How to Clean a Wet Basement

Dehumidifier for a Wet Basement

A wet basement can mean anything from a mildly damp cement floor to an outright flood of one foot or more of water. Clean a wet basement immediately to avoid unhealthy mold and mildew growth and damage to your property. Although this might be a daunting task, it should not be postponed, as the problem will worsen with time. If you are unable to clean your basement by yourself, get help--it's that important.

Things You'll Need

• Sump pump
• Wet/dry vacuum
• Dehumidifier
• Oscillating fan
• Shovel
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Mold-and-mildew cleaning solution

Instructions

1. Remove large amounts of water from the basement floor using a sump pump. Remove lesser amounts of water with a wet/dry vacuum.

2. Shovel silt or mud, if any, from the basement floor, and clean the residue with a wet/dry vacuum.

3. Remove all possessions from the basement so that you have complete access to the basement walls.

4. Open all basement windows, and scrub the walls from top to bottom with a mold-and-mildew cleaning solution and a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse walls with warm water and a sponge. Clean any difficult, thick buildup with a high-pressure washer. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove dirty water from the floor.

5. Close the basement windows and turn on a dehumidifier for 48 hours, or until all moisture is removed from the air. Run an oscillating fan to help dry concrete walls, as they are porous and absorb water.

Tips & Warnings

• Absorb lingering odors by placing charcoal lumps in an open container in the basement.

• Disconnect electricity in the basement until all water is removed. Do not use electrical appliances in the basement until it is safe to do so. People with allergies to mold and mildew should wear a respirator mask while cleaning a wet basement. Wear rubber gloves while using cleaning chemicals. Do not use chlorine bleach on cement, as it only kills germs on surfaces, and cement is porous.

References

• How to Clean Up A Wet Basement
• Cleaning a Basement After a Flood

Resources

• Renovating Your Basement - Moisture Problems