MILDEW
by Mark Tarses
Mildew is a very common problem here in the San Francisco Bay area, especially during the rainy season. Mildew is not dirt. It is a living organism. It produces stains on walls and an unpleasant musty odor. Mildew is unhealthy, as mildew gets into the air you breathe.
To reduce or eliminate mildew:
A. Let in fresh air, particularly in high humidity areas, such as the bath and kitchen. Keep a window open or ajar or use an exhaust fan to allow the air to circulate.
B. Let in sunlight. Don't keep window shades closed all the time. There are many unhealthy micro-organisms that thrive in dark rooms that are killed by sunlight.
C. Don't overheat the house. Contrary to a widely held misconception, furnaces do not put out more heat the higher the thermostat is set. All a thermostat does is turn the furnace on and off. It does not regulate the size of the flame.
D. Don't let damp clothes or towels sit on the floor or in a pile.
Mildew Remover. There are many mildew removal products sold in supermarkets and drug stores. A big spray bottle costs around $5.00. Read the label before use. Some of these products cannot be used on walls, only tile. Be sure you are not buying 'soap scum remover', which is often placed next to the mildew remover on stores shelves and often comes in similar containers. The safest way to remove mildew from a ceiling is with a sponge mop. Using a sponge mop on a stick, you can clean the ceiling without getting on a ladder.
Bleach. Don't try to remove mildew with laundry bleach. While bleach will kill mildew, it is much less effective in preventing mildew from returning than mildew remover, it may damage your walls, and besides, your room will smell like an over-chlorinated swimming pool when you are done.
Remember, mildew is not only unattractive and smelly, it is also a health hazard, one that you can easily and cheaply control!