Getting rid of mold

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With the high humidity that we have been having and with no air conditioning we are having a lot of mold. Just discovered that my leather jacket that was hanging in the closet has mold on it. We are even getting mold on the wood of the furniture. We make our own electricity so a dehumidifier or an air conditioner are out. Got any suggestions? Thanks, Doug

-- Doug in KY (toadshutes@yahoo.com), August 07, 2001

Answers

increase the air circulation

-- STAN O (sopal@net-port.com), August 07, 2001.

There's a product called something like Damp-Rid -- pulls humidity from the air (you do have to drain the cups periodically). Helps in closets. I think most hardware stores carry it.

-- Joy F [in So. Wisconsin] (CatFlunky@excite.com), August 07, 2001.

You need to increase air circulation, alot if things are that bad. Not only is that a mess, it's very unhealthy to be breating in an environment like that. Give the place a real good cleaning, bleach/water if you can to kill mold spores and then keep the air well circulated to prevent it from happening again. You could get a few low amp or dc fans, preferably rigged up with cheap air conditioner filters, even a little bit of circulation can make a big difference. Have one or a few pulling fresh filtered air in and one or a few pulling it out. Shut the intake fan down at night if you get alot of dew/moisture in the air.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), August 07, 2001.

if you're on a low budget and want 12vdc fans with fairly good volume, try to find some automotive heater/ac fans from junkers.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), August 07, 2001.

How about setting out pans full of charcoal to absorb the moisture in the closets or other small spaces? Would that help?

-- Mona in OK (modoc@ipa.net), August 07, 2001.


I have found that wiping down leather with white vinegar will kill the mold. If it is smooth leather, it removes more easily than on suede, which you may have to brush afterward to remove residues (the mold). I'd try wiping down the furniture with a rag dampened with the vinegar too.

-- julie f. (rumplefrogskin@excite.com), August 07, 2001.

I put cheap salt shakers full of rice instead of salt and hang them in areas where I want to eliminate additional humidity. You can also buy dissicant packs and pack your leather with that also.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), August 07, 2001.

Doug, If for some reason something cotton gets molded, you can pour canned milk on it, rub sides of material together briskly and wash in bleach water if it is color safe. Sometimes kids will throw a towel or wash cloth in the hamper that's still damp and I've found the canned milk to take it out completely.

-- norma russell (logger@ut1.com), August 08, 2001.

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