by Mark TarsesMildew 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. There are 3 conditions that promote the growth of mildew: humidity, heat, and stagnant air.
To reduce or eliminate these conditions:
A. Let in fresh air, particularly in high humidity areas, such as the bath and kitchen. Keeping a window open or ajar or using an exhaust fan will 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 height of the flame.
D. Don't let damp clothes or towels to sit on the floor or in a pile.
Mildew Removal. There are many mildew removal products sold in supermarkets, like Tilex Mildew Remover. Read the label before use. Some of these products cannot be used on walls, only tile. However, none of these products work better than ordinary bleach. The most effective and cheapest way of killing and removing mildew is simply by cleaning mildew-stained walls with a mixture of bleach and water.
You can make highly effective mildew remover yourself! Just mix 1 cup of bleach with 4 cups of water. That's all there is to it! When removing mildew from ceilings and high walls, use a sponge mop. This way, you don't have to stand on a chair or a ladder. Wear rubber gloves. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from dripping bleach and splashing. After you have removed the mildew, rinse the walls with clean water to remove the bleach.
Remember, mildew is not only unattractive and smelly, it is also a health hazard, one that you can easily and cheaply control!