Just when you thought it was safe......

About the time we thought the flood rugs had come to an end, we had an inundation (literally) of rugs from folks that have finally gotten around to checking on their self storage units and found that things have been wet now for about two weeks. These are mildewing, moldy, partly wet/ partly dry, discolored and SMELLING like something else again. Depending on the degree of damage some are still salvageable and some are sadly, not.

Don't try to correct this problem at home, this is best done by experienced professionals, a lot like those car ads on TV where they drive in improbable situations and get out smiling...........

Most mold, mildew and fungus removal products commonly available over the counter have a chlorine bleach component. Did you know that protein fibers like wool and silk DISSOLVE in chlorine? Do we see a potential problem here if the product is in the hands of a neophyte?

The best place to start remediation is just with a thorough cleaning and complete drying to remove any viable spores. Drying and dehumidifying is extremely important to kill the fungus.

There are commercial products available that will kill the fungus associated with the mold/ mildew however the black staining that comes along with the territory is probably here to stay.

A trip to the ozone machine can often help the smell BUT as they say, only you can judge
what you're willing to live with. Oddly enough, having your cleaned rugs and textiles treated with fluorocarbon based products (soil resist treatments) can help inhibit the growth/ return of fungus spores by reducing the amount of food available. Maybe they slide off Teflon too.....

Check out the helpful tips at the University of Georgia.

Other than that, not a very eventful day. Just trying to help the accountants get 2008 closed,

last quarters tax filings, closing January (glad it's over!)......I noticed leaving for work at 6 am that it's already getting light earlier and I've realized that I'm ready for Spring.