Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Mildew Removing Tips Are Given

by Barbara Holt, Ph.D.

Clark County Extension Agent --

Family and Consumer Sciences

Cooperative Extension Service

Questions about preventing and removing mildew are some of the most frequently asked of the Family and Consumer Science agent at the Extension office. Mildew problems are worse in humid summer weather, especially in houses that are closed up, but the potential is there all year.

In addition to summer weather humidity, interior mositure can cause problems, too. Eleanor Walls, Extension Housing specialist, says the average family of four generates nearly three gallons of water in the air daily from breathing, bathing, cooking and other functions of living.

Few of us have not been around mildew at some time or another. Musty odors are one of the warning signs. Or you may see a thin, usually black, but sometimes white, pink or yellowish dusting that can grow on any surface.

Mildew is caused by mold spores, or seeds, that are always present in the air, but need moisture, food and the right temperature to grow. They flourish in damp, warm, poorly lit places, such as cellars, basements, closets and shower stalls.

If you suspect mildew, drop a drop of liquid chlorine bleach, full strength, on a stain, making sure the surface will not be damaged by the bleach. If it is mildew you will see the stain turn white in less than two minutes. If the stain is dirt, it may lighten a little, but won't turn white quickly.

Prevention is the key to control. Keep the humidity level in your house low, provide plenty of ventilation and light and keep things clean. The most desirable indoor humidity level is between 45 and 65 percent.

Cool air holds less moisture than warm air, so air conditioned spaces have fewer problems. In un-air conditioned spaces a dehumidifier may able necessary, but it must be cleaned regularly to keep it from adding to the mildew problem.

Be sure the vents in the bathroom ceiling, over the cooking surface and on the clothes dryer are all vented to the outside of the house. And turn on the vent every time anyone is cooking or bathing. Never leave damp or wet clothing lying around, but hang them to dry before putting into the clothes hamper. Stretch out dish cloths, towels and shower curtains after use.

Cleaning an area without attention to the causes of mildew is futile. When mildew begins to grow, remove it as soon as possible, but find the source of moisture and correct the problem.

Most of us hate housework, but a critical factor in controlling mildew is to keep all surfaces in the house as clean as possible. Dirt is the food when moisture and temperature are right.

Greasy films on kitchen walls contain nutrients that allow mildew to grow. It also feeds on organic materials such as wood, the linseed oil in paints and varnishes, leather and natural textile fibers.

This means it is important to keep the damp towels picked up and hung up to dry. Clean the shower stall regularly. Dust all the furniture, not just the top surfaces, and clean out closets regularly.

A free copy of `Preventing and Removing Mildew' gives steps on removing mildew from wood, fabric, furniture, rugs, leather and paper. Get a copy at the Clark County Cooperative Extension office at Fifth and Clay Streets in Arkadelphia, or call 246-2281.