So, you’ve discovered that you not only have water damage in your basement, but also the unfortunate occurrence of mold as well. Whether from a leaking pipe, drainage issues, or a malfunctioning appliance, water damage that causes mold is never a fun experience. Don’t panic, there are several ways to safely resolve this problem without spending substantial amounts of money on professional assistance. Here’s a Do It Yourself tutorial on how to safely remove mold from your basement.
What You Will Need for Mold Removal
Before beginning, ensure your safety with the following items:Â
– Plastic sheeting
– Spray bottles
– Sponges or old cloths
– Paper towels
– 5-gallon buckets
– Rubber or latex gloves
– Dehumidifier
– A form of respiration and eye protection, such as goggles and dust masks
– Cleaning agents can vary depending on which solution you choose to use
Remove the Source of Water
After gathering these items, find the source of water that is causing the mold and eliminate that issue. If professional assistance is needed, wait until they tackle the job to start the removal process.
Prepare the Area for Cleaning
Be sure to cover door openings and air conditioning vents near the affected area with the plastic sheets to prevent the spread of mold spores throughout your house, for ventilation and access to fresh air, open a window too. Place a fan near or in the window and face it either outside or towards the ceiling to help the air to circulate better and to eliminate moisture. Lastly, always wear gloves and eye protection when dealing with the mold and keep a dehumidifier running to help dry out your basement.
Once these steps are done, choose one of the following solutions to quickly remove mold in your basement.
Natural Ways to Remove Basement Mold
There are several different natural solutions that are capable of removing mold. Using these alternatives allows you to still successfully eliminate your basement mold without the use of harmful chemicals.
Some of these solutions are:
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a common and effective household cleaner, which is why it works wonders when it comes to removing mold. Simply pour the white vinegar right over the mold, let it sit for at least five minutes, and then diligently scrub with an old cloth or sponge.
Tea-Tree Oil & Water
Mixing tea-tree oil with water is another effective and easy way to remove mold. Tea-tree oil is a natural fungicide, meaning it attacks and cleanses mold. To use as a mold remover, mix the oil with water in a spray bottle, thoroughly spray the moldy area, and scrub the area until the mold vanishes.
Grapefruit Seed Extract & Water
The acidic properties of grapefruit have a 2 in 1 functionality, as they both remove and prevent the formation of mold.
Mix grapefruit seed extract with water in a spray bottle, generously soak the area with the concoction, let it sit for at least five minutes, then wipe and gently scrub the previously moldy surface.
Hydrogen Peroxide & Water
Hydrogen peroxide is another common household cleaner that easily removes mold. Simply mix hydrogen peroxide with water, apply the solution to the affected surface, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, and then wipe the remainder of the solution from the area.
If there is mold still visible afterward, try applying more solution and gently scrubbing as well.
Borax & Water
Borax is a bit more toxic than the other natural solutions listed, but safer than other stronger solutions. To use this alternative, mix a cup of Borax with one gallon of water in a large bucket. Generously dip a sponge into the mixture and scrub the moldy areas until the mold disappears.
Once the mold is eliminated, you do not have to rinse the surface, as Borax is safe to leave on surfaces.
Removing Mold in Your Basement Using Chemicals
Depending on the severity of the mold, a stronger solution might be required to get the job done. Here are a few stronger solutions to eliminate your basement mold:
Bleach
Bleach is an affordable, effective way to kill all existing mold and spores. However, it cannot be used on fabrics or carpets.
To use it, combine a quart of water with a half of a cup of bleach. Apply the mixture to the moldy areas and gently scrub until all mold is removed. Use either a scrub brush or a sponge to do so. Once the mold is gone, dry the area by wiping with a paper towel, but do not rinse, so that the bleach can kill the remainder of the mold or spores.
Concrobium
Concrobium is a less toxic alternative to bleach and is an EPA approved mold removal. When sprayed on moldy areas, it ultimately kills mold spores while also reducing the chances of future mold growth. In addition, it can be used on most surfaces, including wood, drywall, and even plastic. Concrobium can be found at most hardware stores, like Lowe’s and Home Depot, and even Amazon.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help!
Although you can do so yourself, remember that it is extremely important to remove the entirety of the mold as quickly, safely and effectively as possible, meaning some situations do require professional services.
For example, if there is more mold than expected that has spread to places you cannot properly clean, it is best to get professional help. Mold can create multiple different health issues, from coughing and nasal congestion, to asthma and throat irritation, when it releases microscopic scores into the air. It’s always wise to ask if professional mold removal services are needed before attempting to remove the mold yourself.
However, many mold situations can generally be taken care of without costly, professional intervention, so put these tips to good use!
Need Professional Raleigh Mold Removal Services?
Some mold situations are too extreme to handle, which is why it is best to call our experienced Raleigh mold removal specialists if this case arises. Not only can we thoroughly remove the mold in your crawl space or basement and purify your home’s air, but also repair the conditions that spurred the mold growth with our crawl space sealing and basement waterproofing services.
Don’t wait to eliminate mold within your home, contact our team today to schedule a consultation! Call us at 919-847-7072 or fill out our online contact form.