Mildew Removal DIY Tips and Information

Mildew

Mildew and mold are very common household problems. They both can grow just about any place as long as there is a source or moisture. The worst part of having a mildew problem is that it can grow just about anyplace in the home. This is why its good to have a mold removal professional come out and inspect your home properly. Mold and mildew removal professionals will also find the source of water that is causing the mold or mildew
growth.


What are Mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are forms of fungus - they are microscopic plants that feed on organic matter and reproduce by means of "spores" - tiny seeds - that may be spread through the air.

Since Mildew and Mold are basically the same thing you will need to take care when doing your mildew removal. This means you must wear the gloves and mask and seal off the room just as you would if you were removing mold. For detailed information on how to do this check out this blog post Mold Remediation Equipment. So please make sure you wear all safety equipment.

If your Mildew or Mold problem is larger than a 3 foot by 3 foot area then I recommend that you do not try and clean or remove it yourself. If you don't do your mold removal the right way you can spread it throughout the house and make the problem a lot worse.

Mildew grows on surfaces in thin sheets, sometimes spotty in appearance, often black, brown, green, or rust colored, and causes a sour, musty odor.

Mold generally grows thicker and flourishes in hidden spaces such as inside hollow walls and ventilation ducts and under floorboards. So-called "toxic mold" is any of several varieties that can grow very large in hidden spaces and may cause adverse health effects. Removing this kind of mold is a job for professional mold abatement contractors.

Why Does Mildew Grow On Buildings?

Mildew is not very picky. Airborne spores are everywhere, so mildew can grow just about anywhere it finds a source of food, plenty of moisture, some shade and the right temperature. Mildew can be found:

Exterior

• Most often on the north side of a house.
• Under eaves or overhangs.
• Decks
• In shade from trees or shrubs.-Near areas damp from watering

Interior

• Mildew in Bathrooms
• Attic and Crawl spaces
• Mildew on curtains
• Mildew on Cloths
• Mildew on Carpet
• Kitchens
• Laundry rooms
• Basement
• Basically any place with a water source. This included high humidity levels.

Mildew often resembles surface dirt or staining. To make sure, test the surface by putting a few drops of household chlorine bleach on it. If the surface has mildew, the color will be bleached out in just a few minutes. If the color does not change, or changes only very little, chances are the surface is merely dirty or stained. If you're not sure or just want to be safe, follow the directions given on the paint can before you paint.


How Can I Get Rid of Mildew?

Remember that painting over a surface infected with mildew will not solve the problem. Instead, the mildew will just grow under and through the new paint, creating a bigger problem. If you already have mildew growing under a paint film, that paint will have to be removed before you can disinfect the surface and repaint.

Fix Moisture, Ventilation and Shade Problem: Find the source of the moisture that supports the mildew growth and remedy the situation.

Disinfect Surfaces With Chlorine Bleach Solution: In a five-gallon bucket, mix three quarts of warm water with one quarter cup of liquid dishwasher detergent. Sponge clean the surfaces with mildew and let stand for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the surfaces to loosen and remove the mildew and dirt. Finally, rinse the entire surface with cool, clear water and let dry. You can also use Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar and many other Mildew and Mold cleaning solutions.

Do not ever mix bleach and ammonia or any product that may contain ammonia. This mixture can result in toxic vapors. Remember to cover shrubbery and wear glove/eye protection.