The Best Mold & Mildew Removal Methods

General All-Purpose Method

• Spray the surface with a solution of water and detergent. Then vacuum the surface with a wet-dry vacuum to remove any visible mold or mildew. Clean the area with a non-ammonia soap and hot water. Use a scrub brush on rough surfaces to remove all the mold. Rinse with hot water. Disinfect by applying a 10 percent bleach solution to the area and allowing it to dry overnight. To mix a 10 percent bleach solution, add 1 1/2 cups bleach to 1 gallon of water. Once the item has dried, vacuum the surface with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to remove any remaining mold particles.

Clothing

• Take the clothing outside and brush of any mold or mildew with a stiff brush. Then, wash as normal, if the item is machine washable. Let the clothing air dry. If a stain is visible, you can try to bleach it out using peroxygen or chlorine bleach. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons peroxygen bleach with 1 pint of hot or lukewarm water. Sponge the solution onto the stain and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. For chlorine bleach, mix 2 tablespoons bleach with 1 quarter of warm water. Sponge onto the stain and let sit for 5 to 15 minutes. Then rinse with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 cup water. A mixture of lemon juice and salt can also be used. Apply the mixture to the stain and place the item in the sun. Rinse the item.

Leather

• Wipe leather with a soft cloth moistened with a solution of 1 cup denatured or rubbing alcohol and 1 cup water. Allow to dry in a well-ventilated location. If mildew or mold remains, wash the item with a mild soap, detergent or saddle soap. Wipe with a damp cloth and allow it to dry in a well-ventilated location. Once mildew has been removed, you can polish or wax the item.

Disposal

• Throwing things away may not seem like a cleaning method, but it is sometimes the best way to get rid of the mold. Papers, books and other porous materials are almost impossible to salvage and will most likely need to be thrown away. Before handling or moving the items, make sure you wear protective equipment and contain the items. Place any items contaminated with mold in a 6-mil polyethylene plastic bag and seal. Place a second bag around the first bag. If the item is too large for a plastic bag, wrap polyethylene sheeting around the item and seal it with duck tape.

Hiring a Professional

• When dealing with large areas of mold or mold on special items, the best way to remove mold is to hire a professional. Mold remediation contractors are often licensed through the state and have special equipment that will help them remove the mold from your home. If you discover mold or mildew on special items such as heirlooms, antiques and photographs, you will need to find someone who specializes in handling those items. The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works is a membership organization for conservation professionals that offers assistance in hiring a professional conservator.