Mildew Stain Removal from Vinyl

If you have any vinyl objects or surfaces, such as siding, that have incurred mildew stains, you may be wondering how to go about removing them. Read on to learn everything you'll need to know about cleaning mildew stains off of vinyl.

Step 1 - Mix Your Cleaning Solution

Believe it or not, white wine vinegar can be a very effective tool for eliminating these unsightly stains. Begin by combining half a cup of white wine vinegar with one cup of water, and then pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle. White wine vinegar's acidic nature will play a key role in getting rid of your mildew stains.

If you don't have any white wine vinegar on hand, milk can also prove invaluable. Simply pour some milk into a pot or pan, and set it atop your stove to boil. If you're using powdered milk, make sure it has been properly liquefied before proceeding to boil it. Once the milk has reached its boiling point, combine half a cup with half a cup of warm water, pouring this mixture into an empty spray bottle as well. Gently swirl the bottle to thoroughly mix either of these cleansers and you’ll be ready to move on.

Step 2 - Apply Your Cleaning Solution

Now that you've mixed your cleaning solution, you're ready to begin. Use your spray bottle to vigorously squirt cleaning solution onto your mildew-stained vinyl. A sponge or washcloth will easily be able to handle the task of wiping the vinyl clean. Once the mildew stains have been removed, the smell of white wine vinegar will linger for several days, so make sure your vinyl is placed in a well-ventilated area. If your homemade cleaning solution fails to successfully purge your mildew stains, proceed to try an alternative.

Step 3 - Apply Your Bleach

You may need to incorporate the aid of bleach for stubborn stains. After pouring some into an empty spray bottle, gently squirt it onto your vinyl. Alternatively, you can spray some bleach onto a sponge or washcloth and carefully dab it onto any mildew-stained areas if you fear the direct spray will be too much. Allow the bleach to sit for several minutes, after which the mildew should start to turn white. Once the color begins to change, take a sponge or washcloth and wipe away the stains. Should the mildew still prove stubborn, soak the washcloth in water and mild soap and try again. When purging the stains, make a point of being as thorough as possible, as mildew has a propensity for regrowing.

Keep in mind that you should always wear protective gloves when working with bleach. In addition, you may want to consider wearing a paper breathing mask to avoid inhaling any potent fumes.

Just remember these three easy steps and mildew stain removal will be a piece of cake.