If your home's been hit by mildew, you know it's a problem that nobody wants to deal with. A white, powdery substance is far from the aesthetic we want for our homes, and on top of that, it can be downright hazardous to our health.
As the saying goes—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So in this article, we'll dive into the basics of mildew prevention. We'll cover what mildew is, why and where it tends to happen in your home and some preventative measures you can take to avoid an infestation. Ready? Let's go!
How Does Mildew Form?
Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in environments that are warm, dark, and damp. This can be anywhere from your bathroom to your closet to any area you rarely clean or keep dry. It's an unwelcome guest that can take over quickly and become a real nuisance.
So how does mildew form?
Generally, mildew is a result of poor ventilation combined with humidity levels above 45 percent, though other factors such as moisture buildup or water leaks can also contribute to its growth.
Mildew flourishes in areas where there is limited air circulation; warm, moist air will cause the spores to spread throughout the room and settle on surfaces such as carpets, fabrics, walls, floors, ceilings, and more.
Once mildew has spread its spores throughout the space it thrives by reproducing itself often. To keep mildew from multiplying in your home and from becoming an ongoing issue, it's important to stay one step ahead by being proactive about prevention.
How to Identify Mildew
Mildew is often confused with mold, but they are not the same thing. While mold tends to be darker in color and has a fuzzy texture, mildew is usually white or gray and can have a velvety, powdery feel. It can be found in places that are warm, dark, and moist like bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and basements.
Identifying mildew can be tricky since it often grows in hard-to-reach places, so look around for signs of discoloration or decaying material. To make sure that you're dealing with mildew and not some other type of growth, try a few different methods of detection:
Visible Spot Test: If you spot something suspicious on the surface of your walls or ceiling, try to scrape away some of the material with a putty knife—if it's mildew, it will come off easily.
Smell Test: Mildew has a distinctive musty odor that can be hard to miss if it's present in your home. Take note of any musty smells in certain rooms or areas.
Dampness Test: Using your hands or a moisture meter, check for dampness on walls and other surfaces as this could indicate that there's mildew present.
Once you've identified any patches of mildew in your home, you can begin to take steps to mitigate it immediately.
Choose the Right Cleaning Solutions
Do you want the best ways to fight mildew? The right cleaning solutions are a must. Choose products that contain bleach or ammonia, and be sure you're using enough solution. Read labels and instructions before applying it to make sure it's safe for the surfaces you're cleaning.
If you're thinking "Great, but what about something less harsh?", there are options like vinegar and baking soda. Although they are effective in milder cases of mildew, they may not always be strong enough to take on more stubborn stains.
Here are a few DIY solutions that could help fight mildew in your home:
White vinegar: Just mix one part vinegar with four parts water and spray it onto affected surfaces—vinegar is acidic which inhibits the growth of mold and mildew!
Baking soda: Mix equal parts baking soda with water to form a paste, then rub it onto surfaces with a damp cloth. Then rinse off with warm water.
Hydrogen peroxide: Use three percent hydrogen peroxide in equal parts with water—spray or sponge on the solution then let sit for 10 minutes before wiping off and air-drying.
Tea tree oil: Add 15-20 drops of tea tree oil to two cups of water, mix well and use as a spray for tough areas that need extra help combating mildew growth!
Keep Good Ventilation
Mildew thrives in moist, warm, and poorly ventilated environments—so to prevent it from taking over your home, you need to keep things well-ventilated. Here are some of the best ways to do just that.
Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, which can help alleviate some of the problems associated with mildew growth. You can actually use a portable dehumidifier to combat mildew in certain areas of your house. Just don’t go too far—ideal humidity levels should range between 30-50 percent.
Install Vents and Fans
What’s better than one layer of ventilation? Two (or more) layers! Installing exhaust fans will help get rid of moist air after cooking or bathing, while vents allow air to flow freely around the home. This keeps the air clean and dry while stopping mold before it has a chance to form.
Open Windows and Doors
Don't forget one of the oldest tricks in the book; simply open windows around the house throughout the day for a constant exchange of fresh air. That way you get natural ventilation without having to install any new technology or equipment.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Mildew loves moist environments, so you'll want to keep an eye on humidity levels in your home. High humidity levels are usually over 55 percent, which just so happens to be the sweet spot for mildew growth.
The good news is that you can easily keep an eye on your home's humidity levels with a small device called a hygrometer. They're easy to use and come in both analog and digital versions; just place them in a room or two and make sure you keep your home's humidity below the 55 percent threshold.
Install Ventilation Systems
Once you've got control of the moisture indicator in the air, good ventilation is key for mildew prevention too. Consider installing ventilation systems in damp areas throughout your home, like bathrooms and kitchens, as these areas tend to have higher instances of mold growth.
Look for systems with filters specifically designed to intercept and remove moisture from recirculating air as well—these types of ventilation help reduce the chances of mildew spreading around your abode.
Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Do you want to stay on top of mildew buildup? Then it's important to create and maintain a regular cleaning schedule.
Clean Surfaces Often
Mildew loves to grow on surfaces like walls, floors, and furniture, so make sure to regularly clean them with a damp cloth and mild detergent or soap.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
To reduce the chance of mildew growth, spills should be wiped up immediately instead of letting them sit. This is especially true for wet or damp areas that never really seem to dry out, like near the sink and shower.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Changing air filters regularly removes dust, dirt, and allergens from the air. Air quality has a direct effect on mildew spores in the home.
Before you know it, you'll have a nice routine down pat that will ensure your home stays mold-free all year round.
Conclusion
When it comes to mildew, prevention is the best medicine. Taking a few proactive steps—like keeping your home dry and ventilating moisture-prone areas—can go a long way toward keeping mildew at bay. Regularly check high-moisture areas, and if you do find mildew, attack it swiftly with an appropriate cleaning product.
It can be a challenge to keep mildew from taking over your home, but with a few proactive measures and a quick response, you can stop it in its tracks. And if mildew continues to be a problem, a mildew-preventing primer or paint can help keep it at bay for good.