Using Borax to Get Rid of the Mildew Smell in Your Home

Mildew, like other forms of mold is a member of the fungus family. Mildew can produce smells and spores that may spread into the air. Mildew spreads best when these spores find moisture and an organic material to grow on. This could be any sort of leather product, carpet, paper, clothing or furniture.

Mildew usually manifests itself as clumps of powdery white material that appear on your damp furniture or clothes. The mildew generally forms a flat surface over the item and continues to release spores and smells into the air as it comes into contact with more moisture. Regions of the country with high humidity are especially susceptible to mildew and it is generally more common in the wetter months.

Borax is effective as a mildew odor remover because of its unique pH level. Borax is alkaline and is at about a 9.3 pH level. The powder creates a sort of dry, alkaline space wherever it is placed. The extremely alkaline nature of the Borax makes it easy to remove the mildew odor.

Borax should only be used directly on the area that is being affected by the mildew odor. If the mildew odor is on your clothing, be sure that you are not wearing the item when Borax is applied. Be sure that you do not get it in your eyes or mouth while treating your clothing.

While treating the affected area make sure to keep the product out of the reach of children and pets, as with all household cleaning products. Be sure to completely scrub and rinse product after treatment to make sure that the Borax is removed from the garment.

• 2 tablespoons of Borax - The active ingredient that will work to catch the mildew odor particles that enter the air. Use a dedicated spoon.
• 2 cups of warm water - To dissolve the Borax in.
• 1 spray bottle - To apply the solution. Use a dedicated spray bottle. Do not reuse or recycle one. Properly label the spray bottle.
• Scrub brush or sponge - Use a dedicated brush or sponge To ensure that the clean is most effective.

Here is our step-by-step process for getting rid of the mildew smell in your home:

1. Mix solution
Mix together the water and Borax and pour the dissolved solution into the spray bottle.

2. Spray solution on area affected by mildew odor
Make sure to apply the solution to all parts of the affected area and cover it completely. Close or turn the spray actuator to the off position after use. Store the solution out of reach of children and pets, as with all household products.

3. Let it sit
Let the solution sit on the surface area affected by mildew odor for 3-5 minutes.

4. Scrub excess Borax
Use the scrub brush or sponge to work off the Borax solution in the affected surface.

5. Reapply
Reapply one final spray of the solution to the area (taking care to spritz significantly less than before). Clean the fabrics in your home regularly and keep them dry to help prevent more mildew smells.