Mold and Mildew are the bane of any healthy home. Hot, humid climates are especially vulnerable to these unwanted fungi, both of which can have negative health effects that range from respiratory issues to migraines. Thankfully, a little vigilance in keeping the relative indoor humidity below about 50 percent and regular cleansing with a mold- and mildew-destroying agent can keep these household enemies at bay. Here are a few ways to seek and destroy.
Other than the kitchen sink, shower pans and tubs are usually the wettest places in any home. They don’t get the regular attention of a kitchen, which makes them highly susceptible to fungal growth. Fight back with a spray-on mold cleaner, which will cling to vertical walls, grout lines and caulk for a prolonged deep cleaning.
Black, green, and even red mold can be a perpetual battle in environments starved of sunlight. That means the shady north side of any building is usually the first aspect to develop a mold or mildew problem. If you don’t own a power washer, try an outdoor-strength fungicide sold in a hose-end dispenser. Simply hook the bottle up to a garden hose, turn on the water, and wet down trouble spots for easy rinsing and cleaning. These are great for hard-to-reach exterior walls and siding, as well as for horizontal structures such as decks and driveways.
For spot cleaning anywhere mold and mildew crop up, keep a spray product under the kitchen cabinet or in a bathroom closet. Fungicides and stain removers sold in handheld spray form are perhaps the most efficient because they are the easiest to use, and because the best way to fight the spread of mold and mildew is to stop the problem as soon as you notice it.