How to Remove Basement Mold

Simple steps for Identifying and Removing Basement Mold

By Mark J. Donovan




 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.

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.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.		  Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet

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.

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.

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.

For more help on Basement Additions, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Basement Remodeling Bid sheet. The Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet will help ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your basement remodeling project is done correctly and you get the project finished on time and budget.

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