What is Mildew

Mildew is a destructive growth that feeds on a variety of organic materials such as cotton, wood, and leather.  While dormant mildew exists freely in the environment.  Conditions of dampness and warmth can provide the ingredients for rapid growth, frequently within 72 hours.  Some individiuals are sensitive to mildew and experience an allergic reaction in its presence.

Since mildew feeds on organic materials, it eventually causes a loss in fiber strength and unsighly staining or discoloration.  These effects are not reversible.  Once deterioriated by mildew, textile fibers are permanently affected.  The gray splotches that sometimes develop following water damage are colonies of mildew fungi.

The characteristic musty odor of mildew results from its digestive action.  The odor disappears when the mildew has been eliminated and the absence of odor is evidence that improvement has occured..

A variety of fungicidal solutions are available whilch kill mildew wilthout damaging fabrics.  They must come in direct contact wtih the organism to be effective, and the procedures sometimes require multiple treatments.  Thorough drying is an essenetial step in  mildew removal.

Ram Cleaning Services follows the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, including disenfectant and the installation of air movers and de-humidifiers to mitigate against possible damage done by the development of Mildew.

For further information on our Flood Control or Water Removal Services, call our office at 403-291-1051.