/mildew problem with bad smell. Any home remedies?

Answer 1

Bleach - just straight bleach - will kill mildew and get rid of the smell.

Answer 2

All natural mold/mildew killer by eHow Friend

I found out (after buying our first investment home) that there was mold on the cement block walls in the basement. The previous owners had covered it with paint so we would not see it. After reading about how white vinegar kills and prevents mold and mildew on plastic shower curtains, I decided to spray it on the cement block after scrubbing the walls with bleach. The full strength vinegar worked. I painted the walls with drylock waterproofing paint. This was 5 months ago, and I have not seen any mold or mildew in the bathroom or on the cement block in the other rooms. The shower stall in the basement is also cement block. I have told the new homeowners to spray white vinegar after cleaning the shower stall, after using the shower, and I told them to make sure they spray it on the shower stall's floor area, as well as the plastic shower curtain. It has been about 6 months, and they have not had even one incident of mold or mildew in the bathroom area at all. I could not afford the expensive mold killers that are available online. The vinegar was a real financial help for me. I use the vinegar when cleaning my own shower and bath tub, as I found out it removes soap scum from the tub and the glass door on the shower stall.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this tip with someone who can't afford to buy the expensive products. Just never mix bleach with ammonia as it will produce a lethal gas. Also sprinkle baking soda in carpet if that's where the mildew smell is coming from. Try fans and dehumidifier in the room.
These are all patch remedies for the real underlying problem... the source of the moisture/water. Maybe a leaky pipe, inadequate draining around the home's foundation, leaky roof. Find out where the source of the moisture is coming from and get it repaired to keep this from occuring again.
http://www.ehow.com/how_9132_make-own-mildew.html

Answer 3

Charcoal briquet's absorb the moisture that is causing the mildew and smell.

Answer 4

Around 10 parts water to one part bleach with a little bit of dishwashing liquid. Put it in a spray bottle or wet a sponge in it and have fun wiping out the fungus!

Answer 5

bleach with water. Without water it will smell like bleach instead of mold. Start with more water than bleach and then increase the concentration if needed.

Answer 6

bleach