How to Control Mildew

Mildew thrives in environments with excess moisture and humidity. If you live in a particularly humid climate, or if your home has fallen into disrepair and lacks the construction necessary to protect the interior from outside elements, you may find yourself susceptible to mildew contamination. To control mildew inside a home you must take steps to control moisture and eliminate existing spores that could spread.

• 1

  Insulate your home. Observe any vulnerabilities that can hinder the insulation of your home, such as warped window sills, cracks in walls and broken roof shingles. You can use commercial caulking, spackling putty or other sealant. Just make sure to read the labels of all products and use a compound safe for your type of wall (plaster or drywall). For more serious repairs, like roofs and windows, inquire about replacement.

• 2

  Keep your home clean. Mildew breeds in dirty environments, according to a report by the University of Illinois Extension, and mildew spores travel through dust. Vacuum your carpets weekly, and clean your countertops, windows, furniture and floors.

• 3

  Wipe down your windows frequently with paper towels. Wipe the windows on both sides until the glass dries thoroughly.

• 4

  Remove moisture from the interior of your home. For best results, place a dehumidifier in the center of a room and allow it to run on the highest setting until the room dries. Repeat this process in each room where you find humidity or dampness. To find out precise humidity levels, purchase a hand-held relative humidity sensor, and use it to measure each room.

• 5

  Eliminate moisture even as you create it. Wipe down your shower tiles and floors immediately after each shower, cover your pots while cooking, wipe up spills as soon as they occur, and minimize your use of steam-generating hot water.

• 6

  Circulate your air. On non-humid days, open windows to improve air circulation and prevent the air in your home from becoming stagnant. You can also improve air circulation by using your air conditioner.

• 7

  Clean up any traces of mildew that you find. When you see traces of gray, green or black discoloration, sometimes powdery and sometimes liquid-based, accompanied by a musty odor, clean it up immediately to prevent it from spreading. Wipe down small areas of mildew with soft cloths dampened with a mold-fighting product such as hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) or chlorine bleach (diluted with two parts water). Wash mildew-stained clothing with one cup of chlorine bleach (white fabrics) or non-chlorine bleach (colored fabrics).