How to Get Rid of Mold & Mildrew

Mold and mildew are living organisms that are part of the fungus family. Similar to other forms of fungus, such as mushrooms, mold and mildew grow and thrive under warm, moist conditions. When your surfaces or items are exposed to warm and moist conditions for long periods of time, they may develop mold and mildew. Unless the fungus is removed quickly, it can spread and weaken the surface. Regular cleaning and maintenance is the best way to keep mold and mildew away once you remove it.

Get Rid of Mold and Mildew on Fabrics

• 1

  Dampen the site of the fabric where mold and mildew stains are present.

• 2
  Lemon is a natural mold and mildew killer. lemon image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com

  Combine equal parts of lemon juice and table salt in a bowl. Dip a small scrub brush in the mixture and apply it to the mildew and mold stains on your fabric. Cover the stains with the lemon and salt mixture, then place the fabric in the sun to dry.

• 3

  Wet the fabric with the lemon and salt mixture and scrub the mixture into the mold and mildew stains. Flush the fabric with cool water to remove the lemon and salt mixture and wash away the mold and mildew stains.

• 4
  Dry fabric and fabric-covered items in the sun to prevent mildew and mold growth. Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com

  Launder your fabric according to directions, using the hottest water possible, laundry detergent and all-fabric bleach. Hang the fabric to dry in the sun. Sunlight is a natural mold and mildew killer and will rid your fabric of any last trace of fungus.

Get Rid of Mold and Mildew on Upholstered Surfaces

• 1
  Vacuum all visible mold and mildew spores so they don't transfer to other furniture. vacuum cleaner image by vb_photo from Fotolia.com

  Vacuum upholstered surfaces with mold and mildew using your furniture attachment. Discard the vacuum bag once mold and mildew spores are removed, so they can't accidentally transfer elsewhere.

• 2

  Place an electric heater about five feet away from your furniture, if the furniture is wet. Dry the furniture to prevent mold and mildew growth from continuing.

• 3

  Combine 1 cup ammonia and 1 cup cool water in a bowl. Soak a sponge in the ammonia mixture, then squeeze it out so the sponge is wet but not dripping. Dab at the mold and mildew stains on your upholstered furniture while continually rinsing the sponge and adding more ammonia solution to it.

• 4

  Air dry your furniture completely. Set it outdoors in direct sunlight, when possible, to aid the drying process and kill any remaining mold and mildew spores.

Get Rid of Mold and Mildew on Hard Surfaces

• 1

  Fill a spray bottle halfway with white vinegar, then fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Shake to mix the vinegar solution.

• 2
  Vinegar sprayed on mold and mildew stains effectively kills them. green spray bottle image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

  Spray mold and mildew stains on hard surfaces, such as shower tile or bathroom surfaces and furniture, using your diluted white vinegar spray. Let the vinegar sit on the surface for 10 minutes to kill mold and mildew.

• 3

  Wipe down your mold- or mildew-stained surface with a clean cloth to remove both the stain and vinegar. Repeat Steps 2 and 3, as needed, until all mold and mildew is gone.