Help - wet and moldy.

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07-05-2012, 05:04 AM

#51

Carol W

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Join Date: Mar 2008

Posts: 1,428

Thank you all for so much great advice!!!

The fabric had been sitting in a plastic tote for 3 weeks at my sister's home.

When we met last weekend, the fat quarters were still damp. When I started to look through the tote, I could see many black spots. I knew that there were around 20 fat quarters that were very moldy.

It took me 3 days to decide to throw it all out. I had such a hard time to decide whether to try to salvage some of the fabric or to just not take any chances with the mold and mold spores.

I would feel just awful if I decided to use the fabric for a gift and then the recipient would have health issues from undetected mold spores.

I believe I made the right decision.

07-06-2012, 02:09 AM

#52

Momma_K

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Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Dayton, TN. but hometown is Rockford IL.

Posts: 1,407

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenheron

Vinegar can be very effective--soak like colors over night in a bucket with two cups of white vinegar. Drain and wash as usual with hottest water cycle and a cup of vinegar with the detergent. BTW, when I use this to remove eau de German Shepherd Dog after my son and his dogs visit (washing machine, only) my laundry does NOT smell like pickles--just clean and fresh. Dry the fabric outside if you can. Sunshine is a germicide and mildew killer.

Vinegar is great but I have used it with Oxyclean for animal scents, urine, moldy mildewy items. I HATE tossing fabric of anykind, hope you try this first!! Good Luck.

07-06-2012, 08:09 AM

#53

ghostrider

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Join Date: Jan 2009

Posts: 4,688

Quote:

Originally Posted by Momma_K

Vinegar is great but I have used it with Oxyclean for animal scents, urine, moldy mildewy items. I HATE tossing fabric of anykind, hope you try this first!! Good Luck.

I'm really wondering if you and the others that 'rescue' contaminated quilting fabrics make sure to keep it all separate from your other fabrics. Or do you use use it for swaps, trades, round robins, charity quilts and/or gifts as if it were brand new without ever advising the recipient of its history?

It's one thing to keep it for yourself, but if you can't guarantee that it never again leaves your house, that's something else altogether.

07-06-2012, 09:29 AM

#54

Neesie

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Join Date: Mar 2012

Location: Texas, USA

Posts: 5,896

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostrider

I've only rescued one piece of "questionable" (just bought new, last week) fabric - no visible signs of anything, just a musty smell - and looked up the info, to kill anything that might possibly be starting. I probably over-treated it and am convinced all is now well. It's destined to become a trash bag, for my car (so that hopefully, dh will stop stuffing everything into the doors and cup holders!!!).

Last edited by Neesie; 07-06-2012 at 09:34 AM.

07-06-2012, 09:49 AM

#55

GrannieAnnie

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Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: S. W. Indiana

Posts: 7,484

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carol W

My sister purchased fabric for me at a yardsale 3 weeks ago. There are 30 - 40 fat quarters and 20 - 30 clear plastic unsealed bags with 1 - 2 yards of fabric in each. When I got it yesterday and looking through the fat quarters on the bottom of the plastic tote they are in, they were wet and moldy.

I know I am throwing all the fat quarters out, but would you also throw the fabric in the unsealed plastic bags out too?

I'm thinking I should, but I need advice.

Thanks!!

I'd try soaking all of it in Oxy-clean for a couple days before pitching. I can't stand the thought of throwing out anything

07-06-2012, 10:04 AM

#56

lindy-2

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: ontario

Posts: 733

midwives recomend washing any towels and bedding with peroxide to remove any blood and such after a home birth and it works so washing the fabric with peroxide should work just fine

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray

What about adding peroxide to the wash water?

(I don't know what it does to fabrics - I know it used to be used in cleaning wounds - pour it in/on - watch it bubble - swab out the goop - redress the wound)

07-06-2012, 10:11 AM

#57

GrannieAnnie

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: S. W. Indiana

Posts: 7,484

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betty Ruth

Throw out possibly usable fabric, never. Several possible solutions have been given Try them all until you find one that works. As a last resort, there is bleach.

Most of you probably don't know, but automatic dishwasher detergent is somewhat similar to the cleaner used for milking equipment------------kills stuff. You might try a good dose of that on one of the washings. May light the colors slightly, but won't hurt them.