Mildew usually grows in damp areas like the bathroom and basements. This growth is usually because such surfaces are exposed to light and warmth, and the surfaces are moist. It usually appears as black gunk on such surfaces are tiles and grout and can be very frustrating for homeowners. This fungus feeds off any exposed organic surface, including wood, fabric, paper, and tiles. However, there are easy steps and prevention measures to get rid of the mildew. They usually differ depending on the surface you are trying to clean, and the cleaning cycles depend on the severity of the mildew growth.
On wood
Dissolve two tablespoons of washing soda in about half a liter of water and use a spray bottle or a soft sponge to apply the mixture onto the affected part. Washing soda, or soda ash, is a white, odorless, and water-soluble powder. Brands of washing soda like Arm & Hammer super washing soda (available on Amazon) and All Natural washing soda (5 gallon 50 pounds from Earthborn Elements) are great for this use. Scrubbing with a brush may help eliminate the mildew effectively after spraying. For more severe decay penetrating the wood varnish, rub continuously with sandpaper and then apply the mixture. Rinse thoroughly with clean water after scrubbing.
Note: Baking soda is not similar to washing soda, but both can be used for housecleaning. However, washing soda damages skin, and you should wear gloves when handling it. Unlike baking soda, it is not edible, and should not be inhaled.
On fabric
On the affected patch on the clothing, add detergent, sprinkle some salt or baking soda, and launder the mixture into the cloth by soft rubbing and then wash the clothing with hot water. For white fabrics, use half a cup of hypochlorite powder and half a cup of non-chlorinated bleach to wash colored clothing. Hypochlorite powder is a relatively more consistent bleach. Brands available in solution like Clorox and Sodium hypochlorite solution from Lab Allev are available on Amazon.
For items of clothing that are not washable, brushing off the mildew and sun-drying in the sun for a long time can help get rid of the smell and mold.
On grout and tile
For severe cases of mildew, I recommend a homemade or commercial grout cleaner but for regular mildew, spraying with hydrogen peroxide directly onto the surface and letting it sit for about 15 minutes removes the mildew. Try brushing with a soft brush and rinsing with hot water afterwards.
On shower curtains
Since shower curtain fabric is quite delicate, add towels to act as scrubbers and put them in the washer. Add a small amount of baking soda and washing detergent, and put the washer on a gentle 10-minute cycle. After removing the curtain and towels, dry it or let it dry on the clean shower rod.
Spray the affected area with undiluted hydrogen peroxide for more severe mildew on the shower curtain. After a few minutes, sprinkle baking soda and scrub off using a soft brush. Rinse with water and towel or hang to dry.
On leather
Wipe off the affected patch with a paper towel. Add a small amount of detergent and wipe with warm water, then leave to air dry in the sun. Rubbing isopropyl alcohol also helps remove mildew stains, and a leather conditioner may be used to restore supple leather.
On carpet
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the affected area and follow up with a mixture of water and vinegar. The subsequent fizzing action of this mixture lifts the stain from the carpet, and now it can be dried by dabbing with a towel. You can vacuum later after it is dry.
