Mildew Removal Methods

Mildew removal is essential for a healthy home environment. Keep damp areas dry and remove mildew odor for the safety of your house cleaning business clients.

Mildew is something found in most homes, especially in the bathroom where humidity and moisture are present. We will show you how to clean mildew and then keep it gone. For example, mildew can develop in baths, basements and rooms that get damp for any reason. The key is to tackle the problem early so it does not become overly difficult or complicated to clean.

Before we go into specific tips on mold and mildew removal, we want to express the importance of finding where it is growing. That way, you can look at the underlying cause and ask the client to make appropriate changes to alleviate the problem. Mildew can grow quickly so again, you want to identify the cause or have the client identify it so appropriate action can be taken. This may be a difficult process but to get rid of mildew permanently, it is necessary.

The first step for mildew removal is that you need to get the area as dry as you can. Use an old towel, shop vacuum, or even a hairdryer to dry the wet area. Of course, if you are using anything electrical, make sure there is no standing water to avoid shock or electrocution. You should also remove all rugs or carpeting (if possible) to clean and then allow them to air dry.

The next tip on how to clean mildew is that the mildew needs to be drawn up from the carpeting. Remember, as mildew sits and grows, it can get down deep into the fibers making it hard to reach. For this, we recommend you use borax, baking soda, or talcum powder, sprinkling it directly on the mildewed area. For the best results, let the customer know the substance needs to absorb the mildew for a full 48 hours, after which time you would vacuum it. Everyone will be amazed at how much mildew these substances will absorb.

Another important step is to use commercial grade enzyme cleaner. You can find this type of product at home improvement or hardware stores. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions. This kills off bacteria and neutralizes the mold growth so future mildew problems are not as difficult.

The final step on how to clean mildew has to do with getting rid of the musty smell associated with mildew odor. There are a number of different options but the one that works best is spraying lemon or orange cleaner on the customer’s carpeting. If there is one particular area that is worse than others, soak a cotton ball with the cleaner and dab it directly onto the carpet.

Sometimes, a person will go through all of the steps on how to clean mildew but still have a strong mildew odor. Another method that helps is by placing charcoal briquettes in the car. Place these pieces of charcoal in a plastic container and place in an inconspicuous place so they are unseen. Over several days, the charcoal absorbs any lingering mildew odor. Depending on the intensity of the mildew problem, you or the client may need to replace the charcoal briquettes every week for a month.

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