Preventing Mildew
1. Keep Things Clean
Keep closets, dresser drawers, basements--any place
where mildew is likely to grow--as clean as possible.
Soil on dirty articles can supply enough food for mildew
to start growing when moisture and temperature are right.
Greasy films, such as those that form on kitchen walls,
also contain many nutrients for mildew-causing molds.
2. Get Rid of Dampness
Dampness in a basement, or any other structure, is
often caused by condensation of moisture from humid air
onto cooler surfaces. Excessive moisture may indicate
that repairs or additional insulation are needed. Replace
cracked or defective mortar. Some basements are
continually wet from water leaking through crevices in
the wall. Make sure outside drainage is adequate.
3. Control Moisture
For waterproofing concrete and other masonry walls
above ground, apply two coats of cement paint, tinted with
mineral coloring if desired. Waterproofed coatings to seal
absorbent brick and other outside surfaces may be needed.
Spread a layer of moisture-barrier material over the
soil in crawl spaces under houses. You can use heavy
roofing paper or polyethylene plastic film. Good
ventilation is important. If possible, do not enclose the
crawl space. In extreme cases, a fan or blower may be
needed to move the humid air from under the building.
Cooking, laundering, and bathing may add 2 gallons or
more of water a day to the house. If circulation is not
adequate use some type of exhaust fan. If your clothes
dryer is equipped with a vent, have it exhausted to the
outside to remove moist air.
4. Dry the Air
Cool air holds less moisture than warm air. Properly
installed air-conditioning systems remove moisture from
the air by taking up warm air, cooling it (which removes
the moisture) and circulating the cool dry air back into
the room. In rooms that are not air-conditioned-especially
the basement--mechanical dehumidifiers are useful. A
humidistat can be attached to the unit to control the
humidity. Mechanical dehumidifiers, however, can add heat
to a room.
When using air-conditioners or dehumidifiers, keep
windows and doors closed.
5. Heat
Get rid of dampness by heating the house for a short
time. Then open doors and windows to let out the
moisture-laden air. An exhaust fan may be used to force
it out.
Air in closets and other small areas can be dried by
using an electric light continuously (60- to 100-watt
bulb). The heat will prevent mildew if the space is not
too large.
PRECAUTION: Be sure to place the light bulb far
enough from clothing and other flammables to avoid the
danger of fire.
Chemicals that absorb moisture--may be used to
absorb moisture from the air. Follow directions on the
label exactly.
6. Circulate the Air
When the air outside is drier than that inside,
ventilation allows the dry air to enter, take up excess
moisture, and then be carried outside. When natural
breezes are not sufficient, you can use electric fans
placed in a window, set in a wall, or ducted to the attic
to move air from the house.
Poorly ventilated closets get damp and musty during
continued wet weather, and articles stored in them are
apt to mildew. Try to improve the air circulation by
opening the closet doors or by installing a fan.
In addition, hang the clothes loosely so that air
can circulate around them. Dry all wet clothing
(including clothes wet from rain or perspiration) before
putting it in the closet.
7. Get Rid of Musty Odors
Get rid of musty odors as soon as possible to prevent
further mold growth. Usually musty odors disappear if the
area is well heated and dried. If the odors remain, the
following treatment may be necessary.
On cement floors and on tiled walls and floors in
bathrooms, get rid of mustiness by scrubbing with a
diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite or other chlorine
bleach available in grocery stores. Use one-half to 1 cup
of liquid household bleach to a gallon of water. Rinse
with clear water and wipe as dry as possible. Keep windows
open until walls and floors are thoroughly dry.
PRECAUTION: Work quickly and carefully on plastic and
asphalt tile to avoid spotting the surface.