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February 13, 2012
Binyamin Rose: Back to the Bunker: How a life-risking act by a Christian family during the Holocaust saved a family and built a thriving community a world away
Menachem Wecker: Business Schools Teach Real Estate Despite Troubled Housing Market
February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
Fixit: Tackling musty basements
By
Karen Youso
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
(MCT)
If your basement is already beginning to smell musty, and usually starts every spring, here's what to do about it.
First understand that musty odors mean fungal growth. Fungi like to grow where it's dark, damp and undisturbed. That describes the lower levels of most Minnesota homes during the summer. Given the right conditions, mildew will proliferate quickly. The odor you detect is a byproduct of thriving mildew colonies, and a tipoff that mold is growing, but be aware that not all mold gives off an odor.
Besides being unpleasant, mold and mildew can cause health problems, especially for people allergic to the spores. In addition, anything stored in the area can mildew and be irreversibly damaged. That includes clothing and textiles, upholstered and wood furniture, books, art, photographs and luggage.
When it gets cold, below 50 degrees, most molds and mildew go dormant, and the same is true if their environment dries up. That's why the basement seems musty in the spring and summer, but not in the winter.
You will never end the threat of mold growth. Mold spores are ubiquitous, found thousands of miles in the sky and even frozen in Arctic ice. Indeed, they're floating invisibly in the air in your home right now.
Mold growing in the basement produces spores (think seeds), and they don't stay down there. Mold and mildew colonies pump millions of spores into your household air. Your goal is to keep them dormant. That means making your home as inhospitable as possible to keep the tough little characters nonproductive. That means cleaning up any current mold, and keeping everything dry so it won't return.
Clean. Wash surfaces with a detergent water solution.
If you see signs of mold or mildew, treat with a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach to a gallon of water. A spray bottle works well for corners and small areas. Bigger areas require a bucket and sponge or brush.
Apply the solution, wait about a minute and wipe off. Rinse and wipe dry and move on to the next area. Start from the top and work down. Always be sure to test the solution in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it's safe and won't lift colors or harm surfaces. Wear eye and hand protection when using bleach. Keep the bleach solution or mist from contacting any textile or carpet. It will take the color out.
Mitigate. Sunlight kills mold and mildew. Pull whatever you can out into the sun as temperatures allow. This is especially effective on breezy days with low humidity. Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly outdoors and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to keep from scattering spores the next time you vacuum. (Realize that some mildew stains may not be removable. Depending on what's affected, contact professionals at dry cleaners, photography stores, bookstores and luggage stores for information on how to remove mildew stains from objects.)
Prevent. Once mildew is removed to the best of your ability, change conditions in your basement:
Keep outdoor moisture out. That's snow melt, rain, etc. Be sure gutters and down spouts are in good condition and deposit water at least 10 feet from the house's foundation. Ensure that the soil (not just the landscape rock or mulch) slopes away from the house. Even if the basement doesn't leak, concrete easily transports moisture in the form of vapor from soggy soil to the basement air, increasing humidity and mold growth opportunities.
Operate a dehumidifier. If you can add the ventilation and dehumidification of an air conditioner, that will help too.
Consider using drying agents, sometimes called desiccants, available at pharmacies and some building supply stores. They usually are put in bags and hung.
Don't let wet clothing or towels lie around in piles or in the washing machine.
Consider installing a mechanical ventilation system. Such appliances do an excellent job of controlling humidity and eliminating mildew in the home. Contact a heating or air-conditioning specialist.
Generally, keep windows in the basement closed; warm summer air is loaded with moisture. When that moist air comes in contact with the cool basement air, it will condense on the walls, pipes and floor. However, when air is at low dew points (in the 50-degree range), you may want to open the windows for a few hours to help ventilate the basement.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Karen Youso is a columnist for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Send a note by clicking here.
Previously:
Common cracks; more on cleaning vases
Old spices; Presidential birthday wishes
Venting a dryer; ear wax
Sour milk solution; Fluorescents and ultraviolet radiation
Keep squirrels from feasting on bird seed
60 degrees efficient, largely intolerable; more on moldy odors in washers
Some tips for sunscreen safety
Old pipes leave homeowner in hot water; Bug ID needed
Carpet stains above garage
Eisenhower dollars; foggy mirror
Where to put CO monitor; absorbent towels
Removing bumper sticker without damaging car; rechargeable-battery tools over in unheated garage
Mouseproof 101; cleaning sticky tools
Pass on the crapstastic cheapsakes
Give your guests the right to shoes
Forced Family Fun serves its purpose
Expert advice helps take worry out of choosing exterior paint color
Take guesswork out of being a good guest
Natural lawn, garden worth the labor
You can rely on these landscape plants
Selling stuff on eBay can test patience
All set for things yet to come
Laminate flooring can be a good value
A whiff of vinyl
Storing, handling old photos
© 2007, Star Tribune. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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