How To Remove Mildew

Mildew is a common fungus found in many homes. Not only does it look terrible but it is also a health hazard, especially for those with asthma & other respiratory disorders.

Conditions favourable to mildew include dampness, humidity, poor air circulation.

Remove mould and mildew from walls and ceilings:

What you will need:

• Face mask

• Bucket

• Brush

• Sponge

• Rubber gloves

• 500ml Spray bottle (if using your own mildew remover)

There are various commercial products you can purchase to remove mildew. These should be readily available from your hardware or supermarket. They can be expensive though, so you may wish to try these home made mildew remover recipes first.

Mildew remover recipe 1

• 1/5th cup of bleach.

• 200ml hot water.

Mix well into a 500ml spray bottle, spray onto the affected area & scrub.

Mildew remover recipe 2

• 1 part bicarbonate of soda

• 1 part vinegar

Mix into a paste & apply. Leave to dry & then rinse off.

You can also spray undiluted white vinegar onto affected areas & wash off.

Tips & Safety:

Use a toothbrush for small nooks & crannies.

Always ventilate the room well when applying chemicals & use a mask to avoid inhaling the mould. Test a small patch first for colourfastness. Never ever mix chemicals, especially ammonia & bleach. Toxic fumes will result which can cause death.

When removing mildew, always dampen the area first. If you begin to remove it without dampening it, spores will spread throughout the house. Dampening it will help prevent or reduce this.

How to prevent mildew returning:

Fungus needs moisture & food to grow. Your building supplying the food, and the damp conditions providing the moisture. Therefore you need to ensure conditions are unfavourable for mildew growth including;

• Purchase a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.

• Apply a paint with a mildew retardant in it.

• If you have any leaking pipes or taps, fix them up.

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean floors & furnishings.

• Wipe down the shower after use.

• If you have an exhaust fan in the bathroom & or kitchen, use them.

• Increase ventilation. Open windows where possible (but close if it's wet outside and on an evening). Install under floor ventilation.

Also see:

Cleaning A Burnt Pan,  Cleaning a Microwave, Cleaning Granite, Cleaning Grout, Cleaning Urine From Mattress, Disinfecting Kitchen Sponges, How to Remove Mould and Mildew from Clothes,  Removing Labels and Stickers, Window Condensation