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How to Remove Basement Mold
Simple steps for Identifying and Removing
Basement Mold
By: Mark J. Donovan
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A basement is a virtual incubator
for mold. Basement mold and mildew can adversely affect your family with
allergy symptoms and other respiratory problems. Consequently it is important
to identify and remove basement mold and mildew as soon as you see it.
Basement mold is easily identifiable. It shows up as dark or white fuzzy
splotches on basement walls and other porous and organic type surfaces. Carpets
and stored paper and cloth products are excellent breeding grounds for basement
mold and mildew.
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Basement mold can also form easily
on drywall and wood framing, as well as on insulation. Examine your basement
carefully to identify areas of basement mold and mildew growth.
Inspecting for Basement Mold and Mildew
When inspecting for and removing
basement mold always where appropriate clothing and eye protection. Also make
sure to wear a mask to prevent the inhalation of the mildew and mold spores.
| The first step in removing basement mold is to pull from
the basement any of the stored objects that have mold growing on them, e.g.
old books, magazines, newspapers, and any stored wood products. With most
of these products it is best to either throw them away, or in the case of
the old books store them in a very dry area going forward. Mold and mildew
need moisture to thrive.
Also lift and check any carpeting in the basement for mold. If there is
mold growing underneath the carpet, rip it up and throw it out. |
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In addition, check furniture for
mold. If the furniture is cloth material you may seriously want to consider
throwing it away. If it is wood you can clean the mold off of it.
Also check any insulation to see if there is basement mold growing on it. If
there is, remove the insulation and replace it.
Next, temporarily empty out the basement all other items so that you can
thoroughly clean and remove the basement mold from the walls and floor.
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Once you have emptied out the
basement check the basement for water problems and resolve them. Make sure there
are no basement water or moisture problems and if there are, apply basement
waterproofing. In addition, check all of the plumbing for leaks. Also, install
pipe insulation over the supply lines to prevent water condensation on the
pipes.
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Removing Basement
Mold
To remove basement mold from the
walls and floor use a solution of bleach and water, or a commercial basement
mold remover product, and literally wash down all of the walls and basement
floor.
After washing down the basement walls and floor towel dry them.
Next, run a dehumidifier in the basement to remove the moisture from the
basement. You may need to let the dehumidifier run for a couple of days.
Before returning items to the basement, inspect each of them for mold and
mildew. If you see any mold, make sure to wash off and remove the mold prior to
returning the item to the basement.
Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
To prevent future basement mold growth make sure that the basement stays dry.
If it is moist, basement mold will return sooner than you can imagine. Consider
running a dehumidifier in the room regularly, particular during the hot and
humid times of the year.
Also, make sure that any clothes dryers and basement bathrooms are vented
properly to the outside.
Finally, use a circulating fan in the basement. Basement mold has a difficult
time growing in warm, dry and moving air conditions.
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Related
Basement Remodeling Information
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