Preventing Black Mold in Basements
Gordon


Defined Tag: House mold.


Getting rid of black mold in basements is always a problem. Mold is naturally attracted to basements; they're cool, dark, damp--the perfect place to settle in and raise a family. But the best offense is a defense, and preventing mold from taking up residence in the first place is the best way to keep your basement mold free.

To start with, you want to clean out any black mold that may have already taken up residence in your basement. Don't leave so much as a spore behind. You need a fresh, clean slate to be able to prevent mold effectively. So don your dust mask and grab your bleach and water (1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water is a good ratio for getting rid of black mold) and start cleaning. As you come across porous materials, such as paper or fabric, discard them or place them in airtight plastic garbage bags for reclamation or restoration later on. You don't want any mold left in that basement!
Once you have all the mold out of the basement, it's time to start making sure it doesn't come back. Preventing black mold in basements is a three-step process: 1) removing clutter, 2) removing water, and 3) regular maintenance and check-ups.

First, you want to declutter. You need to be able to easily access every square inch of wall space. This may mean creating new storage solutions, piling everything in the middle of the room, or simply getting rid of the whole shebang.

Once you can reach the walls, you need to check for water seepage. If you find damp spots on the walls, either treat them with sealant (especially if you have cinder block walls) or contact a professional to take care of the problem for you. Getting rid of the water is a very important step in getting rid of the mold.

Finally, regular checkups prevent mold from recurring. At least once every two months, wipe down the basement walls with a bleach or ammonia based cleaner. (Never combine the two!) If you see mold, clean it immediately and check for water seepage. The key to preventing black mold in basements is constant vigilance. Never let your guard down!

Find out more by reading our other articles on this topic and other subjects we have written related to it.