How to Kill Mold With a Solution of Hydrogen Peroxide & Boric Acid
The common health concern from mold is hay fever-like symptoms. Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease (such as asthma) may experience difficulty breathing. Those with suppressed immunity may be at risk for mold infections. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and boric acid can kill stubborn or widespread mold growth. Applying the solution to the surface, however, is insufficient. The mold must be removed layer by layer, each layer wetted before removal. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Technical grade (35% concentration) hydrogen peroxide
- Boric acid
- Goggles (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
- Disposable face mask
Instructions
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1
Secure technical grade hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Store-bought H2O2 has a concentration of only 3%. Technical grade H202 has a concentration of 35% and can be bought online. (ref 1)
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Combine 3 parts water with 1 part 35% H2O2 (or use 10% H2O2). Add in a cup of boric acid (a powder) for each half-gallon of H2O2/water solution. Make no more solution than you plan to use in four hours, since exposure to light turns H2O2 into water. (ref. 2)
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Soak the mold-covered surface with the solution. Scrub after soaking. Make sure to scrub only when the mold is well-soaked, to avoid spread of live mold into the air. Resoak the mold after every layer of dead mold is scrubbed away. Never scrub away dry mold.
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Once the mold seems to be scrubbed away, soak the surface repeatedly to kill any mold below the surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Goggles, gloves, and a pail of water as precautions may be wise, since this solution should not get into the eyes or onto skin. If working on large patches of mold (more than a square foot), a disposable facemask should be used to enable you to withstand mold proximity long enough to complete the scrubbing job.
