Check, prepare, clean, and trash – simple mildew removal
Mildew, a fungal growth thriving in warm, damp conditions, can spread quickly. It’s unsightly, unhealthy, and can be expensive if not dealt with. Previously, we’ve examined the common mistakes to avoid when your walls are attacked by mildew. In that article, we described how to remove mildew from walls in four bullet points. In this article, we go a little more in depth, walking you through the seven steps to follow to eradicate mildew from your walls.
#1. Check for mildew damage before you start
If your drywall has been damaged by mildew, you may need to seek professional help. You may be lucky and be able to repair the drywall, or it may have to be replaced. If your drywall crumbles when you touch it, or is cracked severely, pick up the phone!
#2. Get you materials together
You will need:
- Spray bottles
- Bleach
- Warm water
- Mild, non-ammonia detergent
- Plenty of disposable paper towels, or clean, old rags
#3. Prepare your work area
Things could get messy. Remove all furniture, wall hangings, etc. If there is furniture that can’t be moved, cover with plastic sheeting. Cover vents so that any disturbed spores don’t get into your ducting.
#4. Prepare yourself
You should wear protective clothes, rubber gloves, goggles, and a facemask. Mildew spores can be bad for your health, especially if you have respiratory issues such as asthma.
#5. Prepare your materials
- Mix the warm water and detergent (3 to 1) and pour into a spray bottle
- Fill a second spray bottle with clean water
- In a third spray bottle, mix a solution of 2 parts water to 1 part bleach
Set paper towels or rags ready to use.
#6. Clean the wall
Use the sprays in order:
- Spray the detergent solution onto the affected area of the wall, and scrub with a rag or towel
- Spray the area with the clean water, and wipe dry with a towel
- Spray the bleach solution onto the area, and leave for 10 to 15 minutes
- Spray the area with the clean water, and dry again
#7. Dispose of used materials
With the cleanup completed, all that is left to do is to dispose of your used materials. You’ll need to place all used rags and towels in a garbage bag, and seal it tightly. This ensures that the spores won’t ‘escape’ and infest elsewhere.
Flush your liquid residues down the toilet.
Now your wall is mildew free, you can prime and paint. Providing, of course, that you have also dealt with the underlying cause of your mildew issue (think moisture and warmth in particular – and keep rooms well ventilated, dry, and tackle leaks as soon as they are discovered).
If you’re not confident about undertaking a mildew clean, or you have a recurrent mildew problem, contact Porter’s Cleaning. We’re the kill and cure experts!