What is Mildew?

Mildew is a thin, usually black, sometimes white, growth produced on many surfaces by molds. Molds are simple plants. Molds that cause mildew need moisture and certain temperatures in order to grow. They commonly develop in humid summer weather, especially in houses that are closed.

Molds grow on anything from which they can get enough food. In homes, they develop most on cotton, linen, rayon, silk, wool, leather, wood and paper. Many synthetic fibers resist mildew.

Molds that cause mildew flourish wherever it is damp, warm, poorly lighted, an/or where air is not circulated - cellars, crawl spaces, closets; on draperies and rugs in basements, on shower curtains, and on damp clothes rolled up for ironing.

As the molds grow, they leave a musty odor. They discolor fabrics and sometimes eat into them so severely that the fabrics rot and fall to pieces. They also discolor leather and paper.

Never store fabric items in plastic bags. They may be put into a pillowcase or wrapped in a sheet.

Source: University Guidesheet GH 5928: How to Prevent and Remove Mildew.
Eubank, Wanda and Feather, Betty.

Submitted by Sharon Stevens, HES Extension, College of Human Environmental Sciences,
University of Missouri-Columbia