Mold & Mildew - Questions & Answers

DEFINITION OF MOLD/MILDEW

• Mold and mildew is a live organism that can cause unsightly stains, bad odors, and deteriorates materials.
• Mold and mildew can occur anywhere spores can find sufficient moisture and food to grow.
• Mold and mildew need food to grow.
• Eliminating the sources of moisture (food) is important in controlling and preventing mildew.
• Mold and mildew are both in-borne and air-borne organisms. In-borne mold/mildew can come from construction materials, i.e. lumber, drywall, adhesives and even paint; Air-borne mold/mildew is in the air. It can originate from air-conditioners, poorly ventilated bathrooms, tight construction, and even trees.

Removal of existing mold/mildew:

Remove mold and mildew stains by using Gone Plus mildew wash and cleaner – or, a mixture of 1 cup Clorox Household Bleach with one gallon of clean water & a quality detergent. Apply solution to mildew-area and scrub with sponge/rag. Rinse sponge/rag as needed in clean water. Reapply solution as needed until stains have lightened or disappeared.

Let walls dry completely. If needed use fans and heater to assist in circulating air to assure wall dryness.

Determining if walls are dry enough to proceed with job:

Do not paint or wallpaper over existing mildew or over wet surface.

Applying paint or wallpaper over existing mildew will just promote mildew growth and trap existing mildew beneath causing a bigger problem.

The following simple tips may help you determine if walls are dry enough to move ahead. If in doubt, contact a professional, or go to: http://www.epa.gov and type in the search term mold.

Do Not Paint :

• If your fingertips appear wet after pressing them against the wall.
• If Kleenex or tissue sticks to the wall.
• If you can press fingernail into wall – i.e. the wall is soft.
• If source of moisture has not been eliminated.