One of the toughest problems that people face before they start painting is how do you remove mold and mildew stains from your walls or ceilings. Never paint over the mildew because it will continue to grow under the paint, and that could cause your new paint to start peeling within a year or two. Don’t get discouraged. Mold and mildew are a common problem in many homes, and there are some simple steps that you can take to solve that problem.

1. Start by removing all furniture and objects from the room to be painted, or move it to the center of the room and cover with a drop cloth. Place a plastic liner and/or tarp on the floor. Wear goggles and long rubber gloves. You should also wear a facemask for protection.

2. Clean the wall with mild detergent and water to remove dust and dirt.

3. After the wall is dry, make a solution of household chlorine bleach and water by mixing a ¼ cup of bleach to one gallon of water (Four parts water to one part bleach).

4. Wipe wall with bleach solution and wait at least 15 minutes for it to dry.

5. Apply bleach solution again if necessary, and rinse with water when finished. For your safety, never mix bleach with ammonia or other household products that may have ammonia in them, because the mixture can cause dangerous fumes. You may also use a commercial product like TSP (Tri-sodium phosphate) to remove the mildew.

After the wall is clean and the mold and mildew has been removed, you can start painting. We recommend Benjamin Moore Bath & Spa Paint, a premium interior paint in a beautiful matte finish especially formulated for high-humidity environments such as baths and spas and optimized for hot, steamy, humid environments. With its proprietary Color Lock ® Technology, mildew-resistant Aura Bath & Spa Paint delivers remarkable, durable, and exceptional color with hues that are richer, truer, and retain their color and integrity.