How to Properly Clean Mold & Mildew From Porous Areas

Tile grout is one of many porous surfaces affected by mildew.

Porous surfaces such as grout, cement, plaster, carpeting or upholstery that have been exposed to moisture for prolonged periods of time will almost invariably become incubators to mold and mildew. The nature of these surfaces sometimes makes cleaning out mold, mildew and accompanying musty odors a difficult task but, with the right equipment, those porous surfaces can look like new again. Good air circulation and low humidity are tantamount to preventing future outbreaks.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Cloths
• Sponge
• Scrub brush
• Detergent

Instructions

Carpets and Upholstery

1. Fill a spray bottle with white distilled vinegar. Lightly mist any mold- or mildew-affected carpets or upholstery with the vinegar and dab up the excess with a clean sponge.

2. Sprinkle liberally with baking soda while the fabric still is damp. It will start to fizz and bubble.

3. Scrub the surface with a damp rag or scrub brush to help lift out the mold. If possible, set the carpet or upholstered object outside in the sun to help it dry. Otherwise, set up a space heater or dehumidifier to help the process along.

4. Shake out the baking soda once the fabric is dry. If you are working with upholstered cushions, slap them vigorously on all sides to force out the baking soda. If the object is too large to shake out, use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove the baking soda.

5. Repeat the process if stains or a musty order persists. Vinegar and baking soda are natural disinfectants and deodorizers, but additional applications may be necessary depending on the extent of the mold and mildew saturation.

Grout, Cement and Plaster

1. Pour 1 gallon of hot water, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 tbsp. of mild detergent or dish soap into a bucket to make a powerful cleaning solution.

2. Dunk a scrub brush into the solution and splatter some of it onto your cement or tile floor. Scrub away at the grout or cement to make a thick lather. If you are working on plaster walls, dip a cloth into the solution and wring out most of it. Wipe the mold or mildew away with the cloth and allow a thin coating of the solution to remain on the wall.

3. Sprinkle baking soda onto the cement or grout and allow it to fizz and settle for five to 10 minutes. Baking soda isn't practical for vertical surfaces, so skip this step if you are working on plaster walls.

4. Rinse the solution from the surface you are cleaning. Use clean, warm water and a clean cloth to remove the solution from any of the surfaces. Set up a heater or a dehumidifier in the room to help the surfaces dry faster.

References

• Mrs. Clean House Cleaning Specialists: Cleaning Bathroom Mold & Mildew
• Reader's Digest: 150+ Household Uses for Vinegar
• Department of Health and Senior Services: Mold