Control Mold: Hot Water, Borax and Alcohol - by Jeff Barber

First posted on 10-26-2007

Q: I have mold on my house and it seems to keep growing back after I clean it off. Do you have any suggestions for how I can get rid of it for good? – Etta.

A: The problem you are describing is not that unusual. I have found that the bleach approach can be difficult to control and has several potential problems. The EPA has backed-off of its recommendation of bleach since the Katrina and Rita disasters.

The suggested use of “Crystal Blue Copper Sulfate” does have serious issues with toxicity and control, therefore I cannot support it.

My suggestion is to use a solution of hot water (five gallons) with two cups of borax laundry booster. Stir this until the borax is dissolved and then add one pint of isopropyl “rubbing” alcohol.

A person could run this solution through a pressure washer very easily and there is no need to worry about toxicity or what it will do to nearby plants and building materials.

The benefits are that you don’t have to rinse and the residual borax left behind is a potent fungicide that will not harm pets or children.

Some people have mentioned smelling the alcohol, but this is necessary as an antiseptic and drying agent. The alcohol smell should dissipate quickly, especially when outdoors.

For more information, contact Jeff Barber, housing and environmental design specialist, in Springfield at (417) 862-9284.

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