How to Avoid Mildew

calander Apr 6 , 2019 user-iconAnderson Painting

If you’re a homeowner, you care a lot about keeping your home safe and clean. For one thing, you and your family live there, and you want to make sure everyone is happy and healthy. Additionally, you want to maintain your home’s value. Cleaning, painting, and making repairs all contribute to this effort.

But something may be lurking inside or on the surface of your home that’s hard to notice if you’re not looking, and that can lead to health risks for you and your family. If you don’t know what it is or how it got there, you’ll have a hard time locating it, removing it, and preventing it from returning. We’re referring to a little thing called mildew.

What is Mildew?

Many of us have heard about mildew before. But what exactly is it?

Mildew is a type of white fungal mold that thrives in highly humid, warm, and partially acidic conditions. Mildew consumes organic matter such as plant life, allowing it to grow and spread. In homes, mildew often forms in basements and attics, where ventilation is hindered and moisture gathers. However, mildew can make its way into all areas of a home if the conditions are right. For instance, kitchens and bathrooms produce a lot of moisture, potentially providing a suitable home for the fungus.

Health Risks Caused by Mildew

You might wonder why mildew is such a problem. Sure, it may be unsightly and even a bit smelly if left unchecked. But aside from that, what’s the big deal? While not all fungi are malicious, mildew can actually have some negative effects on your health. A fungus reproduces by sending out loads of microscopic spores in the air. If breathed in, these spores can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma. These include throat irritation, trouble breathing, headache, and sinus congestion. While all these conditions may sound minor, they can worsen over time and become severe problems for small children and elderly people.

How to Avoid and Remove Mildew

To keep your home safe, every homeowner should do whatever they can do keep mildew away from their home. If you notice mildew forming anywhere in your home, there are ways to remedy the problem. It will require some heavy-duty cleaning, however. You might already have some of the materials you need in your kitchen. Vinegar and apple cider vinegar mixed with water makes for a powerful cleaning solution for most surfaces.

Different chemicals might work better on different surfaces. Ammonia, baking soda, chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide are other examples of strong chemicals capable of destroying mildew where it stands. Do some thorough research before creating a mixture and spraying it in your home. Or, ask your Raleigh house painting contractor for some advice, as they might have experience in this area.

Getting rid of mildew is important, but the bigger goal should be to keep it from coming back. Mildew prevention comes in many forms. Knowing how, where, and why mildew forms will help you to avoid it. For instance, mildew likes warm, humid climates. To prevent it, make sure your home maintains a low relative humidity and a reasonable temperature. Investing in some dehumidifiers is a powerful move. It also helps to simply keep your surfaces dry. Ventilation is key as well. Clean out your air filters on a regular basis and use an indoor air purifier to ensure clean breathing and good circulation.

To avoid and remove mildew from your home’s exterior, make sure you pressure wash it twice a year. Thoroughly cleaning your home this way will blast away any lingering spores as well as organic matter that might attract and feed mildew in the first place.

Finally, regularly check your home for mildew. Catching it early will make it easier to remove and take preventative measures. And don’t simply paint over parts of your home that have mildew. While this can temporarily stop it from spreading, professional Raleigh house painters will tell you that you’re just prolonging the risk.

Seek Professional Help

Knowing how and where to look for mildew can be difficult. If you need help, reach out to someone experienced in this field. Some Raleigh painting companies even know what to look for, because a proper paint job requires a clean surface clear of any fungus. This is why Anderson Painting contractors pressure wash a home’s exterior before painting it. To learn more about us and all our services, call Anderson Painting today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!


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