How to Clean my Crawlspace
A crawl space is an area between the floors that houses the household piping and allows access for repairs. Some people use the area for household storage. Over time, the crawl space becomes a magnet for dirt, mold and moisture. Humidity issues, even snow in the crawl space, are common. Cleaning a crawl space and keeping it clean and dry are a matter of using a number of maintenance techniques. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Cement
- Dehumidifier
- Brush
- Bucket
- Water
- Bleach
- Mask
- Goggles
- Plastic
Instructions
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Remove earth or consider covering earthen floors in the crawl space. If sweeping out the soil in your crawlspace, to reduce the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is not possible, insert a cement slab to cover the earth and provide a protective barrier. Consult a professional contractor to see if this is feasible in your home.
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Consider a dehumidifier specifically designed for crawl space use. Available online and from heating and cooling specialists, crawl space dehumidifiers keep the area dry. The less water vapor in the crawl space, the less chance of developing toxic molds that can affect the health of your family.
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3
Use a plastic hard-bristled scrub brush and a bucket of bleach water solution to remove mold caused by dampness from the wood beams and joists in your crawl space. Bleach kills the mold as it sterilizes the wood. Always wear a dust mask and safety goggles when working with chemicals in a confined space.
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4
Call a mold removal company for cleaning of toxic mold in your crawl space. If a flashlight inspection reveals black mold spores on the floor joists in your crawlspace, it is time to call in the professionals. Some molds are reasonably harmless but others can cause serious damage to your health and should only be handled by professionals.
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5
Determine whether insulating or venting the crawlspace would improve the air quality. Depending on the crawl space's location and the climate of the region, summer venting and winter insulation can reduce the build up of moisture in a crawl space. Consult a contractor to determine whether this would be a viable option for your home.
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Encapsulate a crawl space and create a permanent moisture barrier. Careful placement of thick plastic sheeting is one way of encapsulating the crawl space. There are several commercial products on the market that claim to prevent dangerous molds, toxins, radon gas, even insects from entering your home through the crawl space.
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