How To Use A Dehumidifier To Eliminate Mold

Mold And Mildew Removal Requires A Little Elbow Grease And Complete Drying Of The Area

     If you think you have a mildew or mold problem, then you most likely do. In many instances you can smell it. Knowing where mold and mildew like to light is a good place to start looking. If you are concerned about finding it in your home, you should begin by looking in the obvious places. Anywhere there is low light, low air circulation, damp spaces such as basements or small rooms that include a washer and dryer, dishwasher or shower with no outlet for moisture are prime candidates for mold and mildew. The mold tends to cling to non-synthetic surfaces such as cotton, wood, paper, leather, silks, rayon, and linens. Mildew tends to be attracted to wet surfaces such as tiles in the shower, shower curtains, walls and floors that are in close proximity of a leaky pipe or faucet. Water is just a natural nesting ground for all sorts of microscopic organisms.

    Attacking the source of the moisture from the air and returning it to an excepted level and keeping leaky faucets and pipes repaired are the first steps in mold and mildew removal and prevention. If you find mildew stains on clothing you should wash with a detergent or soap immediately and set in the sun to dry. If the stain remains, try a mixture of lemon juice and salt to remove noticeable mildew from clothing and set it in the sun to bleach. Be sure to check the fabric for colorfastness, so you don't ruin the article while removing the mold. Do so at first site of the mildew, don't give it an opportunity to continue to grow.

    If you find mold on carpets, sofas or other furniture, checking for color-fastness in an inconspicuous area before applying a mold and mildew removal mixture is advisable. First, remove any mold that is resting on the surface that can be brushed or rubbed off of the fabric. Do this outside if possible to keep the mold and mildew spores from resting on other surfaces when brushed off. Then, run a vacuum cleaner over the area to get more of the spores out. Dispose of bag from vacuum after you are finished. Use a hair dryer or heater to dry the area completely. This will get rid of most of the remainder of the mold.  Basically, for mold and mildew removal requires cleaning it off of the surface and drying the areas as completely as possible.