Mold and mildew are common nuisances that not only mar surfaces but also pose health risks. Both mold and mildew start as tiny spores that often occur in moist and unclean environments, making them easy to confuse. Understanding their differences and knowing how to effectively combat them is essential for maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Mold is a type of fungus that appears in various colors, including green, black, brown, or blue. Mold has a fuzzy, raised appearance and can often be confused with dirt. Mold tends to penetrate beneath surfaces, making it more challenging to remove. According to the EPA, mold can spread on any organic matter, including clothing, leather and paper, as well as ceilings, walls and floors. Exposure to mold can lead to health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems as it produces potent toxins and irritants.
Mildew often appears on shower walls and windowsills, but can also grow on plants, paper or cloth. It typically appears as white or gray powdery spots that can turn brown over time. It has a powdery appearance that may have a distinct, foul odor. Although mildew can cause minor respiratory problems like coughing fits, it is not as troublesome as mold. Mildew is usually easier to clean and less invasive than mold.
Bro-Tex Products to Tackle Mold and Mildew
Bro-Tex offers a range of wiping solutions that, when used in conjunction with the correct cleaners, can effectively remove mold and mildew. Always wear the proper PPE when cleaning these areas.
- Microfiber Towels: These ultra-fine microfiber towels are designed to pick up dirt, dust, and bacteria. Microfiber towels have split fibers that trap and lift mold spores, dust, and debris efficiently.
- Fresh Start Disinfecting Wet Wipes: These ready-to-use wipes are ideal for quick clean-ups and disinfecting hard non-porous surfaces, making them a convenient option for tackling mildew spots.
- Disposable Bath/Shower Towel in Roll: Disposable bath towels are great for workers using mobile showers after remediation activities. The towels are very absorbent and come in DRC and Scrim materials.
- Solution Wipes: Choose the wipe material and add your own cleaning or disinfecting solution to a Solution Wipes bucket for a custom wet wipe. Mold can be effectively cleaned from hard surfaces using disinfectants or a bleach solution.
- Sorb-Tex Sorbents: Bro-Tex offers a selection of absorbent socks and pillows to clean up around machinery or leaking valves. Absorbing water leaks and spills is a great preventative solution to stop mold and mildew from growing. Sock absorbents are perfect to snake into machinery and under leaky valves to prevent liquids from spreading onto walkways. Pillow absorbents can cover a wider amount of area.
- NonWoven Wipers: If you purchase a mold “killer” spray or gel, be sure to use these in a well-ventilated room. Using thin paper towels is not ideal. Instead look to non-woven materials for helping with the clean-up such as Scrim or ProKnit HE (both are made in the USA) which are more durable .
Preventive Measures
To prevent the recurrence of mold and mildew:
- Control Humidity: Use dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas. Keeping humidity levels between 30-50% is ideal.
- Increase Ventilation: Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down surfaces regularly using Bro-Tex microfiber towels to remove moisture and prevent fungal growth.
- Prompt Repairs: Fix any leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes to eliminate breeding grounds for mold and mildew.
- Dry Water-Damaged Areas: Any areas that are damaged by water need to be dried within 24-48 hours to prevent mold and mildew growth. Any water-damaged items that can be tossed should be thrown away immediately.
- Purchase Desiccant Packets: Desiccant packets reduce moisture and come in varieties of silica gel, activated carbon, clay, and molecular sieve.
By utilizing effective cleaning products alongside Bro-Tex’s high-quality wiping solutions, you can maintain a cleaner, healthier living environment free of mold and mildew.
Feel free to contact us directly for more wiping products for your business.
1-800-328-2282 | Info@brotex.com