How to Remove Mildew from a Mailbox Post

Things You'll Need

Utility broom
Rubber gloves
Bucket
Disinfectant cleaner
Scrub brush
Garden hose
Mildew-resistant paint (optional)

Tip

Protect an unfinished mailbox post with mildew-resistant paint.

Clean your mailbox regularly to keep it dirt-free. A dirty surface provides a place for mildew and mold to grow.

Substitute diluted ammonia or bleach to wash a metal, plastic or unfinished wood mailbox post. Use one or the other; never mix ammonia and bleach as the two together create dangerous fumes.

Keep your mailbox and post clean to prevent mildew development.

Mildew grows on surfaces that are consistently damp or in warm, humid climates. The mailbox post in your yard is exposed to inclement weather and, as it gets dirty, becomes a prime location for mildew to grow. It's important to remove the mildew spores early so they don't spread to the inside of your mailbox. While regular cleaning and maintenance prevents mildew development you can remove the stains and accompanying odor with supplies found around the home.

Step 1

Brush mildew spores off the mailbox post using a utility broom. Start at the top of the post and brush downward to remove the mildew.

Step 2

Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves.

Wear rubber gloves and fill a bucket with 1 gallon warm water. Mix in four capfuls of disinfectant cleaner to make a mildew-killing solution.

Step 3

Dip a scrub brush in the disinfectant solution and scrub your mailbox post. Rinse the scrub brush frequently, with plain water from the hose, then continue to wash off the post.

Step 4

The garden hose conveniently helps remove mildew from the mailbox post.

Rinse the mailbox post off with your garden hose. Wash away the disinfectant cleaner along with mildew stains. Let the post air dry completely.