How to Clean Mold and Mildew

How to Clean Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew commonly develop in areas where moisture and humidity remain on surfaces, including bathrooms, showers, kitchens, basements and certain outdoor areas.

Cleaning visible mold and mildew and then addressing the moisture that allowed it to develop can help keep surfaces cleaner and reduce the likelihood of the problem returning.

Step 1: Find the Source of Moisture

Before cleaning, consider why mold or mildew developed in the area.

Common causes include:

• High humidity

• Poor ventilation

• Plumbing leaks

• Condensation

• Water intrusion

• Surfaces remaining wet for long periods

If the moisture problem isn't corrected, mold and mildew may return even after the surface has been cleaned.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mold & Mildew Cleaner

Select a cleaner appropriate for the surface you're treating.

Natural Armor All-Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner is a ready-to-use, bleach-free formula designed to help remove mold and mildew stains from compatible indoor and outdoor surfaces.

It can be used on compatible materials including:

• Tile

• Grout

• Ceramic

• Porcelain

• Stone

• Concrete

• Glass

• Fiberglass

• Stainless steel

Always check product directions and surface compatibility before cleaning.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaner

Apply Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner directly to the affected surface according to the product directions.

Because the formula is ready to use, there's no need to dilute or mix it before normal application.

Make sure the affected area receives adequate coverage.

Step 4: Allow the Cleaner to Work

Give the cleaner the recommended amount of contact time.

Allowing the formula to remain on the affected area gives it time to work on the mold and mildew staining before you wipe or scrub the surface.

Follow the label directions regarding application and contact time.

Step 5: Wipe or Scrub the Surface

After allowing the cleaner to work, wipe or scrub the affected surface as directed.

Stubborn staining, particularly on grout or other porous materials, may require additional agitation or treatment.

Repeat the cleaning process when appropriate according to the product directions.

Step 6: Dry the Area Thoroughly

Drying is an important part of mold and mildew control.

After cleaning, remove excess moisture and allow the surface to dry completely.

Where possible:

• Improve ventilation

• Run bathroom exhaust fans

• Open doors or windows

• Repair plumbing leaks

• Reduce indoor humidity

• Dry shower and bathtub surfaces after use

Keeping surfaces dry makes conditions less favorable for mold and mildew to return.

Do You Need Bleach to Clean Mold and Mildew?

Not necessarily.

Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner is formulated without bleach, providing an alternative for homeowners who prefer a bleach-free cleaning product.

For routine mold cleanup on hard surfaces, the important steps are removing the mold and staining from the surface and correcting the moisture conditions that allowed the problem to develop.

What About Large Mold Problems?

A household mold and mildew cleaner is intended for routine surface cleaning. Larger or more complicated mold problems may require a different approach.

Consider professional assessment when:

• Mold covers a large area

• Mold repeatedly returns despite correcting moisture

• Mold may be growing inside walls or ceilings

• Significant water damage has occurred

• Porous building materials are heavily affected

Cleaning the visible surface may not address mold that is growing inside building materials.

How to Help Keep Mold and Mildew From Coming Back

After cleaning, prevention primarily comes down to controlling moisture.

• Repair leaks promptly

• Improve ventilation

• Keep indoor humidity under control

• Dry wet surfaces

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms

• Clean moisture-prone areas regularly

• Address condensation and water intrusion

Cleaning removes the existing staining. Controlling moisture helps address the conditions that caused it.