Dealing with Basement Mold: Prevention, Detection, and Remediation
Mold is an unpleasant and dangerous problem for anyone living in a home. It grows in moist environments and releases spores that contaminate indoor air. The spores can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, rashes, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upsets and other health issues. Those with compromised immune systems may have much more serious and even life-threatening problems from exposure to mold spores.
The first step to resolving your Basement Mold problem is to find the source of the growth and stop it. The next is to clean the affected areas. For this, you need to remove any organic material that’s grown on the walls and use a cleaning solution that will kill the mold.
Porous surfaces like drywall and insulation can be cleaned with a solution of water and mildewcide, undiluted bleach or 3% hydrogen peroxide. Mix the solution well and spray it on the infested surface. Let it sit for a minute or so before scrubbing with a sponge, brush or other scrubber. If the drywall or insulation is heavily damaged or infested with severe mold, it’s best to call in a professional.
Objects such as furniture, carpeting and cardboard boxes should be removed from the affected area and stored in another part of the house until they can be cleaned or disposed of. It’s important to move any organic material away from the mold-covered walls, since these are the preferred food for fungus colonies. This is particularly important for the genus Aspergillus, which generates mycotoxins that can be harmful to humans.
Mold spores are everywhere, but they can only grow when conditions are right for them. This includes a plentiful supply of moisture, high humidity and warm temperatures – all of which are common in basements. The spores are released into the air and can circulate throughout your entire house, where they can settle in new areas as conditions become favorable for their growth.
To minimize the dangers of mold, it’s important to stop the growth and to control the humidity in the basement. The best way to do this is to eliminate leaks, ventilate attics and crawl spaces, route water away from the foundation of the house and keep basements dry.
A dehumidifier and fan will help to circulate the air and keep it as dry as possible. It’s also a good idea to have your indoor air quality tested for excessive levels of mold spores, which can indicate a hidden infestation that you won’t be able to see with the naked eye. A professional mold testing company can perform this service for you safely. A professional will be able to recommend the most effective preventative measures for your home. These steps will not only prevent the recurrence of Basement Mold, but will also make your home a safer and healthier environment for everyone living in it.
