what are some ways to get rid of mold and mildew in your home?

Answer 1

Mould and mildew only happen where there are warm, moist conditions, and a few spores to start everything. Start by looking for areas in your home that meet those requirements, bathrooms with less than adequate ventilation, under kitchen sinks, basement rooms. Then get the fresh air circulating, don't let things pile up against walls, especially drywall. Look for taps that might be leaking, inhabit the dark places looking for the telltale spots. On paint surfaces, find a good quality Norwex microfiber cloth, they are the only ones I kow of that pick up bacteria and mold and prevent it from transferring. They will wipe up most things and kill the bacteria and spores to boot. If the mold is happening, a weak bleach solution or Oxi product will kill it, just keep it away from the microfiber cloth, use a different one, TSP will also work well on walls, use gloves. Norwex also has a spray that will actually kill mould and it's odours. The best defense is a good offense, keep everything dry and circulate the air.

Answer 2

Use bleach, lots of it. And use a dehumidifier, if excess moisture in the air is a problem. Make sure the area you're cleaning is well ventilated: Bleach does have a strong smell.

If the mold and mildew have gone beyond the surface, you may want a professional service to come in and detox your home, then rebuild what had to be taken out.

Answer 3

Keep airflowing to all parts of the house...whether its with open windows, fans or heater/airconditioners.

Use a topical spray like lysol on stuff you can spray it on.

Remove stuff in closets that are musty...old shoes that are leather are famous for causing mold spores to spread.

Dont block off rooms when not in use....lack of airflow will cause problems.

Our house had to have the drywall removed and all the wet insulation (from window leak) had to be replaced.

Old carpeting is terrible for holding moisture and mold. If you are very allergic, consider removing carpet and putting hardwood or hard surface flooring down.

Use bleach in your wash water when washing sheets and bedding. Wash walls with a tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water.

Outside the house, remove anything leaning up against the house that would hold moisture in...like trees and shrubs. check your house for water leaks...roof and walls and windows.

Keep your bathroom ventilated....open window or keep fan on if door must be shut. CHeck for leaking pipes under sinks and showers.

An hour of sunshine on bedding or fabric will usually kill any mold growing on it.

Answer 4

you didn't say where the mold and mildew is - if it's on a washable surface, bleach and hot water will work. sponge it on, wait a few minutes, then wipe off with clear water.
To prevent mold and mildew, use a dehumidifier.

Answer 5

Probably not the cheapest but the best is to have a specialist...i'm a home inspector and anytime i run into mold i strongly recommend a specialist to assure that it is done correctly.

Answer 6

Open your windows & let in fresh air, moulds & mildew grow in warm,moist conditions..fresh air kills them cos its to cold. This principle applies to anywhere, if its under paintwork it means that your inner layers of wood or whatever have a damp rising from water so you will have to invesitgate this source(water)and cut it off. Good luck.