Mildew isn’t a treat for homeowners. There’s nothing worse than taking a shower only to notice your shower curtain is caked in a black film of mildew. There are ways to prevent mildew from forming, and of course, if you happen to see the mold growing in your home, there are ways to get rid of mildew.

Stopping Mildew Before it Starts

The best way to get rid of mildew is to stop it before it happens. Thus, knowing which areas of your home are especially at risk will help you prevent it. Mildew forms in moist, humid places such as closets, and bathrooms. Mildew also likes dark places that do not have proper ventilation, and this is why it’s commonly found in cellars, attics, and basements. When comes to fabrics, mildew stays away from synthetics but loves such fabrics as cotton, silk, wool, and leather, among others.

Where Does Mildew Show Up?

Specifically, mildew is drawn to rugs, especially those in unfinished basements, shower curtains, and clothing at is damp. If fabric contracts mildew, it not only will be discolored, but it will have a musty odor, a sure sign that mildew is forming. If you don’t catch mildew in time, it can rot a piece of fabric or permanently discolor your shower curtains.

Keep an Eye on the Humidity

One of the best ways to get rid of mildew is to watch the humidity levels in your home. You want to keep these levels at about 40-50%, and you definitely don’t want to go any higher than 60-65%. To help control humidity, invest in dehumidifiers for problem areas. Using fans and opening windows also helps protect yourself from pesky mildew because this helps to circulate air in your home. When it comes to your thermostat, try keeping it between 63 and 69 degrees F.

Home Repairs & Home Cleaning to Get Rid of Mildew

Another way to wage war with mildew is to make any necessary repairs around the house. If you have leaking popes or a leaky roof, get this repaired as soon as possible. Additionally, look for broken or unsealed windows, cracks in your walls, and gutter issues: All of these things can help mildew grow where you don’t want it to grow.

Keep your home clean, and this will help keep mildew away. This means everything from regularly washing your shower curtain to the base of your toilet and bathtub. Do your best to clean hard-to-reach and dark spaces in your home, as these are mildew’s best bets at growing unnoticed.

Get Rid of Mildew in the Basement

If you have mildew in your basement, try sprinkling bleaching powder all around the floor. You don’t need to clean this powder up. Instead, allow it to stay on the floor until the mildew odor disappears. Once you are sure the mildew is gone, you can sweep this powder up.

Eliminating Mildew in the Kitchen and Bathroom

If you have mildew in the tile of your kitchen or bathroom, try scrubbing it away. Make a solution including chlorine bleach and one cup of water and scrub as hard as you can. You don’t want to leave even a shred of mildew, as it can grow and you’ll just have to repeat the process. When finished, rinse the tile clean and wipe dry. While allowing the tile to dry, keep your windows and shower curtain open.

It’s possible for mildew to make its way into the caulk of your bathtub. If it’s just on the surface, getting rid of it is easy. If the mildew is under the caulk, you’ll have to replace the caulk because the mildew will grow again if you don’t. If there is mildew in your tile grout, use a spray-on mildew or mold remover. After you use this treatment, be sure to keep the windows open. One way to avoid mildew in your bathroom is to run the bathroom’s fan while you shower, as it will help circulate air.

Mildew on Furniture

If you get mildew on cloth such as the cushions on your outside lawn chairs, use a mixture of water, detergent, and borax. Apply them mixture and then allow it to sit before removing it with the hard pressure of a hose. If the stains are on canvas, use the aforementioned process by use naphthalene soap with the water instead of the other ingredients.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mildew

If you’re concerned about the environment but want to remove mildew from your life, know that there are natural alternatives to the aforementioned bleaches and chemicals. Look for brands with plant-based chemicals and those that are environmentally friendly. These products are becoming more and more common and are available in most grocery and drug stores.