Conquering Mildew Issues In Your Home

The dirty spot on the wall in your bathroom that you might ignore for months could

actually be mildew and the start of a much bigger problem in your home if not treated properly. Mildew is a fungus that can grow well in shady, damp areas and can even live on oil based paint. Mildew seeds itself through spores it leaves which are tough, resisting even the toughest household cleaners and wiping. Failing to take the appropriate measures can lead to a reoccurrence of mildew, or even worse, a large outbreak which can lead to health issues for your family.

Many homeowners will face the problem of mildew and dampness in their basements. Drainage problems outside your home or dampness in your basement can quickly become a problem if unchecked. When fixing a problem as big as this, be sure to solve your homes problems with moisture first and then spend your efforts cleaning up later. Eliminate its root causes first.

Consider the conditions of the room the mildew is growing in when planning for its clean up. If the exterior of your house is attracting mildew or mold growth, be sure that any landscaping you have near the house is properly trimmed and not growing against the house. This will allow airflow and sunlight to reach the walls and discourage mildew growth. Your gutters should not leak or get clogged and overflow. Mildew can be fed by the excess water that is falling near your home.

Whether the problem with mildew is on the interior or the exterior of your home, the approach should be the same. If your mildew problem is thick enough, you should begin by aggressively scrubbing the stains with a stiff wire brush. You should use one of three cleaners after you have finished scrubbing the area with a brush. Your first option is to use a mixture of 1 part chlorine bleach mixed with 3 parts water. Another option is to purchase a commercial mildew cleaner and preventer and use as directed. The last option, and the cheapest one, is to purchase TSP or tri-sodium phosphate and mix it with hot water. You can find this stuff at most hardware stores and other paint retailers.

After you have thoroughly cleaned the area and allowed it to dry for several days, you can repaint the surface if it was painted previously. You should choose a paint that has an anti-mildew additive in it or purchase a fungicide additive to mix in later. For stubborn problems, you should consider priming the surface with a shellac based primer. Follow all the directions that come with these products. Remember, the best anti-mildew paints are not effective on their own if you do not completely clean the affected areas. If any spores remain on the surface, they will surely multiply and the problem will return.

by: Ashley Mills

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