Basement Mold Cleanup

Mold growth results in slimy, stained mildew, which can release spores in the air and cause allergy and breathing problems among humans and pets. Symptoms like frequent coughing, cold, chest congestion, throat congestion sore throat, asthma attacks and sinus problems are related to basement mold growth.

1. Look for mold in your own by scanning the wet areas which are conducive to mold growth. Look at places like the ceilings floors, basement walls etc and cardboard boxes within the basement. Mold can be in the form of green, white, black and yellow growth and can have a slimy, furry texture and a musky odor.
2. Spray water on the surface to dampen mold and mildew areas. This will make these spores wet and prevent them from being transmitted in the air.
3. Use a scrubber to remove hard, non porous surfaces like countertops, shower tiles , concrete floors with ammonia-free detergent and water. Then, you can use a plastic bristled scrub brush to make the mold loose without scratching fragile surfaces.
4. Dilute ½ cup of bleach in a gallon full of water. You can apply the solution to surface that had been previously infested with mold growth for about 15 minutes to effectively disinfect the surfaces. Then add an extra cup of bleach to disinfect the concrete and wood surfaces.
5. Fix plumbing leaks, clean spills and check other forms of water leakage. This will prevent future mold growth. You can run a dehumidifier to take care of excess moisture from the air to create an environment that will resist mold and mild growth. Clean mold prone areas with a disinfectant regularly to keep mold growth to a minimum to prevent future growth.
6. Dispose carpets, ceiling tiles and other absorbent material that allow molds to growth. Absorbent material traps in mold, which can be difficult to remove; the best thing to do is to dispose it off. You can wash towels, launder clothing and such other fabrics in detergent and water. Remove extra stains after washing and before drying, you can apply some lemon juice and salt to the stain. You can also get a hidden area of the fabric tested to avoid the shirt or skirt from getting bleached.
7. It is important to ventilate the room and the house while disinfecting. For this, you can run a dehumidifier and large fans. Also keep a cloth facemask and a ventilator while cleaning mildew and mold to prevent breathing in mold spores.
8. Borox is known to be a natural cleanser that is used to clean toilets and sinks. You can remove mold from basement walls or furniture by mixing borax with water. Use one gallon of water and 1 cup of borax and mix them together. Dip a brush in the solution and use a scrubber to clean the item with it, till the mold has been removed totally. Then wipe the mold with paper towels.