People exposed to mold in their homes can develop allergies, sinus infections, skin rashes, headaches, memory problems and asthma symptoms. Mold is common in basements, which provide a hospitable environment for fungal spores. Mold thrives in damp, low-light, warm areas. A musty smell coming from your basement indicates the presence of mold. Protect yourself and family from the harmful effects of moldy basements.
- Garbage bag
- Dehumidifier
- Detergent
- Brush
- Steel wool
- Buckets
- Towels
- Bleach
- Spray bottle
- Fans
- Air conditioner
- HEPA vacuum
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Mask
Check over your basement thoroughly. Look for discoloration on boxes, walls, ceilings, clothes and furniture. Remove moldy boxes, clean any clothes and wipe off your furniture. Move the furniture to the middle of the room if you must clean the walls. Remove the furniture from the basement when mold is growing on the flooring.
Open any windows in the basement and close the door to the rest of the house to prevent contaminating the home. Clean up your mold problem on a sunny, rain-free day. Place a dehumidifier in the basement.
Clean all surfaces with an ammonia-free detergent diluted in a bucket of water. Remove as much of the mold as you can with brushes, steel wool and towels. Use a white towel to see how much mold you are lifting up.
Dilute 8 ounces of bleach per one gallon of water. Spray down all surfaces. Wipe up the bleach with towels.
Allow the basement to dry by placing fans in the room. Turn your air conditioner to high. When your basement is dry, use a HEPA vacuum, one with a special filter to catch fine dust particles, on all surfaces. Follow the directions accordingly, but spend at least one minute per a square inch of basement.
Dry everything with towels. Continue to promote air circulation until the basement is completely dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash all towels, rags and clothing into a separate load of laundry.
- Wear goggles, mask and gloves when removing mold.
