Mildew is a conspicuous substance produced by various fungi, forming fruiting and hyphae structures. Mildew is commonly associated with plant diseases, damp clothes, leather items, and fiber. Mildew-causing fungi feed on the mentioned substances for food and reproduction. Mildew often produces a distinctive irritative smell and it can be easy to identify mildew.
Effective ways of preventing mildew
1. Keep all your items clean
Keep all the mildew surfaces likely to grow clean, such as floors, closets, and drawers. Soil and dirt are enough to support the growth of mildew when temperature and moisture are enough. Grease and food particles found on the kitchen surfaces also have nutrients that cause mildew. Cleaning your surfaces, clothes, and other items will prevent mildew due to insufficient nutrients to support their growth.
2. Avoid dampness
Mildew spores are in the air, always looking for moist areas to settle on. Wipe and dry all the surfaces and ensure you store all your clothes when they are dry. Repair all the leaking pipes and cracked walls that may be dripping water.
3. Dry and heat the air
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to remove moisture and cool the air. Air conditioners are effective in keeping the air cool by cooling the air. Use dehumidifiers on extremely cold areas such as basements to control humidity.
How to remove mildew from a carpet
Always consider cleaning your carpet professionally. However, small amounts of mildew that have affected a small area of your carpet may be removed through the following steps using chlorine bleach.
- Ensure you do not lose the color of your carpet by testing an inconspicuous place, although not all carpets will lose color.
- Clean your carpet using a steam cleaner, but it is not available; clean the mildew-affected areas using a sponge dipped in a water mixture and liquid dish detergent of equal proportions.
- Mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of household bleach to sponge the affected areas and allow it to sit on the carpet for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a steam cleaner to suck the remaining moisture from the carpet
- Dry the carpet to avoid any dampness that may support mildew growth.
Contact us at Spotless Carpet Cleaners if you think you identify mildew in your home. We will help you restore your carpet’s original color by professionally removing mildew stains by employing ROTOVAC Carpet Restoration System in our services.
