What are mildews? To understand what it is, let us know first what are molds. Molds are caused by fungi that thrive in any moist environment. In nature, molds are important as they break down dead organic matter and help regenerate the soil. In contrast, indoor molds are yucky and dirty. Molds can be green, black or white and may look thick and fuzzy. It can grow into colonies and can spread very quickly. Meanwhile, mildew is just molded in its early stages. And it is better to treat it early. How can we remove mildew stains on babies’ clothes?
The risks
Molds have allergens that can cause sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes. Since babies have a weaker immune system, exposure to molds, like that on the baby clothes can cause irritation that can be dangerous. Although mildew is more of an eyesore than a health threat, it is still better to remove and manage them before it spread. Babies’ clothes that are kept in moist, closed and poorly lit areas are prone to fungi that produced molds and mildew. It gives out a musty odor and can cause fabrics to fade.
Read also: Food Allergies on Kids
Removing Mold and mildew stains on clothes
Here are some steps to remove the stains with ease.
- Take the baby clothes and lay them on sheets of paper outside the house. Using a scrub brush, brush off as many mildew as possible. Throw the used newspapers once you are finished.
- Wash the clothes in the washing machine with a gentle cycle. Use warm water and heavy-duty detergent. Alternatively, you can also hand wash the clothes in water and laundry soap.
Read also: Best Laundry Detergent for Babies
- Spread the clothes in the clothesline and let it dry naturally under the sun. Do not place it in the dryer because the heat will only make the stains harder to remove.
- If the stain remains untreated, mix 2 quarts of warm water and 2 cups of borax in a plastic tub. Immerse the clothes in the solution and leave for two to three hours. Wring the clothes after removing them from the solution and spread on a clean surface.
- How can you remove mildew from colored clothes? You can bleach the stains with a mixture of salt and lemon juice. Meanwhile, you can use chlorine bleach on white clothes. Let it dry naturally.
- You can also use water and vinegar solution and spray them over the stains. Set it aside to allow the vinegar’s enzyme to penetrate the stains. Launder them in water and detergent and let it dry under the sun.
Tips to share
Why do babies’ clothes get moldy? How can we avoid mildew on clothes?
- Do not leave wet or damp clothes in a pile for days.
- Dry the clothes immediately after washing them. Leaving the clothes wet can cause mildew to form.
- Be sure that the clothes you washed are completely dry before folding and storage.
- Hang and dry sweaty clothes on the air and so are swimming gears and bath towels. Drying it inside can cause molds and mildew to form not only in the clothes but inside the house as well because of the moisture.
- Check on leaks on roofs and walls that may cause moisture problems in the house that can promote the growth of molds and mildew.
- Keep the humidity in the home low. You can use air conditioners, humidifiers or install exhaust fans for this. It will be better if you open the windows during the day especially when the weather is hot.
Read also: What Does a Humidifier Do For Baby
- Close the windows when it is raining so rainwater cannot damp or moist the inside of the house.
A wrap-up
May these tips and procedures teach parents how to remove mildew stains on their babies’ clothes. Mildew stains are not only unsightly as it looks dirty, but it can also ruin baby’s clothes – which is not a very good idea for a perfect baby photoshoot.
Read also:
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- What are the 4 Easy Ways to Remove Baby Poop Stains?
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