Washing Away Mildew on a Wall

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Home owners often forget to pay attention to certain things around the house that need serious cleaning. Eventually, by the time it’s tended to the situation has generally reached the next stage.

 

Mildew, which grows just about anywhere in the home where humidity/moisture and bad ventilation occur, is one of those things that needs immediate attention before it gets worse. A mild case can quickly become serious translating into a health hazard compromising indoor air. Aesthetically, once mildew is around for a while it will probably stain and even start to deteriorate the surface it captures.

 

For all these reasons it’s good to clean mildew early.

 

Now, if you’re going to clean it yourself these are some things you’ll need: rubber gloves, sponge, bucket, bleach (or less toxic white vinegar), laundry detergent, and baking soda, warm water, possibly a ladder or sturdy step stool, a rag, possibly goggles.

 

Here are a few steps on how to proceed:

 

1. Put on rubber gloves to protect hands and if available wear goggles.
2. Make sure the room you are cleaning the mildew in is well ventilated. If necessary plug in a fan and open windows.
3. You may want to protect the floor if its carpet or wood, as liquid from the cleaner may dribble down the wall before you can catch it.
4. Depending on the severity of the mildew do one of the following: mix one part bleach with one part water and apply with a sponge or spray bottle. For heavier cases mix 1 part bleach with three parts baking soda or increase bleach to baking soda as necessary. IMPORTANT: never add bleach and ammonia together as it creates highly toxic fumes.
5. Scrub the area of mildew gently. If you scrub too hard you may remove any paint on the wall. If you plan to repaint, that’s another story.
6. Rinse thoroughly either by applying water with the sponge or with a rag.

 

 

To prevent further mildew from growing or returning some tips include:

• Better ventilation with fans or opening windows.

 

• Applying paint with special anti-mildew properties is a wise choice. 

 

• Use exhaust fans when in the kitchen or bathroom to prevent the humid conditions that will aid new mildew.