Mildew! It can strike fear into a homeowner’s heart.
Often found in damp places like bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms, mildew is a type of fungus that not only can affect allergies, but can leave behind stains and odor. If it’s left untreated, it can cause real damage and lead to even worse mold problems.
But there’s no need to sell your house if you understand how to actually clean mildew. Let’s get started.
Prep work
Breathing in spores is never a good idea. Help with ventilation in the area you’re cleaning by opening a window and turning on a fan. Gloves, a mask, and possibly even safety glasses can help protect your skin, lungs, and eyes. This isn’t just dirt – it’s alive!
Materials needed:
- White distilled vinegar or a commercial mildew cleaner
- Baking soda
- A soft-bristled scrub brush
- Microfiber cloth or rag
- A spray bottle
How to remove mildew
1. Check out the surface
Different surfaces require different approaches. For porous surfaces like drywall or wood, you have to be careful and not get the material too wet. For non-porous surfaces like tile, grout, or plastic shower curtains, you can be more aggressive.
2. Apply your cleaning solution
Fill a spray bottle with white distilled vinegar or mildew cleaner. Completely cover the affected area, and let it soak in for at least one hour. (Tip: Never mix bleach and vinegar.)
3. Scrub away
Create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply this to the mildew spots. Use your scrub brush to work the paste into the surface. The abrasiveness of the baking soda helps lift the stains without scratching most surfaces. (If possible, check a small surface first to test.)
4. Rinse and dry
Wipe away the residue with a cloth. Rinse the area with water and, most importantly, dry it completely with a towel. Why? Mildew loves moisture, so any dampness encourages it to return.
5. Take care of the odor
If there is still a musty odor, you may need to treat the entire area. If a musty smell lingers, you may need to treat the surrounding air or fabrics. Check out our blog on how to remove odors from your home for instructions.
Mildew prevention
Of course, it helps to prevent mildew from growing in the first place. Here are a few tips:
Control humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels down with a dehumidifier.
Improve airflow: Use a fan during and after showers for at least 20 minutes.
Dry wet items: Never leave wet towels or laundry to fester in a heap. Instead, immediately hang them up in a well-ventilated area to dry.
Taking care of your home
It’s helpful to take care of moisture issues as soon as you detect them. With a consistent routine, you can keep your home mildew-free.
If you ever want help taking care of your home, contact Merry Maids. We offer services tailored exactly to your needs, and we lean on over 40 years of expertise to make sure your home feels comfortable and refreshed. Not only do we know how to clean your home – we actually do it!
