Hi Bill,
Have you considered using quick lime? You may get some information from this. Good luck, tom
Clean It - Dry It - Disinfect It:
Mold and Mildew Control
By Jane K. Frobose, Colorado State University
Cooperative Extension, Denver County
October 1, 1999
Although the headlines have focused on North Carolina, damage from heavy rains and flooding can happen anywhere.
While Coloradans can feel somewhat immune from the havoc of a hurricane, no one is completely safe from the possibility of household plumbing accidents.
Just ask anyone who has encountered a plumbing problem. Water unleashed can cause huge damage to a home. A normally dry, semi-arid atmospheric environment can become a moist breeding ground for molds and mildew. Water damage also is a problem.
Molds produce mildew, a growing organism, gray to bluish-green. Molds grow in damp, warm, poorly aired and dimly lit areas. Eliminate growth factors and the problem can be kept to a minimum.
Generally, you can find mold anyplace where moisture or relative humidity levels are high -- wet or damp basements, for example. Here mold can grow on walls, floors or carpeting. Moisture from the earth can migrate through concrete walls and floors.
Water from utility backup, leaky pipes or condensation from an air conditioner or dehumidifier can support mold growth. Some building materials -- plaster, drywall, insulation, wood and wood flooring -- can wick moisture beyond the original wet spot.
Affected areas and items must be cared for immediately. Clean it. Dry it. Disinfect it.
Use a grease-cutting solution of detergent and water to wash walls and floors. Rinse with clear water to remove cleaner residue. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) effectively cleans grease, soil and flood residue. Take precautions when using harsh cleaners. Wear rubber gloves and avoid breathing the powder or getting it in the eyes.
Use large fans and dehumidifiers to dry a wet area quickly and thoroughly. Empty the dehumidifier's water collection pan frequently. Mold can grow in the standing collection water. If outdoor air is dry, leave windows open to promote drying.
It can take several weeks for wood and building materials to dry completely. Sun drying is effective for portable items, but do it carefully. Sunlight kills mold, but it also can fade textiles and other natural surfaces. Completely dry all items and areas before rebuilding, re-packing or storing.
It is nearly impossible to clean and dry carpet padding, upholstered furniture and soaked mattresses quickly enough to prevent mold growth.
Disinfectants kill mold growing on hard surfaces such as walls and hard floors. Disinfectants must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency with an EPA registration number on the product label.
One of the most effective and least expensive disinfectants for hard surfaces is chlorine bleach. Use only bleach with 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Follow directions on the label or use a solution of one-half to three-fourths cup bleach to one gallon of water. To kill mold, keep the solution on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. When cleaning with a chlorine bleach solution, wear rubber gloves and protect skin. Keep the solution away from eyes and skin and avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleansers containing ammonia. Before disinfecting, clean hard surfaces thoroughly with a detergent solution.
If permitted to grow, molds and mildew can cause considerable damage to furniture. If left unattended, fibers and fabrics can be discolored and unrepairable fabric rot can result. Natural woods and fibers tend to be the most affected. Brush the mold off outdoors, so spores do not scatter within the house. When using a vacuum, dispose of the cleaner bag. It will contain mildew-producing fungi.
If safe for the fabric, launder washable items with detergent and chlorine bleach. Do not dry until all stain has been removed. Avoid piling wet clothes or other fabrics. Moist, warm and dark conditions in the pile's center provide excellent growing medium for mildew. Take nonwashables to the dry cleaners. Identify the stain for best dry cleaning results.
The following guidelines will help control mold and mildew growth in water-damaged homes:
Promptly clean and thoroughly dry wet carpeting, upholstery, clothing and household items.
If water is in your basement, quickly remove as many items as possible -- furniture, carpeting and stored boxes of household items. Remove standing water promptly and use a disinfectant or light chlorine bleach solution to scrub walls and floor.
Mildew grows best in a moist, dark, warm environment. Use fans to circulate air. Dehumidifiers will remove excess moisture in the air.
Spores from mold and mildew could be dangerous to your health. Take care when working with items that smell musty or are filled with mildew.
For a fact sheet about this topic, contact Jane Frobose, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Denver County, Colorado at (303) 640-5276 or e-mail at
[email protected] or contact your local Colorado State University Cooperative Extension office.