Clothing and Fabric Mildew

• Vinegar will kill mildew on clothing and eliminate the odors. For mild mildew smells on clothing, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar to the detergent compartment of the washing machine. Run the washing machine on a regular cycle with cold water and no laundry detergent. For severe mildew, soak the clothing in a bucket of 1 part vinegar and 1 part cold water for an hour before washing. Line dry the laundry outdoors to eliminate the vinegar smell. If the vinegar smell persists, wash the clothing in a regular machine cycle with detergent and dry it in the dryer.
  
  

Hard Surface Mildew

• Surface mildew on tiles, windows, bathtubs, floors and other hard surfaces can be eliminated with a solution of 3 tbsp. distilled white vinegar, 1 tsp. borax powder and 2 cups hot water. Wipe or spray the solution onto the surface to be treated and allow it to soak for several minutes before wiping it away with a clean rag. To help prevent regrowth, spray full-strength vinegar on the clean area and allow it to air-dry.
  
  

Porous Surface Mildew

• Treat walls, decks, furniture, carpets and other porous surfaces with the same solution as hard-surface mildew. Wipe or scrub off as much mildew as possible. Saturate the area with full-strength distilled white vinegar and allow it to dry to kill any remaining mildew and inhibit regrowth. Areas with severe or deeply set-in mildew may require several treatments.