Mildew is a very common problem here in the San Francisco Bay area, especially in the rainy season, and this year’s rainy season has been very rainy.  In fact, we have had more rain in the past 90 days than we had in the previous 3 years combined.

Mildew is not dirt. It is a living organism. It produces stains on walls and has an unpleasant musty odor.  Mildew is unhealthy, as mildew gets into the air we breathe. There are 3 conditions that promote the growth of mildew and mold: humidity, heat, and stagnant air. To reduce or eliminate these conditions:1.  Let in fresh air, particularly in high humidity areas, especially the bathroom.  Keep a window ajar or use the exhaust fan, if there is one, to allow air  to circulate.

2. Let in sunlight. Don’t keep window shades closed all the time. There are many micro-organisms that thrive in dark rooms that are killed by sunlight. I have tenants who keep the window shades in their bedrooms closed all the time. Sunlight never gets in. I tell them that this is very unhealthy, but I can’t make them open their shades. It is illegal in California under the state health code to use a room as a bedroom that does not have a window or skylight to let in natural sunlight. When was the last time you opened the window shades in your bedroom to let in sunlight?

3. Don’t overheat the house. Contrary to a widely held misconception, furnaces do not put out more heat the higher the thermostat is set.  All a thermostat does is turn the furnace on and off.  It does not regulate or control the height or size of the flame.

4. Don’t let damp clothes or towels sit on the floor or piled up. A house full of clutter is far more likely to have mildew and mold than a clean, tidy house.

Mildew Removal.  There are many mildew removal products sold in supermarkets.  Read the label before use. Some of these products cannot be used on walls, only tile.

Bleach. It is a myth that the most effective way to remove mildew is with laundry bleach. While bleach will remove mildew, it is much less effective in removing mildew or preventing its return than Tilex or Lysol Mildew Remover. They sell these products at Walgreen’s and Safeway. A big bottle costs around $5.

Remember, mildew is not only unattractive and smelly, it is also a health hazard, one that you can  easily and cheaply control!