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Mildew is a fungus that can grow on almost any surface, especially those that are warm and damp, where there is little moving air. Many are recognizable as stains or spotting starting first as a dotted or threadlike growth on walls. It is almost impossible to tell early mildew growth from ordinary dirt without a microscope. However, it left on walls, the spots will grow into dark patches and can eventually destroy the paintwork. (See under painting section).
Luckily it is not difficult to control mildew but you should first locate the source of the dampness, otherwise the problem will keep returning. Since most household mildew occurs in wet areas such as bathroom and laundry, the source of the dampness will be easy to spot. You then have to find a way to dry out the problem area. Installing an exhaust fan will help ventilate the room, as well enlarging available windows. If bad drainage is the cause this will have to be rectified by an expert.
To remove mildew growth from bathroom walls, wash the affected area with chlorine bleach. Mix three parts water with one part bleach. If mould is very bad scrub with a household cleaner first. Wear gloves and avoid spilling the bleach on the bath as some bleach can damage worn enamel. The bleach kills the mildew. Make sure you treat all the affected areas, especially the grouting in between the tiles, and in corners as these are favorite spots for the spores to settle and grow.
If necessary, use an old toothbrush or dish brush to get into the crevices. When all the mildew is gone, flush away the bleach with water and wash the walls down with household ammonia or detergent solution. If using ammonia, make sure all the bleach is removed first as the two combined can produce deadly chlorine gas.
Using a commercial tile and grout cleaner followed by a suitable tile protector will inhibit future mildew growth on tiles and grouting.
Painted surfaces, both inside and outside the house, can be treated with a mixture of 1/3 cup of household detergent to 1/4 cup oxygen bleach mixed with 4 cups of warm water. Make larger quantities by multiplying the ingredients. Apply this onto the affected areas and let stand for ten minutes before rinsing off. In future, paint affected areas with a coat of paint containing a mildew inhibitor. However, ensure all mildew is washed off before painting as paint alone does not kill the mould and it will soon break through the new paintwork if not completely removed. If applying to outside walls, clean mildew off with a stiff broom or brush so it works well into affected areas.
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