House Grooming

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew?

Although Mold and mildew are life threatening but still they are an essential part of our life cycle and it also grows everywhere around us. Many different surfaces can have Mildew as it is generally thin, black, or sometimes white, growth produced by mold. Plants like Molds belong to the group known as fungi and although molds are always present in the air, those that cause mildew need moisture and certain temperatures to grow. They normally grow in humid summer weather, especially in closed houses. The nature of molds is such that they grow on anything from which they can get enough food. Especially in homes they tend to grow most often on cotton, silk, wool, linen, rayon, and paper.

Infact, at times even Molds that nourish the growth of mildew wherever it is warm, damp and where air is not circulated -- in crawl spaces of houses without basements and clothing closets. Mold can also be found on draperies and rugs in basement recreation rooms, on shower curtains and on damp clothes rolled up for ironing. Such molds are mostly grow in new houses because of moisture in the building materials. Molds also tend to cause considerable damage as they grow. Even if they are removed they tend to leave a musty odor; they discolor fabrics; and sometimes they eat into them until the fabrics rot and fall to pieces.

How to prevent Mildew?

Always remember to keep things clean. It is very necessary to keep closets, dresser drawers, basements -- any place where mildew is likely to grow -- as clean as possible. Conditions like soil on dirty articles can supply enough food for mildew to start growing when moisture and temperature are right. Kitchen walls having greasy films may also contain many nutrients for mildew-causing molds. Clothes should always be clean as clean clothing is less likely to mildew than soiled clothing. Most of the synthetic fibers, such as acetate, acrylic, nylon and polyester, are resistant to mildew, dirt free fabrics of these fibers will not support mold growth. Soil may supply food to start mildew even on these fabrics. One should never forget to clean all soiled fabrics thoroughly, regardless of fiber type to help prevent them from mildewing.

Remove Dampness.

If there is sufficient moisture in the air then there is a huge possibility that the Mold spores are present in the air and may settle onto surfaces if there is sufficient moisture. Any such structure is often caused by moisture condensation from humid air onto cooler surfaces. At time too much of moisture may indicate that repairs or additional insulation are needed. One should also remember to replace defective or cracked mortar. Many basements are continually wet from water leaking through crevices in the wall. Ensure that outside drainage is adequate. In case one wants to waterproof concrete and other masonry walls above ground, then he should apply two coats of cement paint, tinted with mineral coloring if desired and waterproofed coatings to seal absorbent brick and other outside surfaces may also be needed.