The next step with preventing mildew is to discourage growth through air ventilation. To do this you will want to be sure to increase the amount of air that circulates the area where mildew is forming.

After this step you will want to get more light in the area. If it is a bathroom with a window, let in natural light whenever the bathroom is not being used, and make sure there is adequate lighting other times as well. A skylight is a great option if you are building.

You will also want to decrease the amount of moisture in the area, and there are a number of different ways to do this.

The following are four great suggestions for preventing mildew, especially in the bathroom:

1. Use the bathroom fan. This is especially important during your shower, but should not be shut off as soon as you are done either. You should run the bathroom fan for at least 30 minutes after your shower. You can also use the air conditioner if your bathroom fan is not doing a great job. You can use dehumidifiers in the bathroom, which do an excellent job, and realy prevent mildew because their whole purpose is to get rid of the water, or humidity, in the air. You of course can also open a window, however, this is not going to do you any good if it is humid outside, so consider your climate before choosing this option.
2. Keep the shower curtain closed when not entering or exiting the shower. Most people tend to leave it open, but if you do water, and moisture will collect in the folds and can turn into mildew. So, remove the curtain from the inside of the tub, so that it will not stick to the tub wall, and keep it open so that it has a chance to dry, and mildew does not have a chance to form.
3. Repair leaky faucets immediately. A leaky faucet will cause a problem. It will mean that no matter what else you do, there will be moisture in your bathroom, and thus, mildew will grow.
4. After using a towel, spread it over two hooks to dry, or use the rod. You want it to have a chance to dry fully. If you have room, you may want to consider setting up an old fashion wooden clothes drying racks, as these work even better.
5. Last but not least, buy a squeegee, they are very inexpensive, keep it in your shower and tub area. Then, after each use of the shower, wipe the tub and shower walls down with the squeegee. This will keep your shower cleaner, and it will help to prevent mildew from forming.

If your bathroom is mildew free, you will be happier, healthier, and your home will be a lot cleaner, so follow the above steps and suggestions carefully. If you have mildew forming elsewhere, such as the basement, take into considerations the principles covered above, and utilize them in preventing mildew in those areas as well.