Sunday, September 5, 2010

Mildew Control

To kill mildew and remove it from a surface, follow the steps outlined below:

WARNING
The chlorine in the solution will discolor fabrics and unprotected wood.  Remove fabrics from the area and cover, or otherwise protect, wood before using the solution

CAUTION
The chlorine in the solution kills algae, moss, and mildew. However, chlorine breaks down the lignin that holds wood together, causing excessive damage to otherwise healthy wood. Chlorine is dangerous, environmentally unsound, and likely to cause damage to surrounding greenery if used outdoors.

NOTE
If mildew is already present on a substrate, the mildew must be killed and removed before the substrate is repainted, or else the mildew will grow through the new finish.

1. Using a spray bottle, apply the following solution liberally to the substrate and allow it to set for about 10-15 minutes:
a. 3 quarts water
b. 1 quart common household bleach (unscented)
c. 1/4 cup maximum of liquid dishwater detergent (ammonia-free)