Awkward question here, but you all are very knowledgeable! Pink Mold/Bacteria

Discussion in 'Home Improvement, DIY and Repair' started by Freckles, Jun 14, 2015.

  1. Freckles

    Freckles Seedling

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    I did something I usually never do, picked up two beautiful heavy rattan chairs that were on the side of road for garbage pickup. Well, they were just right for my porch. (I found out after the fact that Rattan should be kept in a dry environment). Anyway, I bleached the frames, laid the cushions out in the sun for a day, and washed the covers. Wow they looked great, until the next day when they were growing pink mold like little mushroom heads out of the seams. EEEEEEYuck!!! I doused the frames again with heavier bleach solution and let sit for awhile and then sprayed off. Yippee, the little grubbies were gone. Til the next day. :( I've tried peroxide and greased lightening, it's like a twilight zone horror story, they keep growing back.

    Everything I've researched about molding rattan refers to black mold...not the cute little pink thingees.

    I've read that the pink slime that grows in the bathroom, maybe at the bottom of a shower curtain, not mine or yours of course.....is actually a bacteria. So I'm thinking this may be the same yucky stuff. And this pink mold can cause pneumonia or other infections, so beware.

    My question here, because it's a "growing" infestation problem....has anyone ever seen this before and have they eradicated the little pink creepy things?

    PinkMoldOnRattanChair_opt.jpg

    Out to the garbage with them tomorrow!!!:oops::oops::oops:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 15, 2015
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  3. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    Before you do anything rash, or get a rash :))) try spraying the rattan, rather than washing it. Washing is probably just hitting the surface, and the pink stuff is most likely imbedded in between the canes. Try a 50/50 bleach solution and spray the heck out of the chairs.
     
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  4. Freckles

    Freckles Seedling

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    Thank you. Yes, spraying heavy bleach solution is what I did with a garden sprayer. Twice, and let it soak up for awhile. I think the chairs would need to be dipped in a bleach solution.
     
  5. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Bleach, Neem Oil, any organic fungicide ....mold is a form of fungus so they should work on the pink stuff. But, yeah, spraying would be better than washing.
     
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  6. Freckles

    Freckles Seedling

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    I have neem oil and will spray that on. I think the bleach isn't reaching the middle of seams, nor will the neem oil, but I'll try. I'm open to any suggestions. The mold disappears after I clean chairs, but is back the next day.
     
  7. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Mold needs moisture to grow. Put them out in the sunshine until they are good and dry. Then keep them dry.
     
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  8. Freckles

    Freckles Seedling

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    Yes, thank you Netty, my husband and I were just talking about leaving the frames out in the sun for a week, but we would have to bring them in and out. They are quite heavy. And now, lol, it's rainy weather. Oh, those chairs are soooo comfortable.
     

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