How can you get rid of mildew problem on bedroom walls?

Question

I am looking at a house that needs a little bit of work. The bedroom walls mildew. The realtor said that it was caused from improper ventilation. The house is not vented except for on the ends with small openings. I'm not for sure if this is the real problem. I am considering the cost of correcting the problem and replacing sheetrock in one of the bedrooms. I was wondering if anyone ever experienced this? And if it is costly to repair

Answer 1

i'm a carpenter. Do your self a favor and don't buy the house. Mildewing on interior walls is just the tip of the iceberg

Answer 2

White vinegar

Borax

Baking soda

Answer 3

Listen to the carpenter.   You don't say if this house is in a swamp or not so I'm not buying the realtor's "improper ventilation" excuse.  This is YOUR realtor?   But mildew (MOLD) can be dangerous and you do not know the cause.  This is a buyer's market - move on.

Answer 4

If I were you, I would definitely consider looking for another house. I researched this problem some, and here are excerpts from an article I came across:

"Molds and mildew are found everywhere in our environment. It can grow virtually there is adequate moisture and a food source, such as wood, paper, dirt, drywall, wallpaper, carpet and fabrics. Depending on the type of mold or mildew it can be almost any color from black to white, pink to green."

"Mold and mildew can be very destructive to the materials on which they grow. They may cause staining, rotting of materials, and musty odors. When colonies of mold are extensive, they can produce enough spores and by-products (mycotoxins) to be harmful to health, causing irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tracts."

"Mold will grow in places where leaks or flooding have occurred: leaking pipes, toilets, dishwashers, water heaters, other appliances, or leaking roofs. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold growth. Materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet and upholstery, commonly support mold growth. Molds cannot grow on dry materials even if all other conditions are ideal for mold growth. Conversely, mold and mildew cannot be controlled where moist materials exist."

"Some of the symptoms and adverse health effects that have been reported from exposure:

    * Allergic reactions of the eyes, nose, and throat

    * Arthritic like aches and pains

    * Asthma

    * Depression

    * Dermatitis

    * Dizziness

    * Excessive and regular nosebleeds

    * Equilibrium or balance loss

    * Headaches

    * Fatigue

    * Fever

    * Flu-like symptoms

    * Memory problems

    * Respiratory dysfunction such as difficulty breathing and shortness of breath

    * Restlessness"

"There are at present no strict numerical guidelines, which are appropriate for assessing whether the contamination in an area is acceptable, or not. It is not known what quantity of mold is acceptable in indoor environments with respect to health."

This article states what the health risks are associated with mold and mildew exposure and even gives you a formidable idea of where it grows, how it multiplies or spreads, and how it can affect you and your family. It is pretty serious. I hope this has helped, and I wish you happy house hunting!  

Answer 5

i have. There are sprays you can get at walmart that are mildew removers . its not costly either its like $10 for a bottle.