Re: Use of biocide in textile storage areas

[Jennifer Hein <jhein@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

feedback from one listserv member on the proposed treatment
Problem:  minor flooding in rolled textile storage area,

Dear Nancy E. Packer, Collections Curator
The Design Center at Philadelphia University

The details were not descriptive enough about the type of wall
structure or what floor, the typical humidity control in that space but
all of these are factors to determine the efficiency of your treatment.
a) The most important treatment steps are to purchase a dehumidifier to
set in that location and empty whenever possibele or hook to a constant
drain.
b) The traditional home water damage crew will tell you that you need
to remove the wallboard that was affected.
If it was dirty water, (sewer then this is more important) The water
has affected the porous materials in the wall and the best way is to
remove the most contaminated surfaces that have mold growing.  The
problem wirth mold is that it is never totally eradicated. It just is
temporarily dry.
The visual clues to determine the severity is by color. the least
harmful to the most aggressive is white mildw, then green, brown and
finally black.   Wherever brown or black this material must be removed
down to the wood lathe or the opening.
c) With the other colors try a 25% bleach solution wiped on with a
sponge to saturate the surface when it has become dry.
d) Locate a hygrometer and record the humidity levels every week as a
comparison to a similar space that was not affected.

There are other problems if this is on the first floor or a sublevel.
You can call me or I could come over as an advisor if you have funds.
But I give free advice on the phone so give me a call and we can
discuss the details so that this advice is more accurate.
Then you can follow the advice given.... by the plant director as a
surface treatment.

solution of Physical Plant director -proposed treating the mildewed wall
surface behind the (wooden) storage racks where the flood originated
>with
1) preferred chemicals , biocide- Enzymatic," manufactured
> by Butcher's. According to the manufacturer, it is a "deodorizer,
> digester, and spotter," with "multi-strain bacterial action."
2) some chlorine bleach wiped over the areas where mold is present.

3)  After treatment,paint the areas with a water based
> primer and paint that is resistant to mold."

Details:  fairly small space,
 unable to remove the textiles entirely during treatment.

Jennifer Hein
Preservation Consultant, Pest & Mildew Specialist
Historic Object Conservator of Textiles, Leather & Ethnography
PO Box 90379, Indianapolis, IN 46290
317-575-9296 / 317-679-5405