Evening star., 1945-10-19
This and That
E. TraceDeH.
BETHESDA, Md.

BETHESDA, Md.
Dear Sir:
You seem to be able to tell people
about everything-can you tell me what
to do about mildew?
Il thought when we started the fur
mace that the mildew would disappear.
but there it still lies on our books, brief
cases, even on shoes in closets.
Il have heard that there is a LIQUID
which will take it of and keep it off.
Maybe you can give me some sugges-
tions, and am sure they would be ap-
preciated by thousands, since this is a
common problem especially in suburban.
areas where there are many trees.
Sincerely, J. F.
X n
Mildew will not disappear in a dry
house, but tends to go into resting
Spore stage
This means that it will Just lie where
1t is for the remainder of the winter, If
not molested, and will start up again on
the touch of moister air in spring.
There are many different varieties
and each different smell.
Various feathers and certain cloths.
notably book bindings, seem to be fine
culture media for mildew.
The molds comprise a great family.
Mildews, as popularity known, are para
site fungi. Molds and mildews are diff
ferent. but for popular discussion may
be regarded as much the same.
What we see and call mildew is simply
the pathological discoloration which
they produce. The housekeeper seldom
sees the real fungi themselves.
The fungi are marvellous forms of
plant life and in recent years man has
harnessed them to- help cure his own
diseases
In the main, however. and especially
around the home, they are nuisances
at best
1t Is essential to wipe them from all
surfaces. This often is not as easy as it
sounds, since some forms are sticky and
cl1ngy. Others are powdery, and may
be blown away in the open air.
The sticky sorts can be removed by
the careful application of cleaning It's
sue, pressing firmly but gently. If too
great pressure is put forth, the fungi
will simply smear over the surface. Nor
is that all. If too much pressure is ap-
piled, the fibers of the tissues will be
worn away and some will be left i'm
bedded in the clinging coat of mildew,
so that matters will be worse than be-
fore. A little experience will be neces-
sary to get just the right amount of
pressure. Often on the same book or
other article different means and diff
ferent pressures must be used
Often the tissue treatment will remove
practically all the mildew and the dry
mouse will complete the job. But if
there is too much white or gray left.
there is on the market a preparation
which, mixed according to direction with
water, may be tried after the tissue has
done the best it can
A test application should be made.
however, on all feathers, and particu-
larly on books and record album backs,
to see If staining results. If it does, it
is much better to leave the article alone.
Homes under large trees suffer the
most from mildew. Often the taking
down of some trees too close to a house
Will cause a great lessening in the mill
dew nuisance.
Keeping windows and doors open. de-
spite the heat of summer, will do some
thing to mitigate this evil.
Sometimes the use Of an electric fan
in damp rooms viii be q help. Burning
OF an electric bulb In closets and other
unusually damp places may be great
aid.
A great explorer claims that the
Washington climate in June, July and
August has gotten to be worse than that
OF the Amazon. If he Is right. 1t is no
wonder that We have household mil
dew problem here.