Mold, fungus, and mildew are vegetative growths which are caused by spores in the air. They thrive in warm, damp, dark poorly ventilated environments such as a shower area in a bathroom. In order to eliminate mildew you cannot just clean it away. Instead, you must kill it like a weed on your front lawn. A disinfectant cleaner with mold and mildew claims will kill these fungi when used according to label directions. The amount of time on a surface increases the effectiveness of these products.

The least expensive solution to this problem (and more aggressive to surface) is common bleach, as a sanitizer which will kill mold and mildew on contact. Mix one part of chlorine bleach diluted with 3 parts of water, allow to stand on surface for 10 to15 minutes, agitate with a soft scrub brush, rinsed down with water, and allow to air dry. TEST AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA WITH BLEACH BEFORE ATTEMPTING AN ENTIRE AREA. IF DISCOLORATION OCCURS, FURTHER DILUTE BLEACH WITH WATER.

Removing Mildew

Painted Wood, Concrete and Tile

To remove mildew stains from bathroom tile, painted wood and naturally hard surfaces, a bleach solution or mildew stain removers may be used. Just spray mildew stains and watch them disappear. Scrub the area with a stiff brush to ensure that you have killed any mildew growth that may have embedded itself into the surface. Clothing and Fabrics Remove mildew spots as soon as you discover them. Do not give the mold a chance to weaken or rot the material. Brush off any surface growth outdoors to prevent scattering the mildew spores in the house. Sun and air fabrics thoroughly. If any mildew spots remain, treat washable articles as described below. Dry clean non-washable articles. Wash mildew-stained articles at once with soap or detergent and water. Rinse well and dry in the sun. If any stains remain use lemon juice and salt, or bleach (1 part bleach to 5 parts water). If you use bleach, test colored fabrics for color-fastness.

Upholstered Articles, Mattresses and Rugs

First, remove loose mold from outer coverings of upholstered articles, mattresses, rugs and carpets by brushing with a broom or stiff brush. Do this outdoors if possible to prevent scattering mildew spores in the house. Next, run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of the article to draw out more of the mold. Remember the mold spores are being drawn into the bag of the vacuum cleaner. If the vacuum cleaner has a disposable bag, remove and dispose of it immediately. If not, empty the bag carefully (preferably outdoors) to avoid scattering mold spores in the house. Do everything conveniently possible to dry, sun and air the article to stop the mold growth. If mildew remains on upholstered articles or mattresses, sponge lightly with thick suds of soap or detergent, and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. In doing this , get as little water on the fabric as possible so the filling does not get wet. Another way to remove mildew on upholstered furniture is to wipe it with a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol. Dry the article thoroughly. Sponge mildewed rugs and carpets with thick suds or a rug shampoo, then remove the suds by wiping with a cloth dampened with clear water.

Dry in the sun, if possible. If molds have grown into the inner part of the article, send it to a reliable disinfecting and fumigating service. Such services are listed under "Exterminating and Fumigating" or "Pest Control" in the yellow pages of your telephone book.

Unpainted Wood

Use heat and increase the air circulation to get mildewed wood as dry as possible. Badly infected wood may need to be replaced preferably with wood that has been treated or that is naturally decay resistant. Thoroughly clean mildewed surfaces, woodwork, and other wooden parts using mildew stain removers. Rinse the wood with water, and allow the wood to dry thoroughly. Then apply a mildew-resistant paint.

Leather Goods

To remove mildew from leather goods, wipe with a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol. Dry in a current of air. If mildew remains, wash with thick suds made from a mild detergent, saddle soap, or a soap containing a germicide or fungicide. Then wipe with a damp cloth and dry in an airy place.

Paper and Books

Remove any dry, loose mold from paper with a clean, soft cloth. If mildewed paper is damp, dry it first - in an airy place, if possible. To dry wallpaper, plaster, as well as the paper, heat the room for several hours (or even days) to dry. Plaster should be dried slowly to prevent cracking. If mildewed paper is washable, wipe it gently with a cloth wrung out of thick soapsuds, then with clean water. Take care not to wet the paper more than necessary. Do not scrub it. Finally, pat with a soft, dry cloth. If stains remain, bleach with a 1:5 solution of household bleachwater, then sponge with a cloth wrung out of clear water. For small stains, a commercial ink eradicator may be useful. Spread pages of books out fan wise to air. If the books are very damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder between the leaves to take up the moisture. Leave starch or powder on for several hours, then brush off.

SUMMARY

We at Damp Rid hope the information in this guide helps you prevent mildew, mold and other musty odors in your home. We always like to hear comments or suggestions from our customers, and we invite you to call us on our toll free customer Help Line 1-888-326-7743. We also make our products available via our e-commerce website. Just call or write us, and we will be happy to help you.