How to Eliminate Interior Mildew
Mildew is a type of mold that can be unsightly and unsettling. Excess moisture in the air causes mildew to form on some surfaces, especially around doors and windows. The best way to battle this problem is to reduce the moisture in these areas, but that’s not always possible or practical. If you do experience interior mildew, here’s how to eliminate it.
Buy a mildew remover from the store
Most hardware and home improvement stores sell mildew removers designed for use indoors. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. Many of these need to be used in a well-ventilated areas, so you may want to open a window before using them. Also, many of these may damage the finish on your wooden door frames and window frames. You’ll probably need to refinish the wood once you’re done (this applies to homemade cleaners, too).
Make your own mildew remover
A cup of household bleach mixed with a gallon of water will tackle interior mildew, but you need to ventilate the area really well before using this mixture. Using a sponge, apply the mixture to the affected area, using light strokes. You want to make sure that the grain of the wood is saturated and the mildew ‘fades’ away. If the discoloration (from the mildew) persists, keep reapplying the solution.
Like the commercial mildew removers, this one needs to be used in a well-ventilated area. You should also protect your skin with gloves and wear protective glasses to prevent it getting in your eyes.
The bleach in the bleach/water solution will most likely damage the finish to the area you clean. Once it’s dry, sand it down and refinish it to match the rest of the door or window frame.
Prevention
In some cases you may be able to prevent future mildew outbreaks by placing a dehumidifier near the affected area. If leaky doors and windows are the culprit behind the moisture, consider replacing them with new, more energy efficient ones. Less unwanted moisture means less risk of mold and mildew forming, so there will be less work for you in the long run.
Visit Windows Plus today to discuss the best new windows for your home.
