Help With Mildew Problem

jfoggy


Joined: 23/12/2006
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 15:29

We seem to have a problem with mildew in our apartment. Last time we were out Oct 09, it had taken hold of the wallk in wardrobe and all the clothing in it. The apartment had been empty for 4 months, and we had stupidly closed the wardrobe door on leaving in May. So had asked for trouble really. We washed the walls/wardrobe shelves etc with a bleach mixtrue which seemed to get rid of it. Left all doors open to dry out and left that wardrob empty when we left. However, have just been advised by a neighbour that we have a 'small' problem with mildew again...did leave doors open, and even 2 of the ventilation windows in the inner cloakroom and bathroom. Does anybody have ideas how we can deal with this problem and hopefully prevent the midew from coming back. Many thanks in anticipation.

Julie

andrew4232



Joined: 04/07/2009
Posts: 1543

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 17:06

its the way the houses are built, and mixture of wet and short periods of hot weather its happening to all of us esp after the rain a couple of weeks ago, having anything left is a god send, leaving all internal doors and draws open and every window you can without putting the place at risk are the only things i can think of, the windows dont have to be wide open just even a sponge deep used as a wedge to stop them opening in the wind

small areas can be treated with dettol mould and midew spray which i think has got some bleach in it to stop it speading you just spray it on and dont wipe until its dried out otherwise you just spread it

spanna


Joined: 12/01/2009
Posts: 544

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 17:13

Hi Andrew...

Where can you get the spray - we've been looking everywhere for something like that!!

andrew4232



Joined: 04/07/2009
Posts: 1543

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 17:25

most of the super markets had it a couple of weeks ago (before the rains came) so not sure now who has still got it, its in a green trigger spray and its just called dettol mould and midew as i say when you get it spray the area well let it dry and maybe spray again if needed once its dry you should be able to brush it away but remember its got bleach in it



it may also be worth looking in mr pound as they have a range made by astonish who also do a mould one thats in blue trigger spray

jfoggy


Joined: 23/12/2006
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 17:25

Thanks Andrew....we obviously made the mistake of wiping the bleach solution we used off before it dried..Oh well, know what we'll be doing for the first few days of our stay next month!

spanna


Joined: 12/01/2009
Posts: 544

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 17:26

Ok.. Thanks Andrew...

Did try Mr Pound but they were all out!! I'm guessing everyone is low on stock after the rains... hey ho...!

Spanna.

hilda


Joined: 10/09/2009
Posts: 80

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 17:27

jfoggy and spanna

My mum used to mix 4 cups of thyme to one gallon of water and leave for a few days,then wash the mould with it

mollycorbin


Joined: 12/03/2010
Posts: 390

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 19:03

Julie,

Here is a link to a website that has 3 natural "recipes" you can try. However, I cannot attest to their effectiveness. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/three-ways-to-kill-mold-naturally.html.



I am not optimistic that you will ever be able to permanently eliminate the problem. That will require a lot of renovation. Here is another link to a University of Missouri paper of home methods to prevent and remove mildew http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=GH5928. It is quite informative and addresses your specific problem with the wardrobe. I lived in New Orleans for 20 years and am familiar with all of the health complications of having mold and mildew in the home. It is a huge problem there. Good luck and please let us know how successful you are.



Does anybody know if dehumidifiers are sold in NC?

gillken


Joined: 25/05/2008
Posts: 521

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 21:57

When you leave the apartment over winter store clothes bedding and cushions in sealed polythene bags. Certainly won't stop the mildew, but stops you ruining your clothes and soft furnishing. Other items can be washed unless you are prepared to pack everything away in sealed bags.

Unless you can keep an air flow, heat and a dehumidifier, which someone needs to empty it regularly, this will be a continuing problem.

jfoggy


Joined: 23/12/2006
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 22:22

Thanks so much for all your helpful advice and tips, will certainly be putting them into practice. We have somebody going in weekly, to air the place, but obviously that's not been enough over winter months particularly of late.

sweep


Joined: 11/10/2007
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 22:30

i was told once containers of salt left open absorb a lot of airborne moisture.



try dulux water based funcidal eggshell paint exellent for damp rooms help stop mould growth.



think about mechanical extraction you maybe alble to put on a timer whilst you are away to keep the air flow in the room during the cloder, wet spells.



could be water penetration from the out side have you checked the externals at the problem area?



regards sweep.