Don’t get all steamed up about mildew

Press, 9 July 1986, Page 13

Don’t get all steamed up about mildew

During the winter months mildew occurs in many New Zealand homes. According to a survey undertaken by BRANZ, 46 per cent of homes could be affected. In one home in five the attack is likely to be recurring, or prolonged. Already this winter the Home Science Information Service at the University of Otago has noted an increased demand for information on how to cope with mildew on a variety of household surfaces. The information service staff feel that these requests are only the “tip of the iceberg”. They offer further information to help prevent this winter problem. Condensation and mildew All air holds moisture in the form of ’water vapour. The higher the temperature of the air in a heated room the more water vapour is held before saturation point is reached.

Once this point is reached the water vapour condenses on to the cold surfaces of the room. Because glass is often the surface to receive the condensation curtain linings are very vulnerable to a mildew attack.

The spores from which mildew grow are widely

distributed. When the conditions are suitable for their growth, e.g. high humidity, they grow and become visible on household surfaces such as wallpaper, curtains (particularly shower curtains), shoes, clothes, and books. Prevention of mildew To lessen the likelihood of mildew occurring in a home it is necessary to reduce the humidity. This can be done by having a balance between heating and ventilation.

Raising the temperature allows the air to hold more water vapour, ventilation removes the moisture from the room. Several windows open a little to provide constant ventilation is recommended. If the windows continue to become steamy open them a little wider. However, when a house or flat is left unattended all day it is unwise for security, reasons to leave windows open to vent the moistureladen air. In this situation it is important that the steam from morning , showers, cooking, or laundry activities be vented to the outside immediately. This can be done by opening the windows of the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry, and keeping the door to the other rooms

closed. Remember to close the windows before leaving the house! Bedrooms Because bedrooms are often unheated, the air can hold only a limited amount of water vapour before it becomes saturated. The breathing of the occupants adds to the moisture in the air. Condensation on the windows may then cause mildew to appear on the curtains, and in extreme.cases, on bedding. The bedding, and particularly the mattress of a baby’s bed, should be aired regularly and checked for any signs of mildew. The presence of mildew indicates dampness as mildew cannot grow if there is no moisture present. Prevention and treatment When mildew appears it should be treated. The method depends on the surface involved.

The publication “Mildew” (80c posted) from the Home Science Information Service, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, gives suitable methods for removing mildew from a variety of household surfaces. Prevention of mildew is aided by keeping the house warm and low in

humidity. The publication “Warmth Without Waste” ($1.30 posted) provides information on efficient home heating. These two publications will be supplied from the above address for $2 posted.

If condensation and mildew are not controlled or prevented costly damage to household surfaces may result. During the winter months make a practice of regularly checking for signs of mildew.

If traces of mildew are found, treat them promptly and take precautions to prevent the problem recurring.