Mildew / Mold:   How can I get rid of this pesky growth?

Definitions:  

• Mildew:  A fungus growth that attacks organic matter, especially when damp.  Appearance:  Thin furry, whitish coating or discoloration.
• Mold:  A downy or furry growth on the surface of organic matter, caused by fungi, in the presence of dampness or decay.
• Mold - Mildew:  what is the difference?  I don't want any of them living in my home!

Facts:

Mildew and mold thrive on rough surfaces, that remain damp.

Solutions:

1. Clean off any existing Mildew or Mold with special kill and clean products.
   • Ozone can also be used to remove and control all effects of Mold & Mildew, 
   • See: Air Quality?
2. Create: smooth, easy drying surfaces thru out your bathroom, especially around the tub and shower.
   • Paint the ceiling with a smooth, glossy finish: such as Acrylic Latex, semi-gloss.
   • All caulking should be minimal in size and as smooth as possible. 
   • Use: Latex caulking fortified with silicone - to achieve the best workability and flexible sealing properties.  Smooth out with your wet finger.  Wipe off all excess.
   • Clean and seal all grout joints.  Many sealers are available with different repeat sealing requirements.
   • Resurface or replace your rough porcelain tub or sink.
   • Install new smooth fiberglass or acrylic tub / shower walls.
3. Install a "Quality Venting System" to dry the walls and ceiling, after each use.
   • This will prevent the future growth of Mildew or Mold. 

What is a "Quality Venting System"?

• Is your existing exhaust fan noisy?
• Do you hesitate to turn it on?
• Your existing fan does not move any air?
• Did your existing fan stop working years ago?
• Your bath room does not have an exhaust fan at all?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions - you do not have a "Quality Venting System"!

A "Quality Venting System"  requires four things:

1. Quality Exhaust Fan: 
   • "Quiet" - so you will use it with pleasure: 
     • No more than 2.5 sones of noise level.  
     • I prefer 1.5 sones of noise level - can hardly tell it is running.
     • By the way, the smaller the sones rating the quieter it is. The lower the noise level the less noise, measured in sones.
   • "Quality Built Blower" - balanced squirrel cage construction.
   • "Large Volume" - Buy twice as large as is recommended. example" for a 60 sq. ft. room, buy at least a 120 sq. ft. rated fan.
   • This is the best investment you can make: spend enough to get quality.
   • You can vent into the attic but only if the attic is properly vented. You don't want to restrict air flow, as a larger air flow is what we are trying to achieve.
   • But can I vent all this moisture into my attic?  Yes, the moisture will go into the attic and then move out side with the attic venting system.  Most attics are too dry during most of the year any way.  My home is vented into the attic space and has been this way for over 30 years wit no problems.
2. Timer Switch:  
   • Make use of a Timer switch to allow the fan to remove the moisture, you created with your shower, at least 20-30 minutes after you leave for work.  Do not turn it off and go to work. This is when the mildew will grow and greet you when you come home.
   • Buy a timer that has a minute range of:  0-60 minutes.  They also have a hold position to run the fan continuously.
3. Air Inlet Space:
   • TEST:  With the door open - turn on your new fan, then close the door.
   • If the fan slows down at all - not enough air is coming into the room to replace the volume that is being removed. This condition will burn up your new fan motor and will not move enough air volume to remove the moisture.
   • Cut at least 1/2" off the bottom of the bath room door or add a louvered privacy vent, through the door, and try the test again.
4. Unrestricted Air Outlet:
   • Air outlet has to be unrestricted.  Follow the manufacture's installation instructions.
   • Vent directly outside through the fan manufacture's recommended ducting size or vent directly into a well vented attic space.
   • To maximize air flow avoid long ducting runs with a minimal number of elbows and turns.

    

   Warning:  Do not short cut any of these steps -  Your pesky growth will come back and haunt you!