User:Myamikizara/sandbox

COMMON MISCONCEPTION THAT MILDEW IS SAFER THAN MOULD?

Let’s be clear – mildew is mould, whilst mildew is the early stage of mould, it is still very unsafe to have in your home and can create many health issues especially for people with Asthma related conditions.

While mildew is usually caused by moisture generated within the house, such as from cooking, showering or lack of ventilation. According to Environmental Health – The average adult releases 1/2 litre of water per day just by breathing, so it is important to keep all rooms well ventilated.

Condensation happens when air becomes so saturated with water it can’t hold any more moisture. When the air comes into contact with a cold surface such as a window, some of the moisture sticks to the colder surface. Condensation can leave water stains and can lead to mildew growth which eventually will form black mold

There are two ways to reduce condensation in your home:

Heating raises the air temperature so it can hold more moisture Ventilation allows the moisture to move outside. Mildew and other fungal growths develop from spores that abound everywhere. Mildew needs moisture to grow, so the more persistently damp an area is, the more likely mildew will grow. Try to air out the area as much as possible – fresh air will dramatically help the situation.

PREVENTING CONDENSATION AND MILDEW

If you have a condensation or mildew problem, try some of these tips. If the problem continues, there may be a construction fault that will need investigation.

Keep your house warm, generally 5-7°C warmer than outside. A little heat constantly throughout the day is more effective than a lot of heat in the evenings although this can be difficult with busy working people/families.

Unflued, portable gas heaters give off moisture as they provide heat to the room, contributing to the moisture burden Keep doors closed when using the bathroom or kitchen to prevent steam spreading throughout your home Clothes driers and extractor fans should be ducted to the outside only Use heavy curtains that cover the windows completely so they ‘seal off’ the cooler surface from the warmer air Wipe any moisture off glass or other cold surfaces – the dreaded morning chore Avoid hanging wet clothes indoors to dry Provide ventilation to wardrobes Use a dehumidifier in damp areas – if possible

REMOVING MILDEW Mildew can usually be washed out of curtains, but will leave a permanent stain if not done in time, check curtains weekly especially single glazed windows

If you find mildew growing on walls and ceilings, clean the area down with a damp cloth and diluted bleach or white vinegar. Use a test-patch to make sure the bleach does not affect the paint or wallpaper colour. If bleach damages the colour, try undiluted white vinegar or a fungicide solution, which you can buy from most paint or hardware shops. Rinse the area with soap and water and dry thoroughly.

If you are repainting, use paint containing a fungicide, but never paint directly over existing mildew as YOU MUST remove the spores first otherwise you are creating a bandaid and the mildew/mold will continue to grow. I personally have one wall that has a mildew issue and as soon as I seen any growth I spray it with diluted bleach. I also move beds and furniture off outer walls in the winter to be safe. Mould & Mildew cleaning should be completed as soon as it is visible. Kepp your home and office evironment clean and fresh.