Yards of Fabric ~ RUINED?!?! *NOW SAVED!*

[Guest1]

Please tell me it can be salvaged....

First ~ the facts:
I had a huge cardboard box full of fabric in our shed....
It never rains here....
We were hit with flash flooding out of nowhere about 1½ weeks ago followed by 100°+ days.....

You've probably surmised that my shed flooded and the bottom of the box (unbeknownst to me) was soaked.....

The high temps that followed, rather than drying, apparently caused the fabrics to mildew....
Several of the pieces have a rancid smell & spots of what looks like mold on them....

Before I totally destroy them based on the smell alone, is there any way they can be salvaged??

This is a lot of fabric & I feel awful about it.....my next big purchase will be plastic, lidded storage totes....

Thanks for any suggestions!

[mrscornbread]

Well, I dont know much about mildew, but at any rate, I would suggest washing it ll and see how it looks before tossing. I use white vinegar to rinse anything questionable because it is a neutralizer, hope this helps.

[SewCrafty]

I agree with Robin. Any of the fabric that can take bleach I would use in the wash cycle and maybe even give it a soak cycle.

Hope you can selvage it Debbie.

[homesteadmamma]

Check this link. Scroll down to see "mildew"

http://www.mgservices.ca/stain%20guide.htm

Edited to add: My computer went wonkie so I couldn't finish my post. I too would use vinegar and would hang outside in the sun after its washed.

I would think some of it should be salvagable.

[canadian gardener]

I take it from the daily thankfulness thread, that you got it all salvaged. Good news.

[Guest1]

Originally posted by canadian gardener
I take it from the daily thankfulness thread, that you got it all salvaged. Good news.

YES! YES! YES!

I was able to save this fabric!!!! Thank you all soooooo much for your suggestions! They've - obviously - worked & been an answer to several desperate prayers!

I also came to realize something.....
I had all of this fabric just stored away - not even set aside for a planned project - just hoarded....that made me feel awful!
Soooo - I'm donating quite a lot of it to folks that I know would use, love, & appreciate it!

Thanks again girls!!

[homesteadmamma]

That is wonderful news Debbie. I'm so glad you were able to salvage it.