Jane, My response may not be what you want to hear. First of all, get protective equipment: gloves, eye protection and masks (the minimum would be an N95 rated respirator). If you have allergies or sensitivities, it would be advisable to get someone elsse to do the work. The protective wear are a must, since more spores will get airborne. Open the wall or floor area that got wet. Depending on the condition of the wall, things may have to be thrown away. Rotting wood, drywall and insulation, if any, should be discarded. Using a brush, clean the area with unscented detergent and water. Rinse with a clean, wet rag. Dry the area quickly (e.g shop vac or with rags). Accelerate the drying by using a dehumidifier.
Before you tackle the actual cleaning, determine why the water is coming in. The water entry should be halted, otherwise the mold will keep growing back. Some of the things to examine are cracks on your foundation, the grading around the house (should be sloped away) and downspouts (are they dumping rain water onto your foundation?). If the ingress of water cannot be solved, it would be advisable to remove any porous or absorbent materials from the area, open it up and make it easy to clean. Keep your dehumidifier running. Do not store things in the basement. I work with the Canadian federal housing agency - the equivalent of HUD. The majority of questions we get have to do with molds. The strategy is what I have just outlined. You do not need bleach or other chemicals. Any solution sprayed in the area would only add moisture and make the molds grow. Virginia ----- Original Message ----- From: "jsherry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Bdnow" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2002 7:28 PM Subject: OT: Indoor Mildew/Standing Water Remedy? > Hello, > I was wondering if anyone has experience with a dark (never seeing the light > of day) area in the basement where flood waters some times seep in leaving a > clammy, wet area, unaccessible to cleaning. (Between the walls inside a > closet where the circuit breakers live and a sewage pipe access point which > is connected to the city system, under a board in the floor). > > When we receive the blessed heavy rains like we did this weekend (praise > be!) water seeps in. Other than using 501 with added essential oils, which I > do with leftover mixed 501, does any one have a suggestion of something I > can sprinkle in there to absorb the moisture? I was thinking of using baking > soda...any ideas? > > Thanks for any help. > > Blessings, > Jane > > PS: we are still way low on water in the aquifers & reservoirs, (NYC > drinking water) yet somehow all people mention on the news, is when will > there be another sunny day...Heavy rains a wonderful gift to Mother Earth on > mother's day... > >
