How to Remove Mildew

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Mildew is a black mold or fungus that grows in areas that hold excess moisture. Mildew produces a musty odor that announces its presence. Before you can take steps to prevent this fungus in your home, you must remove existing mildew.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Scrub mildew off of ceramic tile or cement surfaces with a mixture of 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of bleach. Use a scrub brush and the solution to remove all mildew, then rinse and allow the surface to dry.

Step2

Use a mixture of 1 gallon of water, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar to remove mildew from painted surfaces. Clean with a sponge or other soft cleaning tool instead of a scrub brush to avoid damaging the paint. Allow the area to air dry.

Step3

Spread book pages in damp areas to eliminate some of the moisture. If the problem persists, use corn starch or talcum powder to absorb the moisture. Once the mildew has dried, wipe it away with a soft, clean cloth.

Step4

Vacuum and air out fabrics or mattresses in the sun to help get rid of mildew in upholstered pieces. If the mildew is too severe to be removed by this method, you might have to use a fungicidal spray. Use the spray if airing out does not remove the musty odor produced by the mildew.