Mold in closed chamber. Couple of options... need ideas.

[kjr153]

I posted a thread a couple of weeks ago about my closed chamber molding. I was going to clean it but it's really bad so I am going to just replace that wall. It is only the "cooler" side of the enclosure that molded. I was wondering if I painted the inside, would that prevent the mold from returning on the new wood? I don't want to have to replace that wall every six months. HELP!!!

 

[Yvonne G]

I didn't read your other thread. Are you saying that the mold is growing on the wall/wood of the habitat? You can just paint it with vinegar. Here's a blurb I copied from the 'net:

How to Kill Mold with Vinegar

To kill mold with vinegar, use white distilled vinegar which you can buy cheaply from the supermarket.

Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle without watering it down.

Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave it to sit for an hour.

Wipe clean the area with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell from the vinegar should clear within a few hours.

If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growing on surfaces just spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat this every few days to ensure the surface will stay mold-free. You can even mop your tiled bathroom floor or other hard non-porous floors with vinegar if you are worried about mold growing on them.


This same site did say that if you were cleaning it from a painted surface it is easier because the mold's roots wouldn't have penetrated the paint.

Here's a link to the site where I read this info:

http://blackmold.awardspace.com/kill-remove-mold.html#vinegar

 

[trot1]

I posted a thread a couple of weeks ago about my closed chamber molding. I was going to clean it but it's really bad so I am going to just replace that wall. It is only the "cooler" side of the enclosure that molded. I was wondering if I painted the inside, would that prevent the mold from returning on the new wood? I don't want to have to replace that wall every six months. HELP!!!

I think you d have to be very careful about the type if paint. We bought a proper tortoise house which is treated wood but its safe. Dont know what is treated with though. A simple preventative may be to drill a few small holes for ventilation.

 

[kjr153]

Yes, the mold is growing on the wall of the cool side of the enclosure. I am going to Home Depot to get a new piece of wood instead of just cleaning the current piece. Will the smell of the vinegar harm the tortoise? If I'm going to be putting vinegar on this wall every few days, I don't want to have to move the tort every time.

 

[Yvonne G]

No, it won't harm the tortoise.

 

[Beck]

Any update on using vinegar as a regular preventative? How's it working for you? I'm in the process of troubleshooting my own new enclosure...

 

[bouaboua]

I didn't read your other thread. Are you saying that the mold is growing on the wall/wood of the habitat? You can just paint it with vinegar. Here's a blurb I copied from the 'net:

How to Kill Mold with Vinegar

To kill mold with vinegar, use white distilled vinegar which you can buy cheaply from the supermarket.

Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle without watering it down.

Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave it to sit for an hour.

Wipe clean the area with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell from the vinegar should clear within a few hours.

If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growing on surfaces just spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat this every few days to ensure the surface will stay mold-free. You can even mop your tiled bathroom floor or other hard non-porous floors with vinegar if you are worried about mold growing on them.


This same site did say that if you were cleaning it from a painted surface it is easier because the mold's roots wouldn't have penetrated the paint.

Here's a link to the site where I read this info:

http://blackmold.awardspace.com/kill-remove-mold.html#vinegar

WOW!! Vinegar can clean and prevent mold! ! !

You have so many trick in your sleeve.

 

[kathyth]

I would also cover all of the wood, or most of it, with a pond liner, sold at Home Depot or a shower curtain liner.