With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Mildew
Mildew is a byproduct of molds that can develop in clothing when these are stored away for some period of time. These microscopic funguses are found on different surfaces and they feed on fabrics, wood, paper etc. These fungi are present in air and need warm and moist climate to survive. The perfect environment for this fungus is homes and bathrooms where they thrive. Removing mildew stains can be very difficult but fortunately you can try out some home remedies for mildews which help you kill them and get rid of them.
Causes of Mildews:
This greenish growth thrives on humid climate and houses which are closed for a long time. The required temperature for mildew is from 75 F to 85 F. They flourish depending upon the following conditions which are listed below:
- Damp area
- Warm
- Poorly lighted area
- Lack of air circulation like cellars, basements, clothing closets.
Mildew can come with a foul smell which can be of great nuisance and sign of living in an unhygienic place. These home remedies for mildew are very handy and useful at times.
- Vinegar can be very effective and beneficial if you want to get rid of this unwanted fungus. A solution of vinegar cleans, deodorizes and disinfects any cloth which is mildew affected. All you got to do is follow a normal wash and use hot water for the purpose. After adding detergent, you need to add a cup of white vinegar. This will leave your cloth stain and odor free.
- If you notice any extra stain, you simply have to wash the stain with a solution containing one part of water and another part with vinegar. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for an hour and finally then laundry this again with some detergent.
- Another common method to get rid of mildew is by using hydrogen peroxide. This works well to clean off the stains and the associated odor. You can prepare a solution of one and half cup of hydrogen peroxide and a cup of warm water and put this in a spray bottle. The next time you see mildew stains all you got to do is spray some of this solution on the area and allow this to sit for sometime before you wash them off in the laundry as usual.
- Another method to remove the stains is to use bleach. This is an effective method to eliminate the fungus and remove the odor as well. Likewise in the vinegar method, add a cup of bleach in your normal wash and if the stain remains use a solution prepared from two parts of water and one part of bleach. Allow this to sit for sometime before you soak them in the detergent. However, use color-safe bleach in the case of colored clothes. Repeat this until your clothes become stain free.
- For mildew surfaces, use some tea tree oil which is available in many local health food stores. For this you simply have to spray a solution of a teaspoon of tea tree oil which is mixed with a cup of water and use this on the surface of your bath tub. Allow this to sit for about 10 hours before you wash them off with water and soap.
- You can try using some grapefruit extract as well. This is effective to clean your bath tubs which are infested with mildew. Add about 20 drops of the extract in a cup of water and blend this well and spray this on the area of the bathtub. Allow this to sit for sometime before you wash them off.
- You can also spread baking soda which is chemically known as sodium bicarbonate on the wet tub and then scrub the area. Scrub this alternatively and use a solution of water and vinegar for the purpose of rinsing. A heavy duty paste can be prepared using some amount of baking soda, borax and some appropriate amount of distilled water. Allow this paste to sit of the mildew infested area for at least two hours and then scrub this well and finally rinse them well.
- Another very common method is borax which will help you get rid of the mildew area. All you need to do is prepare a solution of borax and some tea tree oil which is perfect for the mildew treatment. First you add the borax in the hot water and allow this to be tepid and finally add the tea tree oil which can be applied on the area with a sponge and then scrubbed. You can rinse this with simply water.
Tips to Prevent Mildew:
The best things you can do to prevent mildew which may become very difficult to remove with time are listed below:
- Clean the areas like closets, basements and drawers.
- Avoid greasy films which contain the vital nutrients for the fungus to thrive, hence avoid such greasy area.
- Remove all the possible causes for mildews.
- Humid surrounding is necessary for the fungus to grow. Keep the air around you dry and moisture free. Use a dehumidifier in areas which cannot be air conditioned.
- Allow proper circulation of air in the room. As proper movement of air helps to remove the moisture from the room.
These are some very good and effective home remedies for mildew which are very much simple to prepare and are cost-effective as well!
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