Preventing Mold & Mildew
Clothing and Household Fabrics
Never let clothing or other fabrics lie around damp or wet. Dry
soiled clothes before putting them into the hamper. Spread out washcloths
and damp towels. Stretch out wet shower curtains. It is the wet curtain
left bunched together, sticking to the wall or tub, that is most likely to
mildew. Dry washed garments and fabrics thoroughly and quickly. Fabrics
dried slowly may get sour and musty-smelling - a sign of mold growth.
Leather Goods
Shoes, belts, hand bags and luggage are very susceptible to mildew
damage. As with fabrics, keep these items as clean as possible to prevent
mildew growth. Some commercially available waxes or silicone resins have
anti-mildew properties. However, some shoe dressings contain antifungal
ingredients that might discolor white or light-colored leather. PRECAUTION
Mildew-resistant paints should not be used on window sills, playpens, beds
or toys because these paints can be harmful if ingested by small children.
Paper and Books
In damp, summer weather keep paper and books as dry as possible to
help control mold growth. If you have a bookcase with a light in it, keep
the bulb lit continuously to keep the air dry.
Wood
Unpainted: In damp, warm, poorly ventilated areas, surface mold
often develops on wooden parts of buildings. Since new, unseasoned lumber
is particularly susceptible to mildew, avoid using it whenever possible.
Painted: Indoor wood surfaces covered with enamel or oil-resin paint
rarely mildew, unless conditions are favorable for mold growth. Softer
paints on outdoor surfaces mildew more rapidly. Molds feed on the oil and
minerals in the paint, and cause dirty-looking discoloration. They may
penetrate the paint film deeply, even to the underlying wood.
Mildew-resistant paints for outdoor wood surfaces are available in many
colors at paint and hardware stores. Manufacturers have formulated their
products with fungicides to help combat mildew damage.
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.
