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Microbial Treatment for Mildew

Mildew typically grows on walls and ceilings on plaster, windowsills, wallpaper or tile in poorly ventilated bathrooms and other enclosures with significant exposure to humidity over a prolonged period. It can also grow in fabrics and leathers. It is a fungus or mold that usually appears to be flat, spotty and colored black, blue-green or off-white. Mildew is composed of microbes and can be removed by a variety of cleaning agents.

  1. Lemon Juice and Salt

    • For organic fabrics and leathers, use natural cleaning agents like a mixture of lemon juice and salt to remove mildew. These are best used to remove mildew stains if regular soap and water have not accomplished the job. Saturate the affected area with lemon juice and then apply a layer of salt and wait for it to dry. Clean the area with water afterward. This combination has a strong natural anti-microbial effect without the harshness of bleach. It can be used to remove mildew from colored items that would otherwise be ruined by bleach treatments.

    Bleach

    • Perborate and chlorine bleach can both be used to remove mildew from soft materials. Use hot water for the solution if the fabrics are not fragile, but if they are, lukewarm water can perform a similar function. Use proper nose and mouth protection when using bleach as a cleaning agent. After saturating the mildew affected areas with the bleach solution, rinse it with water and then soak it again in a weak vinegar solution to prevent damage from the bleach. Bleach solutions can also effectively remove mildew from tile surfaces.

    Antifungal Treatment

    • As mildew is a fungus, it requires a specific antimicrobial treatment. For difficult mildew infestations, an anti-fungal aerosol spray can remove growths and prevent recurrence. This can be particularly effective at removing foul smells from surfaces and fabrics afflicted by mildew. Regular disinfecting cleaning agents can also be effective.

    Removing Mildew from Wood

    • Removing mildew from wood requires caution. First wipe the affected areas with a dry cloth. Use a vacuum to remove any large spore clumps. Dampen a cloth with antimicrobial cleaning agent and wipe down the affected surface. Dry it quickly and avoid using too much liquid on the wood to avoid warping it or damaging the finish.

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