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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Jun 30, 2009 11:09:34 GMT -5
Through a series of mishaps and then ... repairs to mishaps which turned into new mishaps (I hired a plumber who did MORE damage than he fixed, resulting in needing to remove some drywall - which exposed mold from leaking for three weeks), I found myself yesterday with my sink cabinet removed to the patio. I took the opportunity to look at what was left of the kitchen and discovered I could finally reach some Coke stains that had been on the ceiling above the sink for over a year. So I am cleaning the ceiling and walls. I don't have much energy but I do a little, rest a bit, go back and do more. I am seeing that Coke really does eat paint!
I discovered that it made me so tired to wash and rinse multiple times, on impulse, I tried a cleaner I got at Sam's Club called Pro Force No Rinse Floor Cleaner and it works a LOT better than Dow's Bathroom Bubbles or dish soap. I do rinse it though. I have two plastic bowls, one with a teaspoon of cleaner and two cups of water, the other with just plain water. I use a brush, dip it into the cleaning solution, wet and scrub a little bit (very little bit, this stuff dissolves the stains very quickly) and then wipe it down with clean water. This is working so well, I plan to use it as my default surface cleaner.
Question: does anyone have a better idea about cleaning mold off wood and trim than what I've described for ceilings? I am spraying down exposed lumber with bleach water. I intend to paint over the lumber after it's dry, even if it will be covered by drywall.
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Post by Lucky Laura Loving Life on Jun 30, 2009 13:07:28 GMT -5
Dear 60isolderthanithot, I am really sorry to hear about your troubles! Below are some info sections I got from the EPA.My DH works with this stuff and you want to be cautious with your exposure. I say this not to be worrisome but as I have health issues and you mentioned being worn out by the labor I hope you are not being too hard on yourself.The work,rest idea is great.The table below tells which methods to use for which types of surfaces.Take Care! Love,Laura P.S. Thanks for the tip on the cleaner!I don't belong to sams club but I will check it out at walmart. www.epa.gov/mold/table2.html# Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. (They cost about $12 to $25.) Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front, others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering. In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator. Please note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that respirators fit properly (fit testing) when used in an occupational setting; consult OSHA for more information (800-321-OSHA or . # Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC (see Cleanup and Biocides). Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands. # Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.
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Post by grungygeorgie on Jun 30, 2009 21:39:26 GMT -5
I have just discovered Tilex, it has done a good job getting the mold/mildew off my bathroom ceiling (no vents in b-room).Does not seem as harsh/toxic as bleach water.Just spray,wait a bit and wipe damp sponge.Good luck!gg
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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Jun 30, 2009 21:58:54 GMT -5
It's the bleach that kills mold, I think. I am using a soapy water bleach solution in a spray bottle. I am very pleased so far. I can see the progress. I traded some things for a nearly full can of heavy white primer. I intend to paint in whatever microscopic spores might be left after several days of bleaching. Then I will insulate it and cover it all with some spare slatwall I have. I am not really ready to put the whole kitchen back together until I am completely sure it's clean inside the walls. I think I can add a fungicide to the primer.
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Post by Meme on Jun 30, 2009 23:47:18 GMT -5
do be careful and yes the bleach is really the best- do be careful with bleach in the spray bottle that you do not get back spray- there is a paint that you can buy re painting over mold but I do not know the name =- I am so proud of you but remember us oldies have to take a little more care climbing here and there- hugs
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Post by tinasabrina on Jul 1, 2009 1:32:57 GMT -5
Wow 60, what an ordeal!! I'm sorry I don't have a suggestion but just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about the botched plumbing job and I admire you for your hard work on this!
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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Jul 1, 2009 9:06:25 GMT -5
Papaswife and Tina, thanks for the kind words. I honestly think it's a sign of progress that I stick to this unpleasant job. Even the physical side of it is satisfying. I looked up at the scarred ceiling and felt good knowing it was clean and that I'd done it without help. I think I'm getting stronger. I am going to start scouting around for fiberglass to replace what I threw out. I'm getting good at scrounging, I actually like it.
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Post by paperpiler on Jul 3, 2009 18:40:12 GMT -5
Kilz is the paint you use for painting (priming) over mold. It works well.
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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Jul 4, 2009 15:59:34 GMT -5
Paper - yes, I traded a power tool to get a large bucket of Kilz primer. I have to find a paint brush somewhere, probably the dollar store. The smell now is fine, no mold odor at all. I'm waiting some extra time mainly to make sure it's dry. I don't have a hair dryer but the weather has been good. Time does the job.
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