How to Clean Mildew From Slides

Update

Swing sets and slides provide hours of entertainment for children in their backyards. Unfortunately, these items are exposed to all kinds of weather and can easily develop mold and mildew.

Remove mildew from slides with diluted bleach.

Things You Will Need

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  • Chlorine bleach
  • Water
  • Bucket
  • Sponge
  • Scrub brush or steel wool pad
  • Garden hose
  • Dish detergent
  • Old towels

Because of how they hold water near the bottom of the slide, slides are especially vulnerable to mildew growth, which can smell, attract insects and stain clothes. Mildew forms when water or moisture is left on a surface that cannot dry itself adequately. Remove mildew and mold from slides as soon as you see it.

  • Mix a solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach to 1 quart water in a clean bucket.

  • Sponge the bleach solution onto the entire length of the slide and anywhere mildew is present, such as on the steps leading up to the slide.

  • Allow the bleach to remain on the slide for five to 15 minutes.

  • Scrub the mildew stains with a scrub brush or steel wool pad, then rinse the slide with a garden hose.

  • Fill a bucket with water and a squirt of dish detergent. Apply the soap mixture to the slide with a sponge and clean the entire slide.

  • Rinse the slide with the garden hose, making sure to remove all the soapy residue.

  • Dry the slide with old towels, removing all excess moisture from the surface of the slide.

    • Tip

    If the slide sits in the shade most of the day, consider moving it to a sunnier location. The sun’s rays will naturally kill mold and mildew and may prevent or reduce mildew forming on the slide. After a rain, dry the slide off with old towels to prevent mildew growth.

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