 Nature's Way
with Alan Hayes
Getting Rid of Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew in the home can be a problem at any time during the year.
One avid reader, with such a problem, was looking for a natural solution to get rid of mould from her daughter's bedroom curtains.
Natural alternatives are very effective in controlling most mould and mildew problems. However, they should be done in conjunction with other preventive measures.
Try to control areas of dampness around the house. Ensure that under-house areas are adequately ventilated, and replace cracked and defective mortar and make sure that outside drainage is adequate. Check for leaking pipes or taps, clear away overhanging trees, creepers and shrubs from around the home. Other areas of concern are the tops of blinds, pelmets, high windowsills and doorjambs. They collect dust and become an ideal environment for mould and mildew to grow.
When you have given your home the once over, the following solutions will solve any mould and mildew problems you may have.
To treat curtains, first brush mildew spores off with a hard brush, then rub with a cut lemon dipped in salt before washing them. If curtains are too heavy for your machine, mouldy areas should first be rubbed with eucalyptus oil, left for a few hours, and then wiped clean with a damp cloth. Nylon curtains can be soaked in a solution of half a cup of vinegar and five litres of cold water.
Mould on walls, tiles and ceilings can usually be removed with bicarbonate soda, vinegar and hot water. Mix a quantity of bicarbonate soda in hot water and apply this solution to the affected areas with a clean cloth. Rinse off with another clean cloth and hot water, then apply a solution of vinegar and hot water with a third cloth. Rinse off with a fourth cloth and hot water, remembering to keep the rinsing cloths in separate buckets.
Bonded blinds can be washed over with soap, then wiped with a damp cloth. Bamboo blinds should be washed with a solution of a quarter of a cup of salt, one tablespoon bicarbonate soda and one litre of water. Rinse clean, dry, and rub lightly with raw linseed oil. To remove mildew stains from Venetian blinds, mix together some fine emery powder and linseed oil. Rub well onto the affected area.
Another reader had a problem with stains on her leather lounge. Most leather lounges will come clean with no more than warm soapy water. However, if your lounge has become grubby from an accumulation of different stains it should first be treated with talcum powder.
Sprinkle the powder over the stained areas, rub in thoroughly with the palm of your hand, then rough rub with a towel. Next, dissolve some pure soap flakes in warm water and rub all over the furniture, paying careful attention to the soiled areas, with a towel wrung out in this soapy water. Allow twenty-four hours after cleaning is complete for the leather to dry and become firm, then finish off with a wax polishing paste, and buff with a soft, dry cloth.
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