How to Use Bleach to Remove Mildew

If your home has experienced water damage or you wish to remodel a basement, you may need to remove mildew. The perfect place for mildew are where warm air meets a wet surface like a bathroom or basement. You can use bleach to remove mildew and the following article will tell you how.

Step 1 – Cleaning the Wall

When you try to remove mildew you need to realize that it generally will exist in two levels. The first level, the level that you see, is the exposed area of the mildew. It has texture and will spread over the entire wall if given enough time. The second level is smooth, flat and exists below the first level. This part of the mildew is the staining part of the organism. It grips to the wall, gets inside it and grows from underneath. To kill this mildew you need to first remove the top layer. In a clean bucket you will mix warm water with several drops of the liquid dish detergent. You do not want to use too much of the detergent but just enough to make it sudsy. Dip the scrubbing brush in to the bucket and start scrubbing the wall in a circular motion. Remove soap residue by soaking a clean rag in warm water. Wring out the excess water and wipe down the wall.

Step 2 – Safety First

Before you begin to remove mildew with bleach always keep in mind that bleach, regardless of its potency, is always dangerous. Always use bleach in an area that has good ventilation. Never use bleach on any surface without wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands as bleach will cause your skin to dry. Getting bleach in your eyes can burn your retina and cause burning which could lead to permanent or temporary blindness so always wear goggles. Breathing in bleach fumes can cause lung damage and a burning sensation and a face mask should be worn at all times.

Step 3 – Using the Bleach

Use another clean bucket and fill it about halfway with cool water. To that you can add the bleach. The more bleach you add to the water the stronger it will be. Never use a 1-to-1 bleach and water solution because it will be too potent and can damage the wall. Always add bleach to water as adding water to bleach will cause fumes to appear. This is also the case when mixing it with water as warm water will also cause fumes. Dip a fresh scrub brush in to mixture and scrub the wall thoroughly. Always use the brush in a circular motion as scrubbing will only press the mildew further in to the wall. After you have sufficiently scrubbed down the wall use a rag soaked in clean water and wipe down the wall. Always use a fresh rag and cool water and make sure your wring out the excess water.