Bathroom mildew is a common shower stall guest. Invited by dark corners, poor ventilation and humid conditions of many shower stalls, mildew makes its presence known with a characteristic smell and discoloration of tiling, walls and other surfaces.
Here's how to make the fungi feel unwelcome: using a spray bottle, concoct a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and apply liberally onto all hard, non-porous surfaces. Let stand and repeat after 2-3 hours. The peroxide is a safe alternative to bleach, yet it's an effective inhibitor of mildew growth. More information about how to prevent or remove mildew here.
I've just got back to my apartment after a few months of absence, and I've discovered a nasty amount of mildew all over my bathroom. It'll be wiped away ASAP, of course, but the mildew reaches the ceiling and a couple of walls that doesn't have tiles, just paint.
Does the peroxyde solution also work for painted surfaces? If it doesn't, is there any other way to discourage mildew growth? (besides wiping dry the ceiling after showering and starting to put some money aside for installing tiles on every surface).
I've also found that 7th Generation Bathroom Cleaner (which has peroxide as an ingredient) works really well.
Another excellent way to get rid of mold or mildew anywhere in your home is to use an organic, therapeutic grade essential oil called Thieves.
The proprietary Thieves oil blend was created based on research into the concoction used by the thieves of the 15th century. In 1997, studies conducted at Weber State University showed it to have a 99.96% success rate against airborne bacteria. The bacteria cultures were sprayed in an enclosed area, and Thieves oil blend was diffused for a given amount of time.
All you do is add a few drops to a spray bottle, or use the Thieves cleaner and the smell and the crud is GONE. You can even spray the same stuff right into your oatmeal! It's that pure and delicious. It will keep you from being sick, even when the flu is going around. I wouldn't think of being without it since I found it!
jessica