What exactly is mildew anyway? Mildew is the white or gray film that forms in your bathroom, kitchen, attic, basement, and other poorly vented areas. It is usually easy to wipe off surfaces, but wiping away does not stop it from returning. Here are four tips for removing mildew from your home.
Bathroom Mildew
White vinegar is a household item that is good for removing bathroom mildew. It is safe for most surfaces, and no ventilation is needed. You can use it on bathroom fixtures, tiles, grout, and anything else covered in mildew. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray the affected areas. After about an hour, wipe the surfaces with a clean damp cloth. If you have some stubborn stains, reach for the hydrogen peroxide. A 3% hydrogen peroxide will remove the stain in approximately 10 minutes.
Furniture
The fabric on furniture is prone to mildew. However, there is no need to panic. A little elbow grease and time will remove it without damaging the fabric. In a bowl, add 1/2 cup of borax to two cups of hot water. Dip a sponge into the solution and rub the affected areas. Let it soak into the area until the mildew dissolves. The process can take several hours. A borax solution can work on clothes too. Increase the borax to two cups mixed with the two cups of hot water.
Removal Services
Some circumstances may require a call to a local home mildew removal service. Mildew in the basement, attic, and other hard-to-reach places may be difficult for you to remove. A home removal service will come to remove it from those places. They will also determine what is causing it to form in those places.
Prevention
One of the best ways to get rid of mildew is to prevent it from forming. It needs moisture to thrive. When showering, run your exhaust fan. After a dip in the tub, run the fan for 30 minutes and leave the light on. Check for leaks in the basement, attic, or pipes in the kitchen and bathroom. When putting clothes away in a closet, make sure they are dry.
Most mildew is easy to remove using household products. The key to keeping it from coming back is to keep things such as the shower and bathtub as dry as possible. If the mildew becomes too much, there are professionals who can come and eliminate the problem.
