 Mildew
Prevention
Problem area’s for mildew
Because mildew can only exist in shady, warm,
moist areas, attention should be given to altering
the environment that is conducive to fungal growth.
The area in question may be shaded by trees which
need to be pruned back to allow sunlight to strike
the building; or may lack rain gutters or proper
drainage at the base of the building. If the shady
or moist conditions can be altered, the mildew
is less likely to reappear.
Recommended Mold and Mildew Treatment
A recommend solution for removing mildew consists
of one cup non-ammoniated detergent, one quart
household bleach, and one gallon water. When the
surface is scrubbed with this solution using a
medium soft brush, the mildew should disappear;
however, for particularly stubborn spots, an additional
quart of bleach may be added. After the area is
mildew-free, it should then be rinsed with a direct
stream of water from the nozzle of a garden hose,
and permitted to dry thoroughly. When repainting,
specially formulated "mildew-resistant"
primer and finish coats should be used.
Log Homes and Moisture
Mold and mildew is prone to grow on log homes
that contain a fair amount of moisture. This moisture
exists either because it naturally appeared in
the tree and is still in the logs or it has penetrated
your dry wood from rain or damp outside conditions.
Typically a log home after some time will have
the same level of relative humidity as its surroundings.
You want to keep mold and mildew away by waiting
for enough of the moisture to evaporate from the
wood and by then applying a good stain to your
home.
Mildew and Mold Symptoms
If your wood is too damp under the sealant or
if your wood becomes too damp, mold or mildew
can develop. Blue mold is a fungus that can appear
when your logs were not treated properly when
the logs were initially debarked and is nearly
impossible to remove. If you notice a dark brown
or greenish color appearing on your logs, you
may have a mold or mildew. To test whether you
have a mold or mildew problem, dip a cotton swab
in some bleach and tap the bleach on the questionable
spot. If the spot disappears upon contact, the
spot was mold or mildew. If it doesn’t disappear,
the spot was actually just dirt.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
Proper cleaning of your log home is essential
to keeping away a mold or mildew problem. Treating
mold and mildew starts with a good power washing
of corn blasting of your home. After you complete
your mold removal and take care of any rotting
issues, seal your home with a protective stain.
A proper stain done under the proper conditions
is the best way to prevent mold and mildew on
your log home. Mold and mildew removal is an important
aspect of log home ownership.
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Quick Guide
How to Remove Mold and Mildew
• Scrub surfaces area with a mixture of
1 gallon of water and 1 cup of bleach. Use a scrub
brush and the solution to remove all mildew, then
rinse and allow the surface to dry.
 •
Use a mixture of 1 gallon of water, 1/4 cup baking
soda and 1/2 cup vinegar to remove mildew from
painted surfaces. Clean with a sponge or other
soft cleaning tool instead of a scrub brush to
avoid damaging the paint. Allow the area to air
dry.
• Spread book pages in damp areas to eliminate
some of the moisture. If the problem persists,
use corn starch or talcum powder to absorb the
moisture. Once the mildew has dried, wipe it away
with a soft, clean cloth.
• Vacuum and air out fabrics or mattresses
in the sun to help get rid of mildew in upholstered
pieces. If the mildew is too severe to be removed
by this method, you might have to use a fungicidal
spray. Use the spray if airing out does not remove
the musty odor produced by the mildew.
How to Treat Log Home Mold or Mildew
• Inspect your home for mold or mildew
• Clean away your mold or mildew through
power washing or corn blasting
• Check the moisture level of your log
siding. Your log siding should have a moisture
level of under 18 percent before it is ready for
staining. If your log siding has a moisture level
above 18 percent, you will be trapping unnecessary
moisture in your logs with staining making conditions
ripe for mold and mildew to form once again
• Stain your log home with the sealant
of your choice for proper protection
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