Cleaning Mold In Basement

Moisture and darkness serve as the breeding ground for mold. This is why basement is one of those areas in your home, which are conducive for mold to thrive. They seek shelter in organic materials, such as wood, paper and fabric. Apart from that, they are also found to grow on moist walls and ceilings. Cleaning mold from the affected places is vital, because they produce a musty smell and damage the areas where they grow. With the instructions given in the following lines, you will know how to go about cleaning mold in basement.

How To Remove Mold From Basement

Find The Source

Before removing mold from the basement, you need to find its source. For instance, if your clothes are laundered at the basement, then the washing machine might be the source of dampness. You will then have to find another room in your house, for laundry.
Carpets in the basement, if any, serve as a safe haven for the molds, where they can grow and multiply. This is because basement carpets soak up moisture quickly.
Investigate the wood pilings and ceilings in your basement as well. The walls and panels in the room are known to be amongst the prime sources of mold and mildew.
Check whether any pipe is leaking or if there is any damage to the water heater. In such situation, you would have to ventilate the basement in a better way.
Inspect the walls and floors of your basement, for any mold and mildew, using a flash light. Explore the area for the presence of water spots or discolorations, both of which signify the presence of mold.
You would want to reassure yourself with a test, if you are not able to spot any visible signs of mold in the basement. Purchase a mold test kit for the purpose.

Start Cleaning

The growth of mold and mildew in basement can be eliminated by using distilled white vinegar, bleach or baking soda.
Clean the wooden surfaces of the basement, using a wire brush, in case you find the growth of mold and mildew on them. Sand the surface and clean it again, with a dry cloth.
Natural cleaning products, specially made for cleaning mold in basement, are found to be very effective.
Scrubbing the basement walls with non-abrasive pad will also help remove the mold.
After you succeed in removing mold, disinfect the entire area. To make the cleaning solution, mix ¼ cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Clean the surface with the solution. Make use of a sponge or cloth for the purpose.
Rinse the entire area with clear water, after you are done with the cleaning and disinfecting task.
Dry the surfaces immediately. You may use fans or dehumidifiers to expel moisture out of the cleaned area.

Tips

Wear rubber gloves, spectacles and a face mask while cleaning mold in the basement.
Do not use harsh scrubbing pads, when you are removing mold from the walls and wooden surfaces in the basement.
Try to keep moisture away from the basement, by providing proper ventilation to the place, to keep mold at bay.

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