Replies

1. 
   NormKerr | Oct 31, 2002 07:14pm | #1

   someone here previously posted this remedy:

   use bleach to kill the mold

   rinse WELL

   then use ammonia to kill the spores

   (do not mix the bleach with the ammonia unless you have an air supply for yourself or it'll get you too).

   Someone said that using only one or the other is not enough, but both, in that order, did the trick. I've yet to try it myself.

1. 
   RBement | Nov 01, 2002 02:21am | #2

   Thanks...we've tried the bleach with little success so now will wash with ammonia too.

1. 
   rjw | Nov 01, 2002 04:48am | #3

   I have read that there are borax based products coming on the market for cleaning mold, buit don't have any direct knowledge; maybe a google search?

1. 
   RBement | Nov 03, 2002 02:57am | #5

   Thanks Bob, Have had two other suggestions, cleaning with clorox and then ammonia. Had already tried the clorox but the black stains remained so now that it is dry, will try the ammonia. Will keep you posted as to effectiveness.

2. 
   StephenMasek | Nov 01, 2002 06:31am | #4

   Bob, First abrasively clean the wood (sanding, wire brushing), then use clean rags, a biocidal soap, and a HEPA vacuum to clean it.   A supply house of the asbestos / lead / mold abatement industry could supply you with a product such as ANABEC.  For wood which will not be exposed, something like Fosters 40-20 is good. 

1. 
   RBement | Nov 03, 2002 03:00am | #6

   Thanks Stephen, will look in the yellow pages for the products you suggest. In the mean time we're trying the clorox/ ammonia treatment suggested. 

1. 
   Pd5190 | Nov 03, 2002 05:39am | #7

   If you mix the bleach and ammonia it will release chlorine gas which can be deadly. One of the first poision gases used in WW 1.

1. 
   hdsnow | Nov 03, 2002 06:13am | #8

   Look into a product called TIMBOR mix it with antifreeze (ethylene Glycol) and lemon juice.  It will kill mold, fungus, etc.  with very little fumes.  Spray it with a pump up sprayer or brush it on.  The product kills fungus, mold, insects, etc.   

1. 
   RBement | Nov 06, 2002 07:19am | #11

   Interesting and thanks, hope we have solved the problem...have washed with clorox, rinsed, dried, and washed with ammonia as suggested by another reader.  Were delighted to receive Tim's input (below). Hopefully our concerns have been taken care of.

2. 
   AndreaRichard03 | May 01, 2012 05:27pm | #12

   Timbor VS Boracare

   Timbor is a product with the active ingredient in Boracare, a much more expensive product with greater penetrating capability due to its other ingredients, one of which I believe is propylene glycol. It sounds like you have a formula to make your own penetrating formula, what ratios do you use?

3. 
   DanH | May 01, 2012 08:57pm | #13

   Andrea, you're replying to a 9-year-old thread.  Don't expect a response, as the original poster has likely not been back in five years.

3. 
   TLRice | Nov 05, 2002 01:42am | #9

   "...between the drywall and the siding, probably for several years and there are places on the decking that are covered with black mold.."

   Bob,

   Unless the leak has not been repaired, cleaning and killing mold and spores in unexposed areas is a waste of effort and materials. If the conditions that grow mold exist, the existing build-up will quickly return regardless of how you remove it. If conditions in which mold and fungi thrive do not exist, it will disappear without removal. If it is unsightly, clean it. If it is out of sight, do not.

   Something few understand is that it is often the conditions that allow mold, mildew and fungi to grow that cause the problems associated with the organisms. Mold, et al, is a symptom, not the problem.

   Tim

1. 
   RBement | Nov 06, 2002 07:10am | #10

   Thanks Tim,

   We have removed the old  flat roof and put a pitched roof on the house. The mold was found during that process. It was on some experior beams, which the contractor replaced and between the sheathing and the insulation in other places. We have removed the insulation and replaced it and at this point are assuming the leaks which caused the problems in the first place no longer exist. Our concern was that the smell of the mold might penetrate the new insulation and drywall. Your words are very encouraging! We have attemped to kill the mold with Clorox but the black stains remain. If as you state they will cease to grow due to lack of moisture, we are delighted. Thanks again!