Mold and Mildew

Methylated spirit, also known as denatured alcohol, can be effective in killing mold due to its high alcohol content. It can help to disinfect surfaces and inhibit the growth of mold, but it may not completely eliminate all spores or prevent mold from returning if the underlying moisture issue is not addressed.

Yes, vinegar can effectively remove mildew. Its acidity helps to break down and kill the mold spores. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing away the mildew.

Run the washer through a wash cycle (no laundry, though) with very hot water and a cup of bleach. This should remove the mildew and odors from the washer. Just be sure to let it go through the entire wash and rinse cycle. Then leave the lid to the washer open to let it air dry.

Yes, household bleach can effectively remove mold from hard surfaces like tile, glass, and countertops. To use, mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water, apply to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly. Remember to wear gloves and ensure good ventilation when working with bleach.

You can buy chlorinated lime or bleaching powder at hardware stores, home improvement stores, or online retailers. Look for products labeled as mildew stain remover or odor neutralizer to effectively get rid of the mildew smell. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.

To clean mold off a retainer, soak it in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for about 15-20 minutes. Scrub the retainer gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely before using it again. Make sure to clean your retainer regularly to prevent mold from growing.

When storing materials, packing such buffers as silica gel with the goods before sealing the container will help keep excess moisture at bay.

For basements, sprinkle chlorinated lime (commonly called chloride of lime or bleaching powder) over the floor. Let it sit until musty mildew odors disappear. Then sweep it up. Increasing the heat and air circulation into the basement will help this process. Get rid of mildew on tiled walls and bathrooms floors by scrubbing them with a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite or chlorine bleach, 1 cup of bleach to a gallon of water. Rinse with clean water and wipe as dry as possible. Keep the windows and shower curtain open until the walls and floors are thoroughly dry.

You can try soaking the shirts in a mixture of water and vinegar for a few hours before washing them. Another option is to add baking soda to the washing machine when washing the shirts. Make sure to air dry the shirts afterwards to prevent the mildew smell from returning.

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it onto the mildew stains. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub the area with a brush and rinse with water. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the stains, spray with white vinegar, scrub, and rinse.

Mold is a live organism, or animal, a fungus to be specific. Depending on the preservative, it most likely contains toxins fatal to certain species of organisms and not humans, or the animal the food is being preserved for. This is why you always hear preservatives are bad for you.

Yes, sugar can affect the growth of mold because it provides a food source for mold to thrive. Mold requires nutrients to grow, and sugar is a common food source for many types of mold. Storing items with sugar in a dry, cool place can help prevent mold growth.

Yes, it can, and it inhibits regrowth!

I don't know the strength, though. I do know that when we applied a slurry of water and Borax to our front stoop (cement) to keep out ants, the mildew disappeared over the next couple of days. It has not returned, and it has been several months now. I live on the north side of the building, and my door is almost constantly in the shade. The mildew would have returned by now normally.

I don't think such a strong concentration of Borax is necessary, but I am going to make a pretty strong (but liquid) solution to treat the sidewalk now that my stoop has stayed white for so long.

I did a search and found this: 1/4 cup Borax in 2 cups water. Do a search with the words "borax" and "mildew" and you should come up with quite a bit of information.

Good luck!

When applying a chemical biocide to clean mold and mildew, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Wear protective gear like gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact. Apply the biocide using a sprayer or sponge, allowing it to sit for the recommended amount of time before rinsing or wiping clean.

If the black mold is inside the walls and you can't see it anywhere else then it is doubtful the former owners knew about it and are not liable, therefore it's going to be money out of your pocket. However, if the mold is where you can see it (but the previous owner hid it with furniture, etc.) you can make them pay for the repairs. I advise you to get in touch with your Real Estate Agent as soon as possible.

You should first determine the nature and extent of the mold. Hire your local mold detection service. You will then have knowledge as to whether there is sufficient mold to worry about, how difficult (or simple) it may be to get rid of it and whether it is a health hazard. Answer Did you have an inspection done? If so, I would involve them and the realtor.

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray it on the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Repeat as needed until the mildew stains are removed.

Kitty litter is a cheap an effective way. Get the kitty litter that is like fine sand. You can put it on anything and it will absorb the mildew odor. Leave it for at least 3 hours (longer if you can) then vacuum up. Kitty litter is also good to carry in the trunk of your car if you live in a place that has a lot of snow. It helps to give your tires some traction. Marcy

Edward Thorndike, an American psychologist, is the one who disputed Pavlov's ideas and proposed the Law of Effect. He believed that learning is the result of associations formed through repetition and that the consequences of behavior influence the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Mold is not a plant; it is a type of fungus. Fungi, including mold, are not classified as vascular or nonvascular plants because they belong to a separate kingdom in the classification of living organisms known as Fungi.

Mold exposure can be harmful to children, especially those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. In some cases, exposure to certain types of mold can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. It is important to address mold issues promptly to ensure the health and safety of children.

Mold on paper can be harmful if it releases spores that are inhaled. It can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and potential skin irritation. It is best to address mold on paper promptly to prevent any health risks.

In damp summer weather, keep papers and books as dry as possible to help control mold growth.

Remove any dry,loose mold from paper with a clean, soft cloth. If mildewed paper is damp, dry it first--in an airy place, if possible.

To dry wallpaper, heat the room for several hours or even days to dry the plaster as well as the paper. Plaster should be dried slowly to prevent cracking.

If mildewed paper is washable, wipe it gently with a cloth wrung out of thick soapsuds, then with clear water. Take care not to wet the paper more than necessary. Do not scrub it. Finally pat with a soft, dry cloth. If stains remain, bleach with a solution of a household bleach, then sponge with a cloth wrung out of clear water. For small stains, a commercial ink eradicator may be useful.

Spread pages of books out fanwise to air. If the books are very damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder between the leaves to take up the moisture. Leave starch or powder on for several hours then brush off.

[Info from the Home Maintenance And Repair Database at the Michigan State University website]

From a few other internet pages I got these suggestions for removing mildew and mildew smell from books:

Physical removal: Dust away any loose mildew with a fine brush. If the book is damp, dry it completely. Then apply hydrogen peroxide or denatured alcohol to the book with a lint-free cloth to kill the mildew. Blot away excess liquid and dry the book thoroughly.

Chemical removal: Remove dark mildew stains with diluted peroxide bleach or lemon juice. Apply sparingly and dry thoroughly afterward. Dry the book in the sun if you use lemon juice. I understand that lemon juice is acidic which is not a friend of paper. I don't know about peroxide though.

Smell removal: Use activated charcoal and or baking soda in a sealed container to remove smell.

While doing any of the above wear a mask! This prevents you from inhaling any of the mold or dust mites.

The adverse truth is that mold and basements often go hand in hand. Because basements are underground, they are very susceptible to leaks, flooding, and moisture retention. Where there's collected damp, there's a major potential for mold. This means that dealing with a mold problem demands a two-pronged approach. Not only do you need to find where it is and get rid of it, but you also need to figure out how to get rid of the moisture that allows it to grow in the first place. Due to the multifaceted nature of the situation, it's often helpful to work with professionals to resolve unrelenting mold growth. A remediation pro can offer mold removal, and a waterproofing pro can spearhead dampness

Control efforts to make sure you don't continue to have a mold problem. These experts will be able to carry out comprehensive mold testing and moisture removal so that existing mold is ousted and won't be able to grow back.

There are many different types of fungus: Powdery mildew which is found on the leaves and show up as powdery moist residue. Treat by misting with Neem oil either the 100% type or Neem ll by Greenlight brand from a hardware store. Another type of fungus is the kind that grows on top of the soil a whitish grey, this will not hurt your violet just scrape it off if you don't like to look at it or leave it there, either way it won't hurt anything. You can also spray the soil area with Neem oil, the plants love it. Try not to keep your violets soaking wet continuously, let them dry out a little between waterings to prevent fungus flare ups.

I am allergic to Penicillin and certain types of mold spores. There is I am certain scientific processes that could narrow down which ones your are sensitive to. There are over 100,000 different mold species, so it would depend on which specific ones you come in contact with as to whether you would be allergic or not since not all forms of mold are used to create Penicillin.

It feels crusty, it smells like something died and in appearance it is just generally a crime. :) I hope that answers your question!