by Alden Smith
Mold and mildew in the home is not only unsightly, but can be a very real health hazard, especially to allergy sufferers. The difference between mildew and mold is how it is described. Fruit may be moldy but a shower curtain is considered to be mildewed. They are basically the same fungal organism. They always grow where it is warm, wet, and dark. This makes it much easier for you to find where it is growing.
Mold and mildew can be identified easily. If you think it is growing in your home, and smell a musty odor, use an eyedropper and place a few drops of bleach on the affected area. If the spot disappears in a minute or two, then the area is infected with mold. Dirt will not be removed with this method.
If you suspect mold and mildew in the home, check everywhere you think it may be growing. Be sure to include the attic, basement and underneath sinks in bathroom and kitchen. Check the carpeting in the bathroom if it is installed. Mold begins to grow in as little as 24 hours, and as a bathroom is usually a high humidity area, carpet can be hiding mold without your knowledge. It will also develop behind interior walls if pipes are present and there is any sweating of the pipes or any leakage. It is most prevalent in the bathroom and kitchen. Many mold specialists even advise checking outside the home to see if there is an entry point. Mold can be active in leaves and debris, or shaded by large trees close to the home that are close to exterior walls. Always keep any leaves or debris cleaned away from exterior walls. Check around fixtures and in back of washing machines for mold and mildew. If your basement is damp, and you do your laundry there, be especially attentive to any mold collecting on interior walls, and for any signs of leaking or standing water.
The best way to clean up mold is with chlorine bleach. If removing mildew from clothing, take it outside and brush away the mildew. Wash according to care label instructions, and if possible sun dry. If the stain is persistent, use a mixture of 2 tablespoons chlorine bleach to 1 quart warm water. Always test for color fastness in an unseen area of the garment, such as a seam allowance, before attempting to remove the mildew with the bleach solution. Sponge the area with the solution, and launder as usual. Soak any white washables in the chlorine bleach solution, and wash, rinse, and dry as usual.
If mold or mildew is present on painted surfaces, they can also be scrubbed with a solution of 1 quart chlorine bleach, 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent, and 9 quarts of water. Do not add ammonia to this solution. Use a sponge to treat the affected area, and always rinse with plenty of water. Dry the area thoroughly when all traces of mold have been removed. Always work in a well ventilated area, and be aware of the fumes, which can be very powerful.
If wallpaper is damp and shows signs of mildew and mold, heat or air condition the room to dry the wallpaper. Sponge the affected areas with a cloth and a liquid dish soap, and rinse with clear water. If the stain persists, use the bleach solution mentioned earlier, and be sure to test in an unseen area. Be careful not to over saturate the wallpaper so that it doesn't bubble or lift. Dry thoroughly with terry cloth towels when finished and all traces of mold are gone.
Mold cleanup specialists advise that you should not attempt to clean up large areas of mold. If you think the job will be much trouble for you, or are concerned about using cleaning solutions, leave the removal of mold to the professionals. They can also do an assessment of your home to help you identify areas that are affected by mold, and draw up a plan for you to repair suspected areas. Large patches of mold always indicates some type of water leakage in the home, and should be taken care of as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
.
Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
"