What is the Best Way to Remove Mildew From Walls?
It is a home owner's and renter's nightmare, appearing on bathroom walls, kitchen ceilings and other places susceptible to excess humidity. Mildew appears as a black, gray or greenish fuzz and can spread from wall to wall and into other rooms. Luckily, there are some tried-and-true methods for removing mildew from walls.
History
The old-fashioned approach to mildew removal is still one of the best. Begin with one part bleach to one part water. Mix them in a spray bottle, spray it on the mildew spots, wait for half an hour and then rinse. For more serious cases, try mixing one part bleach with three parts bicarbonate of soda. Apply the thick paste with an old toothbrush, scrubbing the spots. Wait half an hour and then rinse. For the worst cases, increase the amount of bleach to baking soda. Wear gloves while scrubbing at the wall. Use a scrub brush if necessary. Another popular combination is half a cup of bleach, a third of a cup of powdered laundry soap and a gallon of hot water. Using gloves, apply with a scrub brush or a scrubbing sponge. Allow it to set and then rinse.
Considerations
It is possible that those green and black splotches are not mildew, but merely stains, especially if they are on the kitchen walls. If the marks wash off easily with warm water and all-purpose cleaner, it is not mildew. Mildew will not wash away with such a gentle solution. Tougher stains may not completely wash off, but can be gently sanded off with 150-grit sandpaper.
Warning
While working to remove the mold and mildew, keep the area ventilated. The smell of mildew is strong, and the smell of the substances used to remove it can be even stronger. Also, the area growing mildew needs regular ventilation to prohibit growth. If you use the bleach method to remove the mildew, remember not to add ammonia as the combination results in toxic fumes.
Types
For those who wish to avoid harsh chemicals, there is another way to remove mildew from the walls. After washing the walls with baking soda and hot water, try rinsing the surface with hot white vinegar. The scrubbing action of the baking soda and the neutralizing affect of the vinegar work well together. If the lingering scent of drying vinegar is annoying, use a phosphate-free cleaner, such as Simply Green or Biokleen. You can also burn incense or a scented candle.
Prevention/Solution
Once you have removed the mildew from the walls, be sure to prevent its recurrence. Be sure there is a window or an exhaust fan for ventilation. If you were already using an exhaust fan, it most likely needs to be cleaned, repaired or upgraded to effectively fight mildew. You can also opt to paint walls and ceilings with a special paint that contains Microban, which is a mildew growth inhibitor.
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