Removing Mold and Mildew Stains

Mold and mildew stains in your home aren’t flattering, and when they move to your clothes and furniture, it’s time to do something. Luckily, you can remove mold and mildew stains with household cleaning products. Our experts at My Pure Environment in Santa Clara, California provide simple and quick solutions to remove mold and mildew stains from areas throughout your home.

Mold Stains vs Mildew Stains — What Do They Look Like?

To be able to remove mold and mildew stains, you need to be able to identify them. Mold stains are raised, fuzzy and often look slimy. Mold stains can come in colors such as green or black. While mildew stains tend to appear grey or white with a flat and powdery texture.

Removing Mold & Mildew Stains from Different Surfaces

Fabric

Using bleach on fabric may result in discoloration so if you’re looking for a bleach-free solution to removing mildew stains from fabric, we recommend using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. This combination is a great mold and mildew remover for fabrics. To start the removal process, brush away as much mildew from the area as you can to make it easier to remove. Then, mix 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water. Soak the fabric for about 30 minutes, and then put it in the washing machine with a cup of baking soda. Instead of drying it in the dryer, let the fabric air dry. You should repeat this process until the mildew stain is gone.

The removal process is different for mold stains and surprisingly easier. To remove mold stains from fabric, wash the items with mold stains in the washing machine with 1 cup of white vinegar, do not add detergent. In the second washing cycle, add half a cup of baking soda. If the mold stain persists, repeat the process until the stain disappears.

Wood

Removing mold and mildew stains from wood is a bit different because it’s a harder surface with cracks that stains can hide in. This solution is a two-in-one fix that can be used for removing mold and mildew stains.

You will need:

• White vinegar
• Dishwashing soap
• Water
• An old toothbrush

Most mold and mildew stains are on wood floors and ceilings because of the increased moisture levels. To remove mold and mildew stains from wood floors and ceilings fill a spray bottle with vinegar, dishwashing soap, and water. Spray the mold stains and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. After the time is up, wipe the area clean to prevent any excess moisture that mold may feed off of. You may need to use an old toothbrush to scrub any small cracks where the stains are present.

Marble

Marble is a smooth surface so removing mold and mildew stains is a bit easier compared to fabric and wood. Removing mold stains and mildew stains from marble surfaces such as showers, tile, and countertops is simple. But due to marble’s soft texture, we recommend that you do not use any products that contain bleach or harsh chemicals.

To remove mold and mildew stains you will need:

• ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide
• 1 gallon of warm water
• Rubber gloves
• Cloth

To make the solution, mix the hydrogen peroxide into the warm water. Then while wearing rubber gloves, soak the cloth in the solution and apply to the mold and mildew stains. Let the mixture sit on the marble for 10 minutes and then wipe it off. Make sure to wipe the surface dry so that there’s no extra moisture present.

Vinyl

Mold and mildew stains are most common on vinyl siding and floors. This can be due to excessive moisture, especially during moist seasons, where mold and mildew appear the most frequently. You can remove stains with a mixture of 30% vinegar and 70% water with the help of a bristle brush.

First, rinse the surface with water in order to make it easier to remove the tougher stains. Then apply the solution to the mold and mildew stains, whether it be on your vinyl floor or the siding outside of your home. Let the solution sit on the surface for a bit and then scrub with a bristle brush while wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin. Afterward, rinse off the solution and if needed, repeat the process until the stains are gone.

Schedule a Free Mold Inspection Today

Stains from mold and mildew can be a nuisance to deal with, but with a bit of time and these cleaning methods, you can remove them! Mold can grow everywhere and it’s not as easy to remove if there are larger quantities of it. So if you suspect that you have mold in your home and you live in Santa Clara, California, contact our experts at My Pure Environment to schedule a free inspection today.