Mildew on Exterior Walls
To clean mildew from exterior painted walls, first determine that you have mildew and not just dirt. Put a drop or 2 of bleach on the stain - if it loses color, it's mildew. If it doesn't lose color, it's dirt. Do not use chlorine, bleach only! Clean the wall with a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply and leave for about 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. If that doesn't work well enough, you can mix 1 part bleach to 2 parts water, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. Don't forget to use eye and skin protection. Remember, safety first!
There are other ways to minimize mildew too. When repainting, make sure the surface is clean and completely dry before painting. If it's windy, mold spores can blow into the new paint. It's probably better to wait until it's not windy.
There are several paints on the market that have mildewcide in the mix, or you can buy additives that resist mildew. Latex paint resists mildew better than oil base. Gloss finishes are less porous, so dirt and spores don't adhere as readily. Lastly, dark colors dry quicker than light colors so they're less receptive to mildew growth.
Happy Home Improvement!
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