How To Remove Mildew On A Painted Wall
Mildew is a very common problem that can cause significant damage to any home and pose health problems as well. Discovering mildew can seem like a nightmare, but with sufficient and proper information — and the right products — the problem can be taken care of and you can make any building appear in pristine condition inside and out. Follow these steps to identify and correct a mildew problem.
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How To Fix Mildew On Painted Walls
Step 1: How To Find Mildew
Mildew most commonly shows up as black, grey, or brown powdery substances or stains that develop on the surfaces of the paint on walls and ceilings, on caulk, and in cracks.
A mildew problem with paint typically shows up on walls and ceilings in locations that are subject to moisture, such as outdoor patios, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas with poor ventilation, including closets.
It is important to determine the cause of the mildew, whether it be lack of ventilation, leaking pipes, water entering the house from outside, or another cause, and fix this issue.
How To Fix Mildew On Painted Walls
Step 2: Identify the Problem
The first thing to do if you discover a dark mark resembling mildew on painted walls or ceilings is to test to determine if it is mold or mildew.
Using household bleach, place a few drops on the suspect area and wait several minutes. After this time, if the spot has become lighter, it is mildew, and if it is darker or unchanged, it is mold.
A mold problem is more complicated than mildew, and may require professional help.
How To Fix Mildew On Painted Walls
Step 3: Determine Damage from Mildew
When mildew on painted wall and other surfaces begins to grow within your home, it can eat away at the paint, wood, and other parts of the building, causing structural weakness and deterioration around the infested area.
Whether you work in building maintenance or are a landlord, homeowner, or other individual, it is incredibly important that the home you maintain looks good and sustains its quality.
Mildew can also cause allergies and have various negative impacts on the home's occupants, so it is crucial to remove this fungi as soon as it is discovered.
How To Fix Mildew On Painted Walls
Step 4: The Mildew Solution
Follow these steps to remove mildew and return the walls to beautiful condition:
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First, to prevent the mold from returning, the area must be treated to remove all traces of mildew.
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Once the area has been thoroughly treated, use a primer.
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Finally, apply paint or stain as you normally would.
This 3-step process will provide a solution that will leave the home looking beautiful, even after a mildew problem.
Painting Tip: It is important to avoid using flat paints or alkyd paints in humid or outdoor spaces because these paint finishes are more prone to damage, discoloration, and wrinkling, which can lead to new mildew growth.
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