How can someone remove mildew from concrete?

Question

My friend is moving into a basement apartment, and the concrete stairwell leading down to the apartment smells of mildew. Have you ever successfully removed mildew from concrete? What can she use to do this?

I should have mentioned that the stairwell is outdoors, so perhaps the mildew is not as much of a concern as some answerers think. It's a good thing to think about, though.

My friend just informed me that there is mildew in one of the closets, too. So I guess it is an indoor concern.

Answer 1

Everybody and their brother is going to scream, "Bleach! Bleach!" Aside from being highly toxic, it is only partially effective. I did a bit of research, and found an effective product your friend can purchase on-line for under $20.00:

http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/aa/aspx-products/1-1648/2-51038/bb/Moldzyme,mold%20on%20wood,Mildew%20Stain%20Remover,mold%20on%20cement,mold%20stains,mold%20in%20bathrooms,mold%20on%20concrete,mold%20on%20deck,mold%20on%20patio,Mold%20zyme,mold%20cle.htm

Answer 2

Mildew On Concrete

Answer 3

If there is active mildew on the stairs/in the stairwell walls, it's being caused by moisture. This could be indicative of a problem much worse than the mildew. Your friend should not move into this apartment until the problem is under control. Bleach is a good way to clean up the mildew, disinfect and make the smell better. But it won't fix the root problem of the moisture. She needs to have the landlord fix this problem first. If she does move in, she should invest in a high quality air filter and still request the Landlord to fix the problem, and if they don't, she needs to report the problem to the city/county health dept. Remember, it was mildew that caused the Legionaires disease that killed a lot of people, so this is not something to take lightly.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How can someone remove mildew from concrete?
My friend is moving into a basement apartment, and the concrete stairwell leading down to the apartment smells of mildew. Have you ever successfully removed mildew from concrete? What can she use to do this?

Answer 5

Either have it pressure washed with bleach or rent a pressure washer and do it yourself. We have our house and driveways and sidewalks done every year or two. We have lots of oaks and the mildew grows like crazy. A cheap way to do it is wet the concrete all down and (in old clothes and shoes) gently brush bleach over it all with a broom and let it set. After it sets for a few hours, hose it down. Happy holidays.

Answer 6

Muriatic acid at full strength will burn your skin; it is also WAY too strong for stupid mildew. Tilex will get rid of the mildew, but only use it with plenty of ventilation.

Once it's clean make sure you use a dehumidifier to get rid of the moisture. Test it first, too; they can make a lot of noise.

Answer 7

Muriatic acid is the only solution. Obtained commonly from swimming pool stores or Home Depot, pour the acid directly on the stairs. Do not dilute the acid. Full strength is the only answer.

Answer 8

1 qt. bleach to 1 gallon of water -- use a heavy scrub brush and gloves to protect your hands. Rinse with clean water.

Answer 9

lots and lots of bleach. open any windows or other way of ventilating the place and get safety goggles and a face mask. Do not mix with amonia or products containing amonia.

Answer 10

1/2 water 1/2 clorox, then pressure washer...works