Boric Acid for Mold Removal
Boric acid is a weak acid (much like the citric acid in lemon juice, or the acetic acid in vinegar) sometimes sold under the name "borax," which you can find at home supply stores and janitorial supply stores. Using boric acid, you can kill mold in your home safely and naturally. Does this Spark an idea?
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Benefits and Warnings
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As an environmentally sound compound, boric acid contains no fumes, no volatile compounds and no harsh chemicals. Unlike other natural mold removal agents, like ammonia and vinegar, boric acid has no pungent odors. In rare cases, some people have reported sensitivities to boric acid, according to Moldetect, but in most cases, boric acid is perfectly safe for people with mold sensitivities.
General Use
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Boric acid is a crystallized compound, so to get any household use from it, you will need to activate it with hot water. Reader's Digest recommends a mixture of 1/2 cup of boric acid with 2 cups of hot water (not boiling). Absorb the liquid into a sponge, and blot areas of mold to clean and disinfect, or spray larger mold colonies with a spray bottle. After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
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Moldy Fabrics
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If you notice mold on fabric surfaces, like clothing, towels or shower curtains, soak them in boric acid to disinfect them. Pour boric acid into hot water using a ratio consisting of 1 cup of borax per 1 qt. of water, and soak the fabrics inside the solution. After allowing at least 15 minutes for disinfection, rinse the fabrics with warm water and dry. You can also transfer them to a standard washing machine for a more thorough cleaning.
Finishing the Job
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Anytime you remove mold from a surface, whether using boric acid or anything else, you must take time to dry the article completely and remove the spores; otherwise the neutralized mold may return. Use a dehumidifier, electric heater, hairdryer or natural sunlight to dry objects effectively, and vacuum the affected area completely with a thin vacuum hose to remove the dried spores. If dealing with a large mold colony, vacuum the surrounding area as well since mold spores travel.
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