How to Kill Mildew With Ultraviolet Light

Ever walk into a room or put on a shirt and immediately notice a musty odor? That̵7;s the smell of mildew, a type of mold that grows on damp, warm surfaces. Not only is the distinctive smell a dead giveaway, you can usually spot mildew. It grows quickly, looks like a stain and appears in a variety of colors ̵2; black, gray, orange, red or white. The use of an ultraviolet light is one very effective way of inhibiting and possibly killing mildew. UV light is readily available, whether using sunlight or a germicidal lamp.

Things You'll Need

• Sunlight
• Mildew killing solution made with bleach
• Air purifier (optional)
• Germicidal lamp

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Instructions

Using Sunlight

• 1

  Place the affected material in direct sunlight for no more than 30 minutes.

• 2

  Vacuum the location surrounding where you found the mildew. For example, sweep shelves, flooring, walls, the ceiling and windows.

• 3

  Clean the affected area with a mildew-killing solution made of bleach.

• 4

  Change the environment in the area. Consider adding an air purifier to the room and lower the room̵7;s temperature, if possible. Check for water leaks and have them repaired to reduce any moisture present.

• 5

  Return the object that has been left in the sun to its location inside after the area has been thoroughly cleaned.

Using a Germicidal Lamp

• 6

  Talk to your air-conditioning contractor to find the size and wattage of a lamp needed for your home.

• 7

  Install the lamp in your air ducts. Because of the restricted area in air-duct systems and the specialized tools needed to install a germicidal lamp, the project is best done by a professional.

• 8

  Leave the lamp on continuously. A UV bulb typically lasts 10,000 hours and should be replaced once a year.

• 9

  Clean the germicidal lamp every four months. Keeping the lamp clean will make it last longer.