Stretch your clothing care dollar
• Travel
• Wedding gowns