JohnKay

Hi Mark I think you may find that the mould has eaten into the fibres, and cannot be removed removed. I can only suggest having a word with a local upholstery cleaning contractor, and see what they think. From your previous post on protecting items, I was assuming that you were referring to the usual items that one would store in a garage, Bikes, lawn mowers, garden tools, etc. Not items that can absorb moisture. Please note that mould can be a health risk, especially if used as a bed in the future.

Hi, Mark I wouldn't attempt it, if you put clothes into a damp environment they will absorb moisture however you try to protect them. Totally sealed bags are a possibility, but I wouldn't trust it unless for a very short time.

Hi Mark I take it the garage is not in the best of health. I would suggest some timbers on the floor to keep items up off the damp concrete. Cover everything with a large tarpaulin. Any metal items could be treated with a little WD40 or similar, in the hope of keeping rust away. Check frequently.

I can't believe I did that - just wrote a post, and lost it - never mind ! I was saying, Mark, that this is not a subject I've ever had to deal with, so not much help. A lot is going to depend on the construction of the flat, what materials are transmitting the sound, and what the sound is. I see there are advertisers on this site for specialist products. Have a click - might be of help.

Hi Mark As you say, a real problem this time of year. The fact is, that if as bad as you say, you have to deal with the cause. things like drying washing indoors, cooking with no extractor fan, etc. can put so much moisture in the air that one quick shower, and there's mould everywhere. Have you any extract fans ? what insulation do you have ? Is the heating sufficient ? Yes there are anti fungal paints, and paint additives, but, in a case as bad as this, there's very little chance of any improvement. It's down to the cause, I'm afraid.

Rich, can you advise v1no please.

As far as I can remember, the Elite is pretty standard, with Dudley components, is yours a side entry ? If so, the Torbeck is available in that version, even from Wickes. If your cistern is anything out of the ordinary, why not post a photo with the lid off.

Hi How do you fancy replacing that valve ? I expect that if the existing valve was rotated very slightly allowing the float to clear, the problem would be solved. Problem is, that it may not be a good idea to disturb the joints. So if you are going to disturb, fit a nice new valve - Torbeck valves are a good choice. The bottom entry versions are available with adjustable hight, so can fit just about any toilet.

Hi v1no Sorry to hear your problem, it's such a shame these people are behaving in such a way that gives the whole trade a bad name. I can only suggest trying British Gas, and hope they don't let you down. Please let us know how you get on.

Sorry I didn't get back to you last week. As I've said, if it's suspect, get rid of it. You take the risk of doing loads of hard work on a decorating project, only to have it ruined by dodgy materials. It's the same as bad, or non existent preparation. I've known of cases where the paintwork has been so bad that the only way has been replacement of the doors and architraves, due it not being practical to strip the defective paint.

Hi, Unopened oil based should be perfectly OK for a good few years. Any old stuff that's been opened, and part used should be treated with suspicion, if it doesn't seem right, it's best got rid of. With water based paint such as emulsion, the storage is important. If it's been in a shed or garage, and exposed to frost, it will be damaged, and should not be used. Another point with water based that's been stored is if in a metal tin, it's possible to get a pin hole rusted through from the inside - Not pleasant, they only seem to leak when picked up !

Hi, It depends what type of paint it is, hopefully it's emulsion paint that, in most cases can be removed with methylated spirit. Try rubbing using one of those green Scotchbright pads. Take care though - very flammable ! Any other paint could be another matter. A chemical paint remover is bound to damage the tiles, so it could just be down to hard work. I'm told that ammonia is good for cleaning lino tiles, but I've not tried it myself, (don't think I could stand the smell) Let's know how you get on.

Hi giraffe76, If you mean black spots on paper, as opposed to a vinyl wall covering, then I'm afraid that the mould will have penetrated the paper. The only way is to remove the cause of the mould, it could be due to condensation, or another damp problem. Then stripping the paper, treating with a fungicide, and redecorating. So, have you any indication of the cause ?

Hi, giraffe76 If the existing paint is sound, all you need to do is make sure it's clean, and rub it down with 120 grade abrasive paper and dust off. Either apply an undercoat, then gloss, or a one coat gloss if you prefer. If there's a colour change, go for undercoat and gloss. Removal of old paint is something to avoid, unless you really have to do it.

Hi all, It's been a good while since anything was posted on this forum. So why not let us know about the DIY jobs you've been doing in the last few months. How about discussing the jobs you enjoy doing, and those you just hate, even just to say hello. I frequently check for any new posts, I'm sure others do too. It seems a shame nothing is happening. Rich has created a nice site here, so let's hear from you.