How to Kill Mold on Concrete
Mold growth is common on concrete in damp areas, such as basements. Mold is a problem not only because it gives off a distinctive, unpleasant odor, but also because it is a health hazard. For this reason, getting rid of mold can be a serious matter. In some cases, mold control should be performed by specialists who own the right kind of equipment and who know how to get rid of mold safely. In many other cases, however, the homeowner can take care of minor mold problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dust mask
- Protective gloves
- Water
- Soap or detergent (not ammonia-based)
- Clean 2-gallon bucket
- Hard-bristled push broom
- Sponge mop
- Household bleach
Instructions
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Put on a dust mask and protective gloves. Mix warm water and detergent or soap in a clean bucket. The amount of detergent or soap to use will vary depending on the product so follow the directions on the label.
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2
Pour enough of this solution to thoroughly wet the floor. Scrub the concrete with a push broom. This will loosen mold spores and dirt from the surface.
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3
Empty the bucket of sudsy water into a sink. Refill it halfway with clean water. Go over the wet concrete surface with a dry sponge mop. Rinse it often in the clean bucket of water.
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4
Ventilate the area. Empty the bucket again and then refill it with 10 parts clean water and 1 part household bleach.
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5
Dip the mop head in the bleach and water solution. Mop the entire concrete floor. This will kill any remaining, live mold spores.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, you can use this instead of the sponge mop to clean up the soapy water. For concrete walls, the mold-killing process is the same. Just use a hand-held scrub brush and sponge instead of a mop. For basements and other areas with dampness problems, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to keep mold from thriving.
Make absolutely certain the detergent or soap you use prior to using bleach does not contain ammonia. When bleach mixes with ammonia (even a trace), toxic fumes are released. Mold can cause serious illness in some people. Because even dead spores can cause problems, severe household mold issues should always be handled by professionals.
