How to Remove Yellow Mildew Stains From Upholstery

Removing Loose Yellow Mildew

• 1

  Place a plastic sheeting or a drop cloth on a flat, concrete surface outdoors --- driveway, patio or other flat surface. If removing yellow mildew from an automobile's upholstery, place the plastic sheeting or drop cloth on the floorboard of the automobile then skip to Step 3.

• 2

  Solicit help in moving the piece of furniture containing yellow mildew outdoors and onto the plastic sheeting or drop cloth.

• 3

  Use a stiff-bristle brush or small broom to brush off as much mildew as you can from the upholstery. Vacuum the upholstery using your vacuum cleaner's crevice or brush attachment to remove any caked-on yellow mildew and grime buildup.

• 4

  Let the piece of furniture sit outdoors, not in direct sunlight, for at least two hours so any moisture in the upholstery can thoroughly dry.

Removing Yellow Mildew Stains

• 5

  Mix one cup of rubbing alcohol and one cup of cold water in a plastic container or pot. Stir the mixture with a spoon and wear latex gloves to keep your hands dry.

• 6

  Submerge a soft cloth or towel in the alcohol mixture then wring out excess. Blot the yellow mildew stain with the alcohol-soaked cloth or towel. Do not rub --- this will push the yellow mildew further into the upholstery.

• 7

  Repeat Step 2 until the yellow mildew is gone.

• 8

  Mix one cup of baking soda, one cup of cold water and one cup of salt in a plastic container or pot. Stir the mixture with a spoon into a paste. Cover the upholstery with a thin layer of the baking soda paste to rid the fabric of any mildew odor.

  Scrub the paste into the upholstery gently using a clean, soft cloth or towel.

• 9

  Rinse the cloth or towel with cold water, wring out excess water and blot the upholstery with the damp towel to remove any excess baking soda mixture. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the upholstery no longer smells like mildew.

• 10

  Let the piece of furniture sit outdoors until the upholstery is thoroughly dry before bringing the item back into your home. Roll up the plastic sheeting or drop cloth carefully to keep any loose mildew from falling off of it then place the sheeting or drop cloth in your home's outdoor trash can.