How do I wash mould out of cotton?

[Solarjunkie]

I have just discovered that my son's gi (judo suit) was stuffed, sweaty & unwashed, in a bag, where it has been for A YEAR!

It was originally heavy white cotton, now it is mottled with black/grey mould spots.

I opened the bag, took out the suit, shrieked, and put it back in the bag (figuring it couldn't get any worse).

Help. What on earth do I do with it?

[greenfingers]

You could try soaking it in a bucket of strong bleach and water solution and then putting the suit through the hottest programme in your washing machine .I have a feeling that it may be ruined but you've nothing to lose so have a go.

[smudge]

This sometimes used to happen with baby bibs & babygros. You'd get to the bottom of the washing basket & find these disgusting mouldy items that had been forgotten about. I used to soak them in strong bleachy/water solution, then give them a very hot wash - hey presto nice white bibs & babygro's again.

[Solarjunkie]

How strong a solution? Hot or cold? For how long?

(I only use bleach in the loo! This may well be the only item inthe household made from white cotton.)

[smudge]

For something like your son's Judo outfit, I would say 1/3 bleach to 2/3 of warm water. Leave it overnight & if still stained try a little more bleach. Then wash on hot. Good luck.

[Solarjunkie]

I thought I'd better wash the suit first to remove general grime before tackling the mould. I found a bottle of Ace pink bleach, which I liberally applied to the suit & washed it.

Result?

Every mark has gone! The thing is white all over!

[smudge]

Well done Solar junkie - a good result. Happy Christmas!