How to Clean Damp Garage Floor That Has Mildew

Damp areas are the perfect breeding ground for the miniature spores that cause the formation of mildew. A garage that has recently gotten wet from heavy rains or flooding is a prime location to see the growth of mildew. Fortunately, mildew can be tackled with a little elbow grease plus some simple tools and readily available chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• Dehumidifier
• Fans
• Shop vacuum
• Broom
• Gloves
• Bleach
• Water
• Household/garden sprayer
• Stiff-bristled brush or push broom

Instructions

1. Dry the floor. If the floor is left damp, mildew spores will reestablish themselves and quickly start growing again. Remove any loose items and shelves from the garage, then move a dehumidifier into the space, open as many doors as possible, and ventilate the area with fans.

2. Sweep out any loose material on the floor with a broom. Vacuum any remaining dirt, debris or dry mildew and mold with a shop vac.

3. Mix a solution of 1 part household bleach to 1 part water in a home and garden pump sprayer. Wear protective gloves.

4. Pressurize the pump sprayer by pumping the handle repeatedly. Spray an area about 2 feet-by-2 feet in size with the solution. Using a stiff-bristled hand brush or push broom, scrub the sprayed area until the mildew disappears. This may take more than one application if the mildew is well-established.

5. Rinse the area with clear water and suck up the excess water with a shop vac. Repeat the cleaning/rinsing cycle until the entire floor is clean.

6. Ventilate the area until it is completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Mildew in the air can be very irritating to some people. Wear a dust mask or respirator when cleaning the floor to avoid possible irritation of the lungs and nasal passages.

References

• "Cleaning Plain & Simple: A ready reference guide with hundreds of sparkling solutions to your everyday cleaning challenges"; Donna Smallin; 2005