Natural Mildew Removal
Effective mildew removal need not include the use of household bleach or harsh chemical compounds. If you have concerns about your safety and health, or just a green conscience for the environment, you can remove mildew from your household surfaces using entirely natural cleaning solutions and processes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Heat and Air
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In any mildew removal effort, you must first take action to dry the moisture from the affected object or surface. You can use a dehumidifier, electric heater or sometimes a hair dryer, but for a natural approach, use sunlight whenever possible. If you have mildewed fabrics, furniture, upholstery or books, place them in the sun until they dry. For non-movable surfaces such as fixtures and walls, open the windows of your home to promote air circulation and draw out the moisture. Turn on fans for increased circulation.
Hydrogen Peroxide
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Some mold removal experts use sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) to kill mildew and mold, but you may have natural solutions to bleach already in your cabinet. Hydrogen peroxide is one such example. It serves as a natural, oxygen-based bleaching agent, useful for killing mildew on contact. Reader's Digest recommends spraying 3-percent peroxide full strength on your mildewed surfaces. You can rinse and dry after 15 minutes.
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Oxygen Bleach
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Oxygen bleach, also called peroxygen bleach, is another naturally occurring bleaching agent. Like peroxide, it disinfects with the release of oxygen ions. A report from the University of Missouri Extension recommends oxygen bleach especially for fabrics. Just mix 2 tbsp. of oxygen bleach and 2 cups of water, and spray the mildewed surface. Once again, wait 15 before you rinse, as disinfectants require time to work properly.
Vinegar
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In addition to natural bleaching agents, natural acids are also useful against mildew. Spray full-strength white vinegar directly onto mildew in order to disinfect with acetic acid. Rinse after 15 minutes and dry thoroughly. Never use vinegar on marble, granite, limestone or porcelain, as the acid may cause these surfaces to etch. The acids and lemon juice can also kill mildew when applied full strength.
Boric Acid
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Sometimes referred to as borax, boric acid is a natural chemical compound sold in its crystallized form in many grocery and home supply stores. Mix 1/2 cup of boric acid with 2 cups of hot water for a natural mildew killer. For mildewed fabrics, you can also mix 2 qts. of water and 2 cups of borax, and soak the clothes inside the solution before washing.
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