| Mildew is a thin, black, or sometimes
white, growth produced by mold. Molds are plants belonging to the group
known as fungi. Though molds are always present in the air, those that
cause mildew need moisture and certain temperatures to grow.
Mold will grow on anything and mildew will flourish
wherever it is damp, warm, poorly lighted and/or where air is not
circulated. Cellars, basements, crawl spaces and even clothing closets
should be watched closely for growth. Mildew can also be found on
draperies and rugs in basement recreation rooms, on shower curtains and on
damp clothes rolled up for ironing. These molds are also likely to grow in
a new house because of moisture in the building materials.
As the molds grow, they cause considerable damage.
They leave a musty odor; they discolor fabrics, including leather; and
sometimes they eat into them until the fabrics rot and fall to pieces.
Things that can cause mildew:
- Environments that contain warm temperatures and
high humidity levels are ideal for mildew growth.
- Soil on dirty articles, including clothing, can
supply enough food for mildew to start growing when moisture and
temperature are right.
- Greasy films, such as those that form on kitchen
walls, also contain many nutrients for mildew-causing molds.
Preventing Mildew
- Keep places in your home, where mildew is likely
to grow, as clean as possible.
- Excessive moisture may indicate that repairs or
additional insulation are needed. Replace cracked or defective mortar.
Some basements are continually wet from water leaking through crevices in
the wall. Make sure outside drainage is adequate.
- Take proper waterproofing measures.
- If your clothes dryer is equipped with a vent,
have it exhausted to the outside to remove moist air.
- Heat. Get rid of dampness by heating the house for
a short time. Then open doors and windows to let out the moisture-laden
air. An exhaust fan may be used to force it out.
- Cool air holds less moisture than warm air.
Properly installed air-conditioning systems remove moisture from the air
by taking up warm air, cooling it and circulating the cool, dry air back
into the room. A humidistat can be attached to the unit to control the
humidity. When using air-conditioners or dehumidifiers, keep windows and
doors closed.
- Air movement and good ventilation are excellent at
removing moisture. When the air outside is drier than that inside,
ventilation allows the dry air to enter, take up excess moisture and then
be carried outside. When natural breezes are not sufficient, you can use
electric fans placed in a window, set in a wall or vented to the attic to
move air from the house.
- Never let clothing or other fabric articles lie
around damp or wet. Dry soiled clothes before putting them into the
hamper. Stretch out wet shower curtains. Dry washed garments and fabrics
thoroughly and quickly. Fabrics dried slowly may get sour and musty
smelling-a sign of mold growth.
Odor
Tip: Musty odors, which indicate mold
growth, are sometimes noticeable in basements and shower stalls. Take
special precautions to get rid of musty odors as soon as possible to
prevent further objectionable and damaging mold growth. Usually musty
odors disappear if the area is well heated and dried. If the odors remain
a service professional is your best bet.
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