Mildew can cause permanent damage to surfaces and is a health hazard, so take a minute and consider some facts about mildew.

Have you noticed a strange odor in the bathroom? Mildew emits a very distinctive odor, sour or musty. Mildew can cause permanent damage to surfaces and is a health hazard, so take a minute and consider some facts about mildew.

Wherever there is little or no sunlight, poor air circulation, humidity, dampness, and warm temperatures, then you will have a good breeding ground for mildew. I can't think of a better place for it to grow than in a windowless, poorly ventilated bathroom.

Do you see the fuzzy black or green spots on the bathroom wall or ceiling? Mildew consists of various spores that are actually a fungus. Mildew and mold grow on almost any surface: tiles, grout, paint, wood, glass, and porcelain. Most often, mildew will find its way into the smaller bathrooms vs. larger rooms. It finds a damp, dark crack or corner on the wall or in the shower and slowly grows, causing a huge problem by the time your nose informs you of the situation. Here's what you can do to keep it under control.

For Walls:  Make sure you wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your skin from the chemicals needed to do away with this problem. The gloves also protect you from the health hazard of coming into contact with the spores themselves.  Mix a solution of ½ cup chlorine bleach and 1/3 cup powder laundry detergent with 1 gallon of hot water. Sp...

Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine