How Long Should Mold & Mildew Cleaner Sit Before Wiping?

How Long Should Mold & Mildew Cleaner Sit Before Wiping?

How long a mold and mildew cleaner should sit before wiping depends on the product directions, the surface being cleaned and the severity of the staining. Allowing the cleaner enough contact time gives the formula an opportunity to work on mold and mildew stains before it is wiped or scrubbed away.

When using Natural Armor All-Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner, always follow the contact-time instructions on the product label.

Why Is Contact Time Important?

Spraying a cleaner onto a stained surface and immediately wiping it away may not give the formula enough time to work.

Allowing the cleaner to remain on the surface helps it make contact with staining and residue before the cleaning process is completed.

This can be especially important when cleaning:

• Grout

• Tile

• Shower surfaces

• Bathtubs

• Concrete

• Textured surfaces

• Older or stubborn staining

Should You Leave Mold & Mildew Cleaner on Longer for Tough Stains?

Not necessarily.

More contact time does not automatically mean better results. Always follow the product directions rather than allowing a cleaner to remain on a surface indefinitely.

For stubborn mold and mildew staining, additional treatment or gentle scrubbing may be more appropriate than simply leaving the product on much longer than directed.

Does the Surface Make a Difference?

Yes. Different materials can respond differently to cleaning products.

Smooth surfaces such as glass, ceramic and porcelain may be easier to wipe clean, while grout, concrete and other textured or porous materials may require more attention.

Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner can be used on a variety of compatible surfaces, including:

• Tile

• Grout

• Ceramic

• Porcelain

• Stone

• Concrete

• Glass

• Fiberglass

• Stainless steel

Always test an inconspicuous area first when cleaning an unfamiliar, delicate, sealed or specialty surface.

What Should You Do After the Cleaner Has Sat?

After the recommended contact time, follow the product directions for completing the cleaning process.

Depending on the surface, this may involve wiping or gently scrubbing the affected area.

Stubborn staining on grout, concrete or textured surfaces may benefit from an appropriate cleaning brush.

Should You Let the Surface Dry After Cleaning?

Yes. After cleaning, allowing the area to dry thoroughly is important.

Mold and mildew problems are strongly associated with moisture, so keeping cleaned surfaces damp can contribute to recurring problems.

Improve drying by:

• Running bathroom exhaust fans

• Increasing ventilation

• Removing standing water

• Using a squeegee on shower surfaces

• Repairing leaks

• Reducing excessive indoor humidity

What If the Mold or Mildew Stain Is Still Visible?

Older or deeply embedded staining may require additional cleaning.

Follow the product directions regarding repeat applications rather than automatically increasing the contact time.

Some porous or deteriorated materials can also retain discoloration even after surface cleaning.

Don't Mix Cleaning Products

Never mix mold and mildew cleaners with bleach or other household cleaning products unless the product labels specifically state that they can safely be combined.

If another cleaner has already been used, follow its rinsing and handling instructions before switching products.