Possible to remove mildew from fabric?

[AdventureBe]

I have some curtains where the linings have gone mildewed from condensation on the windows

and (look away of squeamish!) I am prone to night sweats which means the mattress is often wet and has signs of mildew

[Iggly]

The mildew isn't good for your health.... Could give nasty chest infections (and night sweats). Have you worked out the reason for the damp?
And for the night sweats?

[AdventureBe]

Yes Iggly, that's why I want to get rid of it.

The curtains get damp in the bedroom because of condensation on the windows in winter.

Night sweats no-one can help with. I'm too young (apparently) for it to be menopause and doctor can't suggest anything else, or at least nothing else that hasn't been ruled out.

[Iggly]

I open up the bedroom windows every day, even in winter for 30 mins to air. We get condensation in the kids room especially.

Do you dry your washing indoors? Is the heating on enough?

[AdventureBe]

The bedroom window is open all day everyday, all year round. I don't heat the bedroom because of the sweating but the house is warm enough.

[SophieHatters]

You need a waterproof sheet (or two interchangeable ones) to protect the mattress. That will solve one problem.

[Corygal]

Have you tried opening the window?

[AdventureBe]

Cory, the thread's only 7 posts long. Have you read it?

[Corygal]

Whoops, sorry. I sweat like a beast as well. Try 60 degree wash on the curtains then air dry. New mattresses are only about 100 quid for a basic one (which I would advise if you are going to be sweating for some time).

[poocatcherchampion]

Lol! I can't help but you made me laugh!

[Corygal]

Open ALL the windows in winter for half an hour a day. I have to do this - it's way better to be a bit nippy for a bit than breathe mouldy air.

[lilacblossomtime]

You might be able to bleach the curtain linings, but they may be stained. If so you might be able to remove the linings and replace but keep the curtains. I keep a moisture absorbing thingy on my windowsills to help avoid condensation.

[TheOneWiththeNicestSmile]

if you can hang your curtain linings in the sun for a while after washing, the mildew should go. In the winter, can you leave a gap between them at night instead of closing them completely so they get a bit of air?

Mattress trickier; I get night sweats/hot flushes, I run a fan at the end of the bed all night all year for white noise, & when I wake up hot I throw off the duvet for a bit until I feel cold again (even in the winter) - could you do that?

[TheOneWiththeNicestSmile]

Also a good thick cotton mattress protector would take care of some of the moisture. TKMaxx is good for those. If you get 2 or 3 you could rotate them weekly