Home remedies & Co.
Removing mildew stains: These methods work best
Which methods are suitable for removing mildew stains?
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They occur where it is too humid and not only look unsightly, but in the worst case they can be harmful to health: mold stains. We’ll tell you how to remove them below.
They are definitely one of the most unsightly residues in the home and on other things: mold stains. Because they can’t necessarily be easily removed completely. We’ll reveal below how it can work and whether home remedies can help.
How do mildew stains occur?
Mold stains usually occur where the (air) humidity is too high. If the air cannot circulate properly there, for example in a closed room, it cannot evaporate or escape and stagnates. Where this occurs, roundish spots appear that are usually greenish, yellowish or brownish and have a smooth surface. Visually they can be reminiscent of mold and both stains look and smell unpleasant, but mold stains usually occur on dry surfaces. They also lack so-called mycelium, i.e. fluffy threads inside. Mold usually causes green or grayish spots and usually grows on a damp surface. But: Mildew stains can also develop into black mold if they are not combated. We’ll tell you how best to do this below.
How can I remove mildew stains?
Home remedies are often recommended to remove mildew stains. Because: Not only should they be effective, but they are usually also cheap. And in the case of mold stains, some home remedies actually help.
From the wall
To remove mold stains that are on the wall, you can use the following home remedies:
- Vinegar: Both vinegar and diluted vinegar essence can help remove mildew stains. More conventional white household vinegar is placed on a cotton cloth. Then wring it out a little and rub the affected areas. Then go over the areas again with a dry cloth. The aggressive acidity of the vinegar is helpful when removing it.
- spirit: Alternatively, spirit is also suitable for combating mold stains.
Important: With both products, you should try them out on a spot on the wall before using them to see whether the paint or wallpaper will survive the use without damage. You should also ventilate well until the smell of the product used has disappeared. Colored walls will most likely become stained afterwards, which cannot be avoided.
If you don’t believe in the effectiveness of home remedies, want to dig a little deeper into your pockets and don’t have a problem with the use of biocidal products, you can also use mold and mildew removers like this Yachticon remover. Such products are designed to target stains and can even prevent them. They are usually effective, but not without danger. However, you should ventilate well after and during use. In addition, you should always read and follow the safety instructions for such products. For example, the agent mentioned can be corrosive to metals and develop toxic gases when it comes into contact with acid. It can also irritate eyes and skin. So it’s best to wear safety glasses and gloves and be careful when using it. In addition, as with home remedies, you should test in one place whether your wall can withstand the use well.
Tip: With one Toom voucher You can also benefit from discounts when you purchase similar removers.
From textiles and clothing
There are also products that can help you remove mildew stains from clothing or other textiles as gently as possible. The following home remedies should be helpful:
- Vinegar: Vinegar can also remove unsightly stains on textiles. To do this, soak the relevant parts in vinegar or diluted vinegar essence for at least an hour and then wash them well in water. Then they can be put in the washing machine.
- baking powder: Another tried and tested home remedy is baking soda, which many people often use when it comes to cleaning. To remove mildew stains, mix it with water until a thick mass is formed. Apply this to the affected areas of the textiles, let it work and then wash it thoroughly. However, since the home remedy can have a strong bleaching effect, you should be careful and not use it on too large an area and only use it as a test to test the effect.
- (Butter) milk: Mildew stains can also be removed with milk or buttermilk. To do this, it is best to soak the textiles in buttermilk or milk for several hours, ideally even two to three days. Then rinse them with clean water or a mixture of water and detergent. For example, if the stains are on upholstered furniture, put the (butter) milk on them, let them absorb and then wipe them off thoroughly with the mixture. This method is considered particularly gentle.
- Boil out: Boiling is often recommended for removing mildew stains from textiles. The fabrics should be covered with boiling water for at least half an hour. They then go into the washing machine. However, you should only use this method for colorfast clothing.
- Stain remover: It’s less of a home remedy than a household remedy Stain remover. You can also use this to remove mildew stains. The best way to do this is to soak the dirty parts in stain remover dissolved in water for a few hours and then wash it under running water or put it in the washing machine.
- washing soda: Washing soda is also a frequently recommended remedy for mildew stains. To do this, soak clothing or other textiles with water and a dash of detergent washing soda and rinse it well after about an hour.
For colored textiles, some products may cause fading or discolored areas. Be careful when using it, do not leave the products on for too long and test the effect on smaller areas first.
Notice: All of the tips mentioned may work differently for you than for others if, for example, you use too much or too little or the stains are particularly stubborn.
Are mold stains harmful to health?
Not only mold, but also mildew can be a health risk, even if there is no sign of a severe infestation yet. Bacteria and fungi, which can lead to allergies, respiratory diseases and skin irritations, are responsible for this. The spores don’t just stay on walls or objects, but can get into the air and thus into the respiratory tract. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the stains as soon as you discover them.
Can I prevent mildew?
As mentioned above, mold stains occur where the (air) humidity in rooms is too high. In order to prevent unsightly residue, you should keep the humidity within a healthy range. We have summarized here how this works and how you can reduce the humidity at home. You should always allow textiles to dry completely before storing them.
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