In the next few days, innkeepers throughout New England will find a whole new problem borne out of the flooding of Irene: mold.
If your inn was flooded - or sprung a leak - don't wait for the nasties to take over. Because if you wait, they surely will.
Having seen the effects of toxic mold up close and personal myself, I take its invasion seriously. I hope you will, too.
Here are some of my best tips for both keeping the clean up itself safe and nipping the moldy problem in the bud.
The best remedy for mold forming in the wet spots you now have is dry free-flowing air. So keep those windows open, the fans moving or the air conditioner on if you can. If you have room air cleaners, use them. All of them. This is no time to allow stagnant air.
But smart innkeepers know that won't be enough. Combatting mold requires an aggressive multi-pronged approach.
Keeping the air moving is just step one.
You'll also need to dry the wet spots immediately. If those wet spots are in porous material - like sheetrock - you may find that you need to cut them out and start over.
Meanwhile, assume that mold is forming even if you can't see it yet. So don't forget your gloves, mask, and goggles when you're doing the clean-up.
And yes, clean up is necessary. Don't allow that mold to sit there. Get rid of it now before it takes over your life.
There are many anti-mold formulas that are commercially sold but I make my own. This is no surprise to regular readers who know that I make most of my own cleaning supplies. That way I know just what's in them. They're non-toxic, inexpensive, and extremely effective. All the hallmarks of essential innkeeping supplies.
Here's my formula that I call Mold-Be-Gone. I mix it in a spray bottle and use generously in any mold-friendly areas.
2 cups white vinegar
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
1 teaspoon Borax (20 Mule Team)
1/2 teaspoon lavender oil
Variations on this formula can chase away spiders or rodents, neutralize odors in the air, and disinfect surfaces. If you want to know more about any of those formulas, just drop me an email.
Meanwhile, happy scrubbing!
