My daughter's new outfit was left in the clothes hamper too long and mold formed on her new pink pants. I have tried a color safe bleach which had no effect at all. I've also tried to soak them in vinegar and water, which didn't help much either. Does anyone out there have any other ideas. Thanks for your help.

-- Debra Knapp (knappjd@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002

Answers

I've heard good things about that OxyClean stuff they're always touting on TV, from some friends who used it to get stains out of carpets and what-not (one girl said she was getting out stains that were 8 years old!). I think you may be able to buy it in stores now, but don't quote me on that.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002.

Debra,

Oxy clean is available in the stores. I saw it in Wal-mart.

-- Terry - NW Ohio (aunt_tm@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002.

Dontcha just hate it when that happens! Same thing happened to my pink hot pants. I couldn't get the mildew out so now I just wear them when I split wood. Funny thing, the guys down at the Legion are starting to talk to me again. --Happy trails, Cabin Fever

-- Cabin Fever (cabinfever_mn@yahoo.com), February 21, 2002.

I just bought a tub of OxyClean. Love it, but I soaked my bath mat in it for over an hour and it didn't touch the mold stains. Now I put a scoop in with my whites and soak for 30 minutes and they come out fantastic - better than bleach.

Stace

-- Stacey (stacey@lakesideinternet.com), February 21, 2002.

The Gymboree (children's clothing) store carries a laundry pre- treater called "GymSuds." I've never tried it on clothes mold, but it gets everything else out, so it might be worth a try. It's only 6 dollars for a pretty large bottle. I think it's miraculous! ;)

-- hmm (h.m.metheny@att.net), February 21, 2002.

Try 20 Mule Team (borax). It gets out just about any stain and it's cheaper than OxyClean. You can even use it to clean the bathroom sinks, tubs and toilets.

-- al (yr2012@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002.

Have you tried a 50-50 vinegar/water solution that you scrubbed with a toothbrush. Some stains take many many applications.

If you get really desparate I find Hydrogen peroxide poured on and left for a bit (sometimes repeated) does a great job on many stains-- but it is harsher than vinegar.

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), February 21, 2002.

OxyClean is just a stabalized form of hydrogen peroxide, I think.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), February 22, 2002.