So I have some bleach, and a nightie...

[LeucanTheMopsis]

... do I really just slosh some in a bucket with water and soak to get mildew out of it? I've googled myself silly and it appears to be rocket science, so can I just use household cleaning bleach?

Buy a new nightie. It will be easier.

Well, yes, that probably is what I'd do if I weren't going to try this instead.

My current weekly budget for food and utilities is about £30, which coincidentally is about what my lovely floor-length, thick cotton, winter nightie cost.

So has anyone tried this and it worked?

I cant think why it wouldnt work. It's just like bleaching anything else to get mildew out.

Then it needs a good hot wash in bio powder to get the stains out.

I've used bleach in an old spray before now to treat stains, I found that if they were going to lift then they would start to fade in seconds.

Hoorah! Thank you, Fluffy, I am now a Good Housekeeper. It looks like bloody new, I'm so impressed.

Really pleased for you, Leucan - was about to suggest Astonish spray for mould and mildew which works quicker than bleach, but glad it's now fixed.

Good Lord, how do you get mildew on your nightie?

I'm sure there is a course joke in there somewhere.

I've only ever succeeded in getting mildew out by soaking things in Napisan for several days. I don't know whether it is the same chemical as bleach. I'd be worried about leaving something in bleach for a few days.

Doh! Just realised you've done it! Blame the children for distracting me with trivialities!

Wash it with a capful of vinegar and that should keep mildew at bay and won't smell like a chippy.

Napisan is also good as its a bleach