Tips For Removing Mildew Stains

House Cleaning Tips

• Top Ten House Cleaning Tips
• Cleaning Tips for Efficiency
• Deep Cleaning
• Cleaning Checklist
• House Cleaning Checklist

web mrscleanusa.com

How To Remove Mildew Stains

Mildew stain removal is probably something that you will have to do at some point in your life.

Mildew is a substance that no one likes to see or hear about, but it is likely to be in everyone’s home nonetheless. There are many factors that play into what is growing and where it is growing. The most important thing for you to know, though, is how to clean up mildew so that you and your family are not affected by it. Although it seems unlikely, it is probable that mildew, and mold, are growing in places of your home right now.

Basic Mildew Removal Steps

Here is a basic way for you to remove the mildew that is growing in your home. This will work on most needs, but be careful where you use it.

• Remove all debris from the area including any loose mildew.
• Make a solution of one half of a cup of bleach with one gallon of water.
• Place this mixture into a spray bottle.
• Apply to the area where you have found the mildew growing.
• Use a scrub brush to scrub away the mildew or mold from the area.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Take preventative measures to keep the mildew gone.

Where To Find Mildew

If you own a home, there are likely to be several places that you will find mildew growing. There is no doubt that mildew likes moist areas, with some sort of food for growth and air flow. If you have an area like this in your home, you are prone to having mildew growth at one time or another. In fact, most of us do have this growth most of the time within our homes at different levels.

Some areas that you may find mildew growing include:

• Your bathroom, especially in your shower or tub.
• Sinks, especially on areas that are not cleaned enough such as around the faucet.
• Your kitchen, especially around areas that are wet or wet often like the sink
• Your refrigerator, on foods that are beginning to go bad, including spills that you do not see.
• Your basement is likely to be the largest target for the growth of mildew.

Mildew can grow at various areas and it can be at various levels as well. It is important for you to notice that there is mildew growing and then to take action. If something has gotten wet and was not dried fairly quickly, it is likely to be a place where mildew is brewing. Another way to know if something has mildew on it is to smell it. Mildew has a musky odor, one that is very distinctive.

Cleaning away mildew is not enough, though. You need to destroy not only the mildew that you see, but the spores and the roots of the mildew. If you do not give it a complete cleaning to the level of complete mildew removal, then it will grow back and quickly.

We have listed more tips for you about mildew removal below.

More Tips For Mildew Removal

If you find that mildew is growing in your home, follow some additional tips to make sure that you remove it completely from your home.

One of the most common places for mildew to grow is that of the shower or bathtub. It is warm and wet there and the soap scum on your shower walls and doors is filled with human skin cells. This makes for the ideal meal for mildew. One of the best ways to prevent mildew from coming back once you have cleaned it is to keep these factors low. Do this for prevention.

After cleaning thoroughly, make sure to use your towel to dry down the bathroom shower doors and walls. This will leave less moisture for mildew to grow on. It only takes a minute to wipe it all down and will considerably help.

Also, make sure to keep your shower and bathtub clean. That means regular, at least weekly, cleaning of the area. A great way to prevent the build up of mildew in between cleanings is to use a solution that is one part bleach and three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the area down mid week and allow it to dry on. This will kill anything attempting to grow.

To clean the area, use the same solution. Use one part bleach to three parts water and wash down the area. You should try to allow the bleach to sit on the area for at least ten minutes before you remove it. Rinse thoroughly.

Protecting Your Home From Mildew

Mildew can be bad for your health and therefore you should insure that you keep it out of your home as much as possible. To help in this, use a dehumidifier in areas that are moist. Also, make sure to remove things that have gotten wet and did not dry out quickly, such as the carpeting on your basement flooring. This will help you to keep the area safe and healthy for you and your family.