How do I clean a closet full of mildew?
by
Tam31455419
+5
We had an AC leak near a rarely used closet full out of season clothes which are also full of mildew. The closet is wood walls and floor. So we have the clothes and the closet itself. So far we removed the clothes and hung outside under the carport.
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I use the bleach since i cant breath mildew
bleach does not kill mildew, try washing the area with white vinegar
I agree. Bleach is the way to go. I mix 50/50 bleach and water then spray on. I would also wear a face mask.
Bleach solution and/or vinegar solution. Scrub, scrub, scrub. Use a fan to dry the wood. Keep the fan on long after the wood looks dry or run a dehumidifier, if you have one, in the closet. Vinegar in the wash water if the clothes are not bleachable. In my experience you should expect at least some of the clothing to be unsalvageable.
Use the bleach to clean off the mold and mildew and lessen the stain. Follow that with vinegar to kill the spores as bleach will clean some away, but will leave spores in the little nooks and crannies. Vinegar is an excellent antibacterial and antifungal agent and should take care of it and at least keep it away for a while. Make sure the wood dries, leave the closet open and put up a fan blowing into the closet to help dry it out. If you notice more showing up, spritz the vinegar on it after cleaning that area and let it dry on the wood.
Do exactly as Nancy Turner suggest. Bleach will clean but not kill the spores. Vinegar will kill the spores. Hopefully no mold is behind the wood walls.
I can't see how you will get mildew off the clothes, I had a disaster in my linen cupboard where I had a leak and didn't realise for some time. I lost a large number of white cotton pillowcases and sheets and some towels, no amount of washing even bleaching has removed the stains, I use the pillowcases as under cases but got rid of the other stuff which was very annoying as it was all good quality items!