Before removing mold from the basement, ventilation should be the top priority. Do the best for your health, and the health of your family, by removing mold quickly and safely.
How do you get rid of mold in the basement?
If you’ve identified mold in your basement, then you need to kill it and clean it. For a small amount of mold, you can do this yourself.
Start by ensuring that the area is well ventilated. This can be difficult in a basement. Open any windows, add fans, and wear a mask.
Wear protective clothing – mold spores can stick to your clothes, so you don’t want to bring them further into the house.
Dispose of any mold infected surfaces you can. Especially soft furnishing or cardboard.
For things that can’t be disposed, scrub the mold with a cleaning solution. Water and dish soap will do for small amounts, but other options include bleach, vinegar, or a baking soda solution. Mold sprays can be purchased online.
Scrub vigorously. Especially on concrete, or unfinished walls. Mold spores can penetrate into porous surfaces.
Leave the solution to soak for up to fifteen minutes. This is to ensure it has killed as much of the mold as possible.
Wipe away the mold. Use disposable cloths or paper towels, and immediately throw in the trash. Any excess moisture should be wiped or dabbed away.
Repeat, until all the mold has been removed.
Dry the area well. Use a fan if you can. Mold grows in moisture, so you want to dry everything thoroughly.
Take steps to prevent mold from growing again. This includes improving ventilation, adding light, and removing any moisture.
Alternatively, for serious mold growth, you should hire a professional.
To use vinegar, apply white vinegar directly to the mold with a spray bottle.
To kill mold with bleach, mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Apply directly to the mold. Avoid using on soft surfaces, or it will stain.
Baking soda can also be used to kill mold. Apply baking soda directly to the mold. Leave it to sit for an hour. Scrub the baking soda away using a hard bristle brush. Finish by rinsing the area with a water and soap solution, or water and bleach.
If you choose to mix your own, take precautions. Don’t mix chemicals together. Doing so can be highly dangerous. On their own, bleach or vinegar can make an effective mold remover. Mixed together, bleach and vinegar can create Chlorine gas. This is significantly worse than mold.
How do I stop mold in my basement?
To stop mold from growing in your basement you need to remove moisture, improve ventilation, and stay alert. Start by looking for any areas of condensation, any possible leaks, or any items with previous water damage.
Even if you think they’re dried, previously water damaged items may still be harboring mold.
Install an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Mold likes damp and humid conditions to grow. Regularly empty the collected moisture.
If you have windows in your basement, make a habit of opening them periodically. If not, install an exhaust fan.
Clean the basement regularly. Mold likes dust to eat, so thorough cleaning prevents them from growing. Pay special attention to any areas that have previously had mold. You can buy preventative sprays as well, to kill the problem before it starts.
Installing a brighter light can also hinder mold growth. Basements are rarely used as often as the rest of the house, and mold grows in the dark conditions. Leaving the light on when you aren’t in there can prevent mold from spreading.
What causes mold to grow in the basement?
Basements often get damp, due to the lack of use, the cold, and a build up of moisture. To prevent mold growth in your basement, keep it clean, and keep it in use.
If you only use your basement on occasion you may feel that mold growth has sprung up suddenly. In fact, the problem may have been there for a while without you noticing.
If you spot any leaks in your basement, deal with these immediately. Unattended leaks are a huge cause of mold growth. Collect any damp materials, and either dry them thoroughly or dispose of them.
