A common problem in certain areas of the Santa Clarita Valley is mildew and mold. They both are unsightly, invasive and can even be dangerous to one’s health. It is best to learn how to identify the two types of growth.
Mildew – Typically you will find mildew on your bathroom ceilings, exterior gutters, exterior eaves and soffits that have old oil-base paints or low-quality acrylic paints, the north side of your home, kitchens and some interior of closets. Mold is a little more difficult to spot and is normally mistaken as mildew.
Mildew is not very dangerous but it does enjoy eating away at your painted surfaces. Therefore, it should be properly removed when signs of mildew appear. The first signs tend to be lots of little black dots or small-discolored circles. If it is black in color and spotty, it is almost always mildew. Another way to tell if a surface has mildew on it is when you try to clean it! If you use soap and water, the mildew will remain.
To remove mildew, you will need the following items: a bucket, bleach, water, rubber gloves, plastic cover, a sponge and towel. If you are concerned about your plants outdoors, make sure you briefly cover them with plastic during this project, but don’t leave the plastic on long, as it could damage your landscape.
Mix a small solution of bleach and water together (water to bleach: 4:1), apply the bleach to the mildewed surfaces with a sponge, screw as necessary, and let the solution kill the mildew. Once the mildew disappears, you can wipe down the surfaces again with clean water followed by a clean towel. In most cases, the mildew will be completely removed and will not require extra work. For extreme cases of mildew, it is best to use a power-washer that can apply bleach and water to your exterior.
Mold – Mold typically grows where there is little or no light. It normally enters a homeowner’s residence after slow leak or flood damage. Mold can start right away. It does not take weeks or months like mildew. Also, mold is typically more dangerous to one’s health, which is why it must be inspected after any flood damaged.
Because mold is such a health hazard to so many people struggling with allergies, a licensed and professional mold removal company must remove it. Mold cannot be removed as easily as mildew. A remediation company typically has to remove the surface the mold is growing on, such as drywall and woodwork.
In any case, if you ever have a question related to mold or mildew, contact A.Allbright Painting. We make painting and repairs to your home easy. If you are not the type of person who enjoys doing handyman work around your home, we would be happy to assist you in anyway possible!
Additional information may be obtained by visiting our website www.aallbright.com , contacting Joshua Abramson at josh@aallbright.com or by calling 661-294-1159.