Mildew on awnings and patio furniture may be an inevitability in your part of the country, but it doesn't have to give you any Spring regrets. We have a quick and simple solution to cleaning your furniture, awnings and other outdoor furnishings.
- Understanding the Problem: Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and poorly ventilated areas, like the areas where you might be stashing your patio furniture in the off-season. But no worries, we can help you get it clean in a jiffy.
- Gather the Necessary Materials: To successfully tackle mildew growth, gather the following materials:
- Brushes and Pails: For this task you are going to want to have some tools for stiff mechanical action while cleaning.
- Microfiber cloths: These highly absorbent, reusable cloths are designed to capture and hold onto debris, including mildew spores. You'll use these for the final wipe-down.
- Chlorine dioxide solution made with Envirotab: Envirotab is eco-friendly, chlorine dioxide-generating cleaning solution tablet that effectively eliminates odors, bacteria, mold, and mildew.
- Our Proprietary Detergent for Use with Envirotab: Synergy Soil Break is spectacular for converting a prepared solution of ClO2 into a deep cleaning solution.
- A Hose for Rinsing.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from mold spores and chemicals.
- Identify the Affected Areas: Examine both sides of every chair cushion, all parts of the awnings and every side of your wooden or plastic patio furniture.
- Break the Mildew Free with Bristle Brushes: This will be a quick 3-step process. First you will scrub the surface down with ClO2 detergent and bristle, then rinse with clear water and finally spray a second (non-detergent) application of chlorine dioxide and wipe it with microfiber.
- Removing Mildew with Microfiber Cloths: Begin by gently wiping the affected areas with a dry microfiber cloth. This step helps remove loose mildew spores and prevents the spread of mold during the cleaning process. Dispose of the cloth properly after use.
- Preparing the Chlorine Dioxide Solution: Ensure that you wear appropriate PPE during this stage. In a container of 32 fluid ounces of clean water - a pail, PET Trigger or Pump-up Sprayer, add (1) 4g Envirotab Tablet, apply the trigger or cover and allow to dissolve for 1-2 minutes. Once this is dissolved, add 1/2 ounce of Synergy Soil Break to the solution.
- Applying the Chlorine Dioxide Solution: Using a pump, and possibly foaming sprayer, apply the combination of Envirotab and Soil Break detergent onto the surfaces. After 30-60 seconds, scrub the wet area with brush, rinse it with water, then spray on a final application of chlorine dioxide and wipe if desired with microfiber.
- Set Out in the Sun: While it is best to do these cleaning steps in the shade, once done, set everything out in the sun to dry and release the ClO2 from the fabrics.
Related: Chlorine Dioxide Tablets for Mold Removal
Related: Removing Mildew Stains from Home Surfaces with ClO2