What is the best way to get mildew off of a bathroom ceiling ?

Question

My house has a crawlspace and is very damp. My bathroom is so damp in the winter that it takes a long time to dry after showers (There are five of us). I am going to paint my bathroom but I wanted to clean the mildew off first...any suggestions ? I have tried using spray mildew removers and I just end up with it in my eyes.

Barbara R · Answer

I used vinegar, full strength on a damp rag, then rinsed it off. You might want to wear gloves, that stuff can sting! Good Luck.

LandlightS · Answer

To help prevent the humidity problem after you solve the mold problem and repaint....add a ceiling fan or another method of air circulation (a small fan). The air circulation will help prevent the problem in the future.
Gay

Marian House · Answer

I agree with @LandlightS, you will need to have a ceiling fan installed, this is probably the only long term solution to the problem

Robin M · Answer

If you do have a ceiling fan be sure to let it run for 30-45 minutes after each shower. It pull the moisture out of the air. No matter how long the shower might be, this is a must.

Lori · Answer

I agree with the ceiling fan, But for a short tem idea. Mold and mildew is killed with bleach, after completely dry, then put a coat of clear varnish and allow to dry good, then paint it. Not a permanent fix, but will get you by until you are able to do the ceiling vent.

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Adding an exhaust fan is very important. I have a friend who has a ceiling fan and I find this awkward looking in a bathroom. If you put in an exhaust fan you will be able to push the moisture out of the room. Exhaust fans in many states/counties also have to be put in for code to sell a home as well. Invest in a good exhaust fan and good paint which would be either semi gloss or paint made especially for bathrooms that is mildew resistant. We put in a 300 CFM and with teenagers who take long hot showers there is no moisture or mildew problem. We have it wired to come on with the light as well since kids forget to turn on the fan. LOL

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

It sounds like you have lots of comments already on adding a bathroom exhaust fan, so that issue is covered. 1) Do you open your bathroom window after each shower? 2) Is it large enough to put a small fan in that window to help blow out moist air? I also recommend that you do not keep wet towels in that room after showers as that only adds more moisture. We have a wooden drying rack in our laundry/mechanical room (the warmest room in our home) and in the winter months dry our towels there - in the summer the towels all go out on the clothesline to dry in the sun. I have a home with a crawl space too. 3) I'd also encourage you to address the damp crawl space issue as well. You can run a dehumidifier in the crawl space (we do) or add a fan to help dry that out. If that area is damp/wet...your whole home will be damp/wet too.

Darla · Answer

We don't have an exhaust fan, so we got a dehumidifier for the bathroom. It works great, and you wouldn't believe how much water it sucks out of the air! Just turn it on before you take a shower or bath and leave it on until the humidity is 50% or less.

Kelly · Answer

Spray once a day with a 1/9 bleach solution. One part bleach 9 parts water. Change solution every 48 hours.

Janeane · Answer

I USE INSTAGONE-PRO IN MY SHOWER. And it can be used on the ceiling, too. It is so fast! But, you practically have to wear a gas mask! Use a major fan for ventilation!

J markham · Answer

Install a fan in the crawl space for circulation and add some vents!  We had this problem in the attic and the crwlspace.  There are special fans made for this that have humidity sensors.  You can buy them at home improvement stores and have an electrician install them.  It is a must in humid areas or you'll have both mold and rot in the crawl space.

What is the best way to get mildew off of a bathroom ceiling ?

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What is the best way to get mildew off of a bathroom ceiling ?

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