Mold in Basement
Mold in Basement, if there was ever something that could destroy your home, the culprit would be mold.
It can if unchecked literally bring your home to total destruction. If that sounds alarming to you then good, it’s a great wake up call. Of course you can prevent and help to prevent this from happening to you.
If you live in a flood zone, you know all about basement mold, and have probably experienced the worst it has to offer. Here in the mid-west, just north of Chicago, there is a river that continues to over flow almost every year.
Any home along its banks will fill their basements with water, and of course that leads to mold in a very short time.
Moisture
- This is the cause of all molds,
- Humidity and condensation
- Leaking pipes
- Filled gutters and downspouts
- Bad landscaping
- Bad drainage
Every one of these is cause for Mold in Basement. With the presence of moisture, the mold spores can take hold and feed on most objects in your basement. From the carpeting and furniture to the dry wall, and wood rafters, as well as any clothing you store. All are subject to molds insatiable appetite.
Stopping Mold
Finding the source for all of the moisture is number one. If you have leaking pipes, get them repaired.
If the down spouts on your eaves are blocked and causing water to overflow and then drain into the basement, get them cleaned out and working properly.
You may have a crack in your foundation that is causing the moisture, if so; get in the right contractor to solve that problem.
Maybe the drains are not working because they are plugged, get them cleaned out and back working for you. Whatever the reason for moisture is, find it and get it stopped.
Once you have solved that, you can turn your attention to remediation. What’s this?
Remediation is when a company comes in to clean up the Mold in Basement. If you have to do this yourself, here are the steps to take.
Clean and dry everything in your home. Use heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers to get the moisture out.
Anything wet, remove from your home. This means clothing, carpeting, furniture, dry wall, paneling etc. you get the idea, anything wet remove completely. Do not replace any items until the home is completely dried out.
Take the time to wash-down everything with detergents that have enzymes in them. Your powdered detergent is one; my other recommendation is Bio-Green-Clean.
This is a plant based product that will munch its way right through any mold that you have. Of course the standard is a cup of bleach to a gallon of water; use your gloves for all of these processes.
Let all surfaces dry completely before returning any of your items. You’re Mold in Basement problems should now be over, enjoy!
Let’s talk about the health problems that mold can cause.
Of course respitory problems are number one. If you have asthma you know what I’m talking about here, mold can cause a very bad reaction. Some people only need a few spores to kick off a reaction most of us however need a great deal more to have any kind of reaction. Those most at risk are
- Infants and small children
- The elderly
- Anyone with a compromised immune system
- Existing respitory problems and those with allergies
If you feel you are at risk, then consult with your physician.
Want to know how to keep the basement clean? watch this video.
Useful resources
Mold in Basement and Bathroom Mold are great resources read more
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