How to Remove Mold in the Cellar
The cellar can be a breeding ground for mold. If you notice mold in your cellar, you should get rid of it immediately. Mold can quickly spread and is unhealthy. Certain forms of mold--black mold in particular--can cause severe illness. Fortunately, you don't have to buy a new house just because of mold. You can remove mold in the cellar and work toward preventing it from returning. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Face mask
- Gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
- Soap and water
- Sponge
- Bleach
- Detergent with borate
Instructions
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Wear protective clothing when dealing with mold in the cellar. Because mold can cause illness, you should be sure to protect yourself when looking for and taking care of mold. A face mask can prevent you from breathing in mold spores and long sleeves and gloves can protect your skin.
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2
Search your cellar for signs of mold. It grows in damp areas, which is why the cellar is the most likely place to find it in your home. Mold can be white, black or blue. You may see areas of discoloration in the cement. If there is wood in the cellar, look for areas where it is warping. Follow your nose. You may be able to find the mold simply by smelling it.
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3
Move items from your cellar temporarily. As you clean the mold, it can release spores that can land on items in your basement, causing new problems. Old furniture and cardboard boxes are particularly susceptible to mold.
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Repair any water leaks because they cause mold to form.
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Scrub the moldy area with soapy water. After this, apply bleach to the area twice, with 20 minutes between applications. The bleach helps kill the mold. After that, apply a detergent that contains borate. Do not wash this off. It will prevent mold from returning.
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Use a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity in the cellar. Mold grows in humid areas and the cellar is often humid. A dehumidifier can prevent new mold growth.
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Tips & Warnings
If the mold in your cellar covers more than 10 square feet, you should call a mold remediation company. Such a large amount of mold can signify more serious problems, and it's important that an expert fully assess your problem. Failure to do so could result in health problems for your family.
