Mildew Stain Removal from Vinyl

If you have any vinyl objects or surfaces that have incurred mildew stains, you may be wondering how to go about mildew stain removal. If so, read on to learn everything you'll need to know about cleaning mildew stains off of vinyl.

Step 1 - Mix Your Cleaning Solution

Believe it or not, white wine vinegar can be a very effective tool when it comes to mildew stain removal. Begin this step by combining half a cup of white wine vinegar with one cup of water, then pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle. White wine vinegar's acidic nature will play a key role in getting rid of your mildew stains.

If you don't have any white wine vinegar on hand, milk can also prove invaluable with regard to mildew stain removal. Simply pour some milk into a pot or pan, then set it atop your stove to boil. If you're using powdered milk, make sure it has been properly liquefied before proceeding to boil it. Once the milk has reached its boiling point, combine half a cup of milk with half a cup of warm water, then pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle. Once your cleaning solution has been sufficiently mixed, you'll be ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2 - Apply Your Cleaning Solution

Now that you've mixed your cleaning solution, you're ready to begin the mildew stain removal process. Use your spray bottle to vigorously squirt cleaning solution onto your mildew-stained vinyl. Next, use a sponge or washcloth to carefully wipe the stains away. Once the mildew stains have been removed, the smell of white wine vinegar will linger for several days, so make sure your vinyl is placed in a well ventilated area. If your homemade cleaning solution fails to successfully purge your mildew stains, proceed with the next step.

Step 3 - Apply Your Bleach

If your cleaning solution didn't do the trick, you may need to incorporate the aid of bleach. After pouring some bleach into an empty spray bottle, gently squirt it onto your stained vinyl. Alternatively, you can spray some bleach onto a sponge or washcloth and carefully dab it onto any mildew-stained areas. Next, allow the bleach to sit for several minutes, after which the mildew should start to turn white. Once the color begins to change, use a sponge or washcloth to wipe away the mildew stains. Should the mildew prove stubborn, soak the washcloth in water and mild soap and proceed to wipe away the stains. When purging the stains, make a point of being as thorough as possible, as mildew has a propensity for regrowing.

Keep in mind that you should always wear protective gloves when working with bleach. In addition, you may want to consider wearing a paper breathing mask to avoid inhaling any of bleach's potent fumes.

When cleaning mildew off of vinyl, just remember these three easy steps and mildew stain removal will be a piece of cake.