Treat Stains and Mildew Treating stains and mildew is probably one of the most important things you can to do protect your home. It’s also the first thing you should do to prepare your walls before you begin painting a space. While paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to inject personality into a room, preparing your walls before you begin is a pretty important step.

Removing stains and mildew may take a little elbow grease, but doing so before painting helps to ensure that your paint color remains vibrant for years to come.

Before you Begin:
Mold and mildew are traditionally signs of a larger problem. Locating the source of the problem can prevent the problem from returning later.

Follow These Steps

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  • Step One

    Mix three parts water to one part laundry bleach in a plastic bucket. If you’re sensitive to bleach, be sure to protect your hands with gloves and your eyes with goggles.

  • Step Two

    Apply the bleach solution liberally with a sponge. Wait for it to dry and apply it again after 20 minutes, even if the mold has disappeared.

  • Step Three

    Wipe the bleach solution from the wall with clean, fresh water. Once it’s thoroughly dry, clean the area with a TSP Solution and prime and paint as you would normally.

Skill Scale
Time Required
Time varies according to the size and condition of the room’s walls.
Shopping List:

tools

Plastic Bucket

Rubber Gloves

4-ft. Stepladder

Old Clothes

Safety Goggles

Large Round-Corned Sponge

Rollers and Brushes

materials

Water

Household Bleach

Paint

Primer

TSP Solution

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