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Mold and mildew are fungi, and the stains we associate with them, typically pink, yellow, purple, or black, are byproducts of their digestive process. The compounds they produce can diffuse into a textile and discolor it in a way that can't be removed simply by washing it.
Fungal spores will grow in any warm, moist location where they can find a food source. Keeping a fabric clean and removing any mold or mildew with diluted household bleach (only for bleach cleanable fabrics and only in the recommended ratio) will reduce the number of spores and food sources available to cause problems. Choosing designs that allow water to run off of a surface or escape from inside of a cushion will also help prevent mold and mildew from growing.
A mildew resistant fabric has not necessarily undergone any specific chemical treatments. The fibers themselves may inherently resist mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Unlike natural cellulose and protein fibers, petroleum-based products (polyester, nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene, for example) create environments that do not encourage the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria. Although a resistant fabric will not prevent such growth in the right conditions, it can minimize the severity of potential problems in hot and humid locations.
Fabrics treated with an antibacterial finish offer additional protection against bacteria and mold. These chemical finishes are designed to tackle the most persistent and resilient threats, but they are effective in combatting a wide range of microbes. Fabrics with antibacterial finishes may find purpose in all sorts of applications, including both indoor and outdoor environments, in hospitals and in homes.
Brentano's polyurethane faux leathers include an antibacterial finish that is added to the polyurethane compound before it is poured. The active component of the treatment is a silver ion that bonds to the substances bacteria need for respiration. This form of antibacterial finish is widely recognized as one of the least harmful for human health.
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 | 02 Mogul 03 Freestyle 04 Black Diamond 05 Slalom | 5700 Basketry |  01 Cottonwood
 | 02 River Cane 03 Raffia 04 Sweetgrass 05 Goldenseal 06 Blue Spruce 11 Black Ash | 3966 Filigree |  01 Lucite
 | 02 Bakelite 03 Frosted Glass 04 Pearl 05 Lapis 06 Red Lacquer 07 Smoky Quartz 08 Onyx | 7480 Flora |  01 Strawflower
 | 02 Gardenia 03 Waterlily 04 Chrysanthemum 05 Periwinkle | 5711 Plein Air |  01 Snow
 | 02 Granite 03 Morning Sky 04 Sand 05 Riverstone 06 Potting Soil 07 Lagoon | 7482 Rajah |  01 Rattan
 | 02 Rice Field 03 Borneo 04 Fire Dancer 05 Shadows 06 Sumatra 07 Batik 08 Nutmeg | 3940 Scuba |  01 Shell
 | 02 Surf 03 Angelfish 04 Reef 05 Eel 06 Shrimp 07 Seaweed 08 Saltwater 09 Octopus 10 Stingray 11 Shipwreck | 3901 Varsity |  01 Dolphin
 | 02 Hornet 03 Tiger 04 Devil 05 Bulldog 06 Dragon 07 Hawk 08 Shamrock 09 Bear 10 Comet 11 Panther | 6105 Zinnia |  01 Dreamland
 | 02 Sunshine 03 Art Deco 04 Aztec 05 State Fair 06 Peppermint Stick 07 Profusion 08 Zowie 09 Sunbow |  |  |
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