Cleaning Mold Safely

From Your Bathroom Marble, Granite & Stone

Before cleaning mold and mildew from your bathroom marble or granite, Understand mold & mildew...

What Is Mildew?

*Mildew is a fungi. This simple microscopic organism is mold in the early stage and thrives anywhere there is a moist environment.

What Are Molds?

Mildew Stain Remover

Molds are necessary fungi found everywhere... both indoors and out. They are found in the dust and surfaces of every house. Even houses with ZERO moisture problems!

These tiny microscopic organisms digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air. The spores are then transported by humans, pets and air flow.

For molds to grow and reproduce they need two things:

Nutrients.
Moisture.

Growth is stimulated by warm, damp, and humid conditions. Dampness and inadequate ventilation are the biggest factors contributing to excessive mold growth.

Where Do Mildews & Molds Grow?

Mildew and mold can grow on almost any surface; including cardboard, carpets, ceiling tiles, ceramic tiles, fabrics, foods, insulation, plants, sheet rock,

wallpaper, wood products, decaying leaves and other organic materials.

Molds grow best where there is lots of moisture.

Some areas of your home are always susceptible to mildew & mold growth. Routinely clean mildew & mold to help keep them under control.

Bathroom tiles.
Seal on your refrigerator door.
Shower curtains.
Shower doors.
Shower stalls.
Surfaces on and around air conditioners.
Window moldings.

How Do I know If I Have Mold?

You might smell it. That distinct earthy, musty odor. Or you may see discolored patches on walls, tiles, grout & caulk lines or furniture... like those black or green blobs of gunk. But molds come in many colors, including white.

If you notice condensation on surfaces (windows, pipes, etc.) or have had previous water damage, watch for mold.

How Do I Prevent Mold From Growing?

Places that are often damp can be hard to keep completely free of mold. If mold & mildew keep reappearing in your shower or bathroom:

Open the window or use the fan before, during and after showering. ( Don't use fans if mold already exists.)
Squeegee the shower walls after using.
Leave the shower curtain or door open when not in use.
Leave the bathroom door open too.
Monitor your grout lines and caulk for wear & tear.
Make cleaning mold part of your cleaning routine.

Cleaning mold & mildew on natural stone is safe with this product. It's made for natural stone! Plus, it works.

If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, the mold problem will probably come back.

To Prevent Mold From Growing - Control Moisture!

Cleaning mold and mildewr.

Water leak? Fix it ASAP.
Spill? Wipe it up right away.
Keep an eye on your roof gutters.
Make sure the ground slopes away from your building foundation.
Keep your humidity below 60%.
(Ideally 30% - 50%)
Increase air flow through your home with fans or by opening doors & windows. (Don't use fans if mold already exists.)
Hot weather? Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans, open windows or air conditioners. (Don't use fans if mold already exists.)
Condensation on your windows, walls or pipes? Dry and reduce the moisture source.
Utilize water resistant building materials such as tile, natural stone, deep sealed concrete, galvanized or stainless steel hardware, indoor/outdoor carpeting, waterproof wallboard, water resistant glues, etc.
Keep an eye and nose on problem spots such as your bathroom or laundry room for moldy odors.
Disinfect often with a mildew remover.

Common Sources Of Moisture

Humidifiers.
Condensation.
Steam from the bathroom or kitchen.
Plumbing leaks.
Drainage problems.
Damp basements and crawl space.
Flooding.
Roof leaks.
Poor or improper ventilation of combustion appliances.
Loose or missing caulk & grout.

How Do I Get Rid Of Mold?

It's impossible to get rid of all mold but mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.

Identify the problem.

Identify the source of moisture.
Fix it.
Throw away porous materials with lots of mold on them. (drywall, carpet, paper, rags, furniture, etc.)
Dry any wet materials... open doors and windows - increase the air flow. (Don't use fans if mold already exists.)
Impractical to eliminate the moisture source?
Use this mildew stain remover for cleaning mold & mildew and to keep the moisture under control. It's IMPORTANT to check your grout and caulk to make certain they are water tight.
Continue to watch the area for new mold growth and signs of moisture. You may have more work in store.