20 Mule Team Borax Formula for Flood Victims
by Richard F. Progovitz
July 3, 2007
“General” Mold
Remediation Protocol for Flood Damaged Wood Structures
1. Always use PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) when remediating mold.
2. Remove all flood-damaged materials, debris and standing water.
3. Clean and dry-out the remaining structural wood or remove and replace.
4. Liberally apply a “Borate Solution” to all remaining wood and concrete.
5. Run dehumidifiers when you are not working on mold remediation.
6. Vacuum (vent outdoors) all borate treated wood and concrete.
7. Liberally apply a 2nd “Borate Solution” to all wood and concrete.
8. Dry-out the structure and keep the RH to 50% or less.
A Borate Solution as a Fungicide, Fire Retardant, Odor Controller and Insect Killer
Based on U.S. Navy Spec. of 60% borax-40% boric acid
(this ratio gives the maximum solubility of borates in water);
USE PPE WHEN MIXING THE BORATE POWDERS IN WATER
Approximately 1 gallon of solution will be needed to treat 200 square feet of wood surface area. (Note: solutions should be used immediately and not stored.)
Agitate the solution briefly at the beginning of each spray job, or after the solution has been standing for an extended period.
Do not spray or spill onto soil or foliage.
Apply to wood surfaces by hand sprayer and/or brush. Applications may be made to wood structures including decks, fences, steps, sheds, barns and other outbuildings.
For 1 Gal of a 15% Solution; 15 oz of 20 Mule Team Borax + 10 oz of Boric Acid + 1 Gallon of Hot (100+ deg.) Tap Water.
Borax, boric acid and water weigh about the same, so use a regular kitchen-measuring cup; 8oz =1 cup.
The following is an Internet Link to purchase Boric Acid for $79.90/25 pounds, delivered.
store.doyourownpestcontrol.com
1-800-476-3368 or purchase from a farm store like Agway.
To have Timbor applied to your wood structure as a Pesticide, call BurkePest Control, Inc. 607-722-9042, Conklin Rd. Bing.
20 Mule Team Borax can be purchased at any Grocery Store, a 4 pound box for approximately $3.00