Basement Mold Removal

The low temperature and dampness of this area makes it an ideal breeding ground for mold. Though all types of this fungus are not harmful, black mold and mildew are very dangerous for our health. Growth of mold in the basement causes dispersion of various organic substances like spores, cells, fragments, etc., which pollute the entire indoor environment.

If inhaled, these materials can be potentially risky for the health of children, pets, and even adults, and may cause allergies or respiratory problems like asthma. Removal of this fungus is very important to protect your family from various health hazards.

Peeling of wallpaper or decaying of wood or worn-out paint from the walls, are some common indications of infestation by mold. If you see such indications, you should take up the task to remove it at the earliest so that the problem does not get aggravated further. 

Rub your hands on the walls of the basement to find out if it is wet or not. Many times, the walls get wet due to leakage of water, and this leakage can make the basement ceiling and floor more prone to mold invasion.

If the floor is covered with a carpet, then black mold growth can take place under this area. When furniture is kept in the basement, moisture will get absorbed by their surfaces, and make them an ideal place for molds to flourish.

The first step that needs to be taken is to isolate the basement from the rest of the house so that the fungus does not spread out into other areas of the house. Then, prepare yourself with the proper gear like rubber gloves, goggles, respiratory mask, etc., to shield yourself from the harmful effects of mold.

For the purpose of removal of mold from hard surfaces like glass, metals, or plastic, apply a detergent that does not contain any ammonia, and remove mold by simple scrubbing.

Application of a solution of chlorine bleach and water will be the best option for removing the fungus from tile flooring. Mix one cup of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water. Pour it into a spray bottle, and spread it all over the surface. It is very effective in removing black mold.

If your basement flooring is made up of hardwood, take good quality sandpaper, and rub it over the wooden surface to remove the fungus. After cleaning out the mold from hardwood flooring, apply a good sealant on it, which will help to stop the moisture from further penetration into the hardwood, and attract mold in future.

This fungus cannot be removed from porous surfaces like paper or carpet. When the surface below the basement carpet is infested by mold, you have no choice but to throw out the carpet.

Once you have killed all the mold from the basement area, apply suitable disinfectants. Thoroughly spread them all over the place, and leave it untouched for at least 15 minutes. Make sure that there is enough ventilation when you are disinfecting the basement.

If you discover that your entire basement, starting from the floor up to the ceiling has got covered by mold, it is advisable to hire mold remediation contractors for removing the fungus. It is also important that you prevent further growth of mold in the basement. For this, you have to keep the area in a dry condition.

It may not be an easy task, but you have to take all possible measures to keep the basement in a well-ventilated condition. Moreover, regular inspection of the area can also prevent the growth of mold.