http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10002.html
Mold from a Roof Leak
We had a leak in our roof, and now I can’t seem to get rid of the mold. Any suggestions?
I’ve shared this problem, and it isn’t fun. First, of course, besides getting the roof fixed, you should consult with a professional to ascertain what sort of water damage you have behind the ceiling and walls. But, whatever the case, I have three materials in my arsenal for mold, and using one of these on the mold you can see will help a lot.
Tea tree oil, an essential oil found in health food stores, is a broad spectrum fungicide, and is absolutely fantastic for removing mold and mildew. The problem is that it has a strong smell that some people don’t like, although few are actually sensitive to it. Put one teaspoon of the tea tree oil and two cups of water into a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on the mold. Don’t rinse. The smell will dissipate in a few days.
Three percent hydrogen peroxide can be used for an odorless spray. Place equal parts water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (available in pharmacies) in a spray bottle; don’t rinse after you’ve sprayed the mixture on the mold.
The third option is to scrub the area with a borax and water paste, let set until the borax is dry, and then dust off the borax.
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
9 comments
add your comment »Wow, these comments are all over the place in this article......
About mold, don't use the commercial mold products with chlorine, I learned the hard way that chlorine and mold mix and form a toxic vapor that will burn your lungs almost as bad as bleach and ammonia.
Tea tree oil is good, and the idea of peroxide is wonderful. I wonder how much 40 volume peroxide it would take to equal 3 percent......
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Mold is a very serious issue. Thanks for addressing this. What about leftover mold in the air? What should we do?
flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Exposure to mold and mildew should be taken very seriously. I have had several clients in Miami who no longer breath properly due to inhaling mold spores. My heart goes out those who have been adversely impacted by all of the flooding in the midwest, mold grows quickly, especially during the summer months.
I use the following essential oils for their anti fungal properties, they are listed in order of affectivity; Clove Leaf Oil, Cinnamon Leaf, Coriander, Thyme Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I agree about seeing the Wal-Mart ad in a "green" environment. How green is a store that is the largest importer of Chinese goods in America? Think of how much pollution is caused by that much freight being shipped from that great a distance?? Want to be green? Buy products made here in the USA!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
THIS HAS THE WRONG HYPERLINK IT IS SUPPOSED TO TAKE YOU TO MADE FROM SCRATCH. IT TAKES YOU TO THE SITE HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
What would be the best method for cleaning upholstered furniture that had massive food leakage onto it, unnoticed, for several days?
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I heard that soaking new clothing in a mixture of epsom salts and either vinegar or ammonia can help to retain colorfastness. Have you heard this? If so, which is it vinegar or ammonia?
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Often, we wash everything we can see with a bleach and water solution; not fully eco-friendly but neither is black mold.
With roof leaks, you have a couple of things you cannot see that can cause problems. The most common is the drywall. Somewhere between the layers of paper, the gypsum interior, and the back of the drywall - the mold can continue to live and prosper. Black mold can penetrate and live in fibers such as rugs, wood such as roof beams and wall supports, underlayment, and even in linolem. Black mold likes the dark and damp. It loves certain types of fibers and starches including some glues like wallpaper glue and some cleaners including TSP.
In our area, often washing what we can see with a solution is not a full cure.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I have a waxing kit for removing wax from the face and i got the wax all over my hands and cannot remove it all
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: