How Does Mildew Build Up?

Mildew can be much more than an unwanted and unsightly visitor in a damp corner. Mildew, if left unchecked or unobserved, can blossom into a potentially health damaging menace that is difficult to expunge from a home. Understanding what mildew is and what it requires in order to live and thrive in a homes is essential to knowing how to treat the problem should it arise.

What Mildew Is:

Mildew is blue-green growth created by molds that have the capacity to adhere and thrive on a variety of surfaces. The molds that are capable of producing mildew require little more than moisture and the correct temperature in order to thrive. 

Where Mildew Can Be Found:

• Mildew thrives in damp, warm and poorly-lit areas where air circulation is weak or inadequate. Basements, bathrooms and attics are regular sites, yet they are also known to latch on to drywall, draperies, books, leather and clothing. 


• Look for mildew along the baseboards near the bathtub, sink and on the floor. Shower curtains and corners in particular seem to be favored haunts. On the outside of the home, look for moist wooden areas that are blocked from direct sunlight. Untreated woods are particularly susceptible to growth

Common Causes for Buildup:

• Mildew builds up due to humidity, condensation, excessive moisture or water damage in some areas of the home, typically the basement. Leaking pipes, cracks in exterior basement walls or flooring can all lead to a potent mildew problem.


• Homes that have been flooded or that have been saturated with water due to a severe storm like a hurricane also face an extremely high likelihood of mildew building up around their homes. Old or damp carpeting is another high risk item.


• Even a small patch of mildew can quickly spread and become difficult to remove if not tended to right away. 

Treatment Options:

Spraying the area with one part bleach to five parts water mixture is common for initial extermination. This is then followed by regular spot checks with a fungicide or mold killing essential oil like tea tree oil.