You may have noticed it inside, and now you’re searching how to remove mildew from house exterior. Well, worry no more, because we got your back!
Here’s a guide to help you understand how you can fix this problem quickly.
Where Does Mildew Come From?
Various fungi create a visible mass of white thread-like hyphae and fruiting structures. Mildew is usually linked to damp cloth, fibers, leather items, and various plant illnesses (downy mildew and powdery mildew).
These compounds nourish mildew-causing fungi, allowing them to thrive and reproduce. Mildew frequently emits a unique odor.
Mildew can grow on a variety of surfaces. Mold produces a thin, black (or sometimes white) growth.
Molds are basic plants that belong to the fungus family. They are always present in the air, but mildew-causing molds require moisture and specific temperatures to flourish.
They thrive in hot, humid summer conditions, especially in enclosed spaces.
There are two types of mildew:
- Powdery – Most of the time, you may find powdery mildew on plants. It is the type of mildew that appears in splotches and is white or gray.
The fungus may turn yellow, brown, or black as it grows.
- Downy – This mildew comes in various colors, but it usually starts as yellow patches and progresses to brown. Downy mildew is often powdery or fluffy, and the white, gray, or yellow areas in which it grows make it easy to spot.
It will usually darken to a black or brown color with time.
How To Prevent Mildew
Mildew can be harmful to your health, but not to the same extent as mold can. Mildew spore exposure can cause respiratory issues, coughing, headaches, and sore throats.
These are simple steps on how to prevent mildew.
Step #1. Keep closets, dresser drawers, basements, and other places where mildew can thrive as clean as possible. When the moisture and temperature are correct, soil on unclean objects might provide enough food for mildew to start growing.
Greasy coatings on kitchen walls, for example, contain many nutrients for mildew-causing fungi. Clean clothing is less likely to mildew than filthy clothing.
Because most synthetic fibers, such as acetate, acrylic, polyester, and nylon, are mildew resistant, mold will not form on clean garments made from these fibers. Even on these materials, soil can provide fuel for mildew to grow.
To help avoid mildewing, properly clean all soiled clothes, regardless of fiber type.
Step #2. Get rid of the moisture. Mold spores can be found in the air and settle on surfaces with enough water.
Step #3. Heat the house for a brief time to get rid of the humidity. Then open the doors and windows to allow the damp air to go.
You might force it out with the help of an exhaust fan.
Step #4. Get rid of musty scents in your home. Musty odors, which indicate mold growth, can be detected in basements and shower stalls.
To avoid additional undesirable and destructive mold growth, take extra care to get rid of musty odors as soon as feasible. You may check or click this link as a guide on how to remove mildew from wood siding.
How To Remove Mildew From Your Home’s Exterior
Step #1. It will help if you clean gutters. Gutters gather rotting leaves and small twigs, providing ideal conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.
When rotting garbage accumulates in drains, it can obstruct downspouts and cause water to overflow.
Step #2. Exterior siding should be sprayed and scrubbed. Mildew avoids direct sunshine, so it’ll grow on the north side of your house, as well as under eaves and window sills.
All types of siding can acquire mildew and mold, but wood and wood-fiber siding can experience the worst damage and may be vulnerable to rot and disintegration if you don’t remove the mildew. You might get tempted to use a power washer to get rid of mildew, but it would be a huge error.
PivotPro is a safer and more convenient choice. Its wand attachment sprays a powerful stream of water to make cleaning easier, yet the spray won’t overpower paint or eat through the wood siding.
Use the stiff adjustable brush on the end of the PivotPro wand if you run into tough mildew accumulations. You can scrub away mildew stains both high and low while dispensing cleaning solutions by flipping the brush down.
Step #3. Enhance the look of your deck or porch. Mildew will appear on most patios and porches at some point throughout their lifetime.
Remove mildew at first sight to prevent further growth and possible wood rot—or, in the case of composite decking, merely to avoid ugly surface stains. Traditionally, bleach treated mildew on wood decks and porches.
Instead, it’s preferable to get rid of mold and mildew with water and a commercial deck-cleaning product.
Conclusion
There you go! Learning how to remove mildew from house exterior will help keep your home clean.
You may click on this related guide on how to remove mildew from exterior paint for additional information.