Chloe Zhang
Mildew is a type of fungus that can grow on plastic surfaces, especially in damp and humid environments. It is important to prevent and remove mildew as it can cause staining and produce offensive odours. Additionally, certain types of mildew, such as black mould, can be harmful to human health. To effectively stop mildew from growing on plastic items, regular cleaning is essential. This includes removing food residues, dust, and other visible debris using antimicrobial soap and water. For more intensive cleaning, diluted bleach or undiluted white vinegar solutions can be used, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Other methods include using commercial products like MiracleMist, chlorine bleach, or natural alternatives such as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning solutions | Bleach, white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, borax, MiracleMist, PBW (powdered brewery wash), antimicrobial soap |
| Application method | Soaking, scrubbing, spraying, washing machine |
| Drying method | Air drying, drying in the sun, drying in the dryer |
| Safety precautions | Wear gloves and a mask, avoid mixing ammonia and bleach, ensure good ventilation |
| Prevention | Improve air circulation, clean regularly, apply a protective layer |
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What You'll Learn
Bleach, vinegar, and baking soda
Bleach
A bleach solution can be used to clean mildew stains from plastic items. To make the solution, add 1/3 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water in a bucket. For larger jobs, the solution can be scaled up by using 1 cup of bleach and 3 gallons of water. Before applying the solution, ensure that the area is protected with a plastic sheet. Also, avoid applying the bleach solution in direct sunlight or to unfinished surfaces. Once prepared, use a brush to apply the solution to the mildew, ensuring that the surface is kept wet for about 10 minutes. Finally, rinse the surface and let it air dry.
Vinegar
White vinegar, which contains about 5 to 8 percent acetic acid, can be used to prevent and remove mildew. To use, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the plastic item to the solution for a minute or two, then remove it from the heat and let it sit until warm. Finally, rinse and wash the item.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has antimicrobial properties that can kill mildew. To use, make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it directly to the mildew. Let the paste sit for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing it off. For larger areas, consider seeking professional help.
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Soaking and scrubbing
To start, use a sponge, cloth, or suitable cleaning tool to wash away debris with antimicrobial soap. Once all visible mould and particles have been removed, you can begin creating a cleaning solution.
One option is to use diluted bleach. The recommended ratio is one cup of bleach to four litres of water. Submerge the plastic item in the solution for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, scrub away any remaining residue. It is important to note that bleach can discolour plastic with high enough concentrations.
Another option is to use undiluted white vinegar. Submerge the plastic item in the vinegar for at least one hour. For stubborn residue, baking soda can be added to the vinegar. The oxidative reaction will help lift the mildew off the plastic. After soaking, scrub away any remaining mildew.
For plastic items with heavy mildew accumulation, spray full-strength vinegar onto the affected areas. Allow the vinegar to penetrate and then scrub away the mildew with a brush.
An electric scrubber, such as The Pink Stuff electric scrubber, can be used to make the cleaning process easier. It is similar to an electric toothbrush and can be used on tiles and various surfaces.
After scrubbing, ensure that the item is thoroughly rinsed and dried. Mildew thrives in damp environments, so it is important to remove any moisture to prevent future mildew growth.
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Using a dishwasher
The warm and damp dishwasher environment is a breeding ground for mildew and mould. To prevent this, it is important to regularly clean your dishwasher and its parts.
Firstly, check if your dishwasher has a removable filter. If it does, it will be located in or around the drain. Remove the filter and hand-wash it with warm soapy water. This is important because the dirty filter on your dishwasher can begin to mildew and cause the dishwasher to smell bad between washes.
Secondly, if your dishwasher smells like burning plastic, it could be due to a clogged sprayer arm causing friction. The high-speed rotation of the sprayer arm can cause immense pressure on the plastic around it if it is clogged, leading to a burnt plastic smell. To fix this, unclog the sprayer arm by removing any food particles or mildew.
Thirdly, the drain hose from your dishwasher to the plumbing under your sink needs to have a proper flow. A bent or low-positioned drain hose can cause wastewater to enter the dishwasher basin, creating a breeding ground for mildew and mould. Adjust the drain hose to ensure it is not bent or turned and causing backflow.
Finally, to deep clean your dishwasher, sprinkle a cup of baking soda inside and run a short hot water cycle. Alternatively, you can use vinegar or bleach. Spray or wipe vinegar inside the dishwasher and let it sit for around 15 minutes. For bleach, put two cups of bleach in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a regular hot cycle.
It is important to note that not all plastic items are dishwasher-safe. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines and adhere to the recommended washing instructions to prolong the life of your plastic items and prevent them from warping or losing their shape due to the extreme conditions of a dishwasher.
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Commercial products
There are several commercial products available to help tackle mildew and mould on plastic items.
MiracleMist
MiracleMist is a spray-on product that promises to remove mould and mildew stains from plastic in under a minute. It can be used on decking, fencing, siding, and outdoor furniture. The manufacturer also claims that an application of their LTP (Long-term Protectant) product can keep surfaces clean and prevent mould and mildew stains from reappearing for up to three years.
PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash)
PBW is a cleaning product that can be used to soak items in for a few hours, and it is safe to use on plastic. It can be mixed at home by combining plain Oxyclean with TSP, although the exact ratio is unclear.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach can be used to remove mould and mildew from bathroom tiles, shower curtains, and rubber shower mats. It can be mixed with water and laundry detergent and used to wash mouldy items in the washing machine. It can also be mixed with water and applied with a brush to mildewed areas on painted surfaces and siding.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be used full-strength or diluted with water to eliminate heavy or light mildew accumulations, respectively. It can be applied to most surfaces, including plastic, and can be used to prevent mildew from forming on the bottoms of rugs and carpeting.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A 3% concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove mould from plastic water bottles. Pour the solution into the bottle, let it sit overnight, then rinse and dry the bottle.
It is important to note that when using commercial products, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions.
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Preventative measures
Keep Plastic Items and Surfaces Clean and Dry:
- Regularly clean plastic items and surfaces to eliminate food, dust, dirt and other residues that can serve as food sources for mildew.
- For plastic drinking water bottles, clean them at least once a day. If possible, choose dishwasher-safe bottles and wash them in the dishwasher.
- For manual cleaning, use warm to hot water with liquid utensils detergent. Shake the bottle with the detergent and warm water, then scrub the interior with a bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and allow to air dry completely.
- For plastic outdoor furniture, wash it down with soapy water. Ensure that the soap is suitable for the specific type of plastic. Rinse thoroughly and wipe down with a clean, dry cloth or let it air dry completely in the sun.
Use Natural Disinfectants:
- White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can effectively kill mildew spores. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and generously apply it to plastic surfaces. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then rinse or wipe away any remaining solution.
- Baking soda can also be added to the vinegar mixture to help lift off any stubborn residue.
- For heavily soiled items, use full-strength vinegar without diluting it.
- Alternatively, you can use a store-bought disinfectant like MiracleMist. One application can prevent mildew stains for up to three years.
Maintain Good Air Circulation:
- Ensure proper air circulation, especially in areas where plastic items are stored, such as gym bags or cupboards.
- Avoid storing damp items, as they provide an ideal environment for mildew growth.
- Sunlight also helps to kill mildew spores, so consider drying items in direct sunlight when possible.
Other Preventative Measures:
- Avoid using plastic items in damp or humid environments, as mildew thrives in these conditions.
- Inspect plastic items regularly for any signs of mildew growth, such as discolouration or musty odours.
- If mildew is noticed on silicone gaskets or seals, replace them promptly.
- For heavily soiled or stained items, consider using a stronger disinfectant like bleach. However, always dilute bleach according to the instructions and never mix it with ammonia.
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Frequently asked questions
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be used on most surfaces, including plastic. Use a 1:1 vinegar to water ratio and spray the solution onto the affected areas. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off and let the item air-dry.
If your plastic bottle has mildew, start by manually cleaning it with warm water and detergent. Then, depending on the severity of the mildew, you can use either a baking soda and bleach mixture or a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. For the former, add a teaspoon each of baking soda and bleach to your bottle, fill it with warm water, and shake well. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside, then let it settle overnight. Rinse the bottle with warm water the next day and let it air-dry. For the latter, pour the hydrogen peroxide solution into your bottle, shake well, and let it sit overnight with the lid off. Pour out the solution in the morning, rinse with water, and let it dry.
Mildew forms in damp environments with poor air circulation. To prevent mildew from forming, ensure your plastic items are stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Regularly clean your plastic items with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly after cleaning.
Yes, MiracleMist is a commercial product that can be used to remove mildew from plastic. Simply spray it on, let it sit for a minute, then rinse it off.
