Mildew or mold is usually noticeable by the musty odor it emits. Additionally mildew leaves an ugly and dirty black stain that will rot most fabrics, paper and leather items. Mildew is also bad for people with allergies. Mold and mildew usually grow in basements, closets, under the beds, in showers and crawl places. The only requirement mildew has to grow is for the place to be a little damp and warm with little or no air movement. To remove mildew from your house read on
Removal Instructions:
- Mildew, mold and fungus are fungal growths that are spread by spores in the surrounding air. Mildew thrives in damp, warm, poorly ventilated and dark areas such as basements and shower areas. To eliminate this health hazard you cannot just clean it. Instead mildew has to be killed. Use a disinfectant cleaner which is specially made for mildew and/or mold and kill these fungi. Leave it on for a while to increase the effectiveness of these cleaners.
- The cheapest way to get rid of this problem (and the most destructive to the surface) is bleach. Its a sanitizer which kills mildew and mold on contact. Mix around three parts of water along with about one part of chlorine bleach and allow to rest on a surface for about 15 minutes. Use a soft brush to scrub the surface and rinse it with water. Allow this patch to dry in the air. Always remember to test on little corner with bleach first to check the side effects of using bleach on the given surface. If the bleach discolors or damages the surface further dilute the bleach solution used with water.
- For places in the kitchen like the pantry using bleach is hazardous. Here vinegar can be used as a safe substitute.
- Another option is to buy X-14 or a similar anti-mold or mildew agent from a store.
- Remember, getting rid of mold or mildew is important not just to look clean. These fungal growths in your house pose a health hazard to your family and you. They grow in places rarely cleaned, with plenty of moisture, darkness and some warmth. Pantries, basements and bathrooms are places that should be high on the lookout.
- If mold or mildew continually return to the same specific area in your house you will have to consider removing that particular offending area entirely.
Preventive measures:
- Keep your place clean and tidy.
- Any small amount of dried food or dirt will enable mildew and mold growth. Keep closets, walls, drawers and clothing clean to help prevent mildew.
- Keep the place as dry as possible.
- Whenever you spot mildew look for the source of moisture and fix it.
- Wipe the walls of your shower once done.
- Use your air conditioner to filter out moisture.
- Use exhaust fans in places that require them.
- Waterproof your home. Seal off any leaks and cracks.
- Use a fan to circulate the air around, even in winter.
- Have proper ventilation around the house.
- Never put away leather items in damp areas.
- Don’t push the furniture too tightly against the wall.
- Leave the windows open during good weather.
- Keep cloth and fabrics clean and dry.
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