How to Prevent Mold & Mildew From Water in a Basement

Because the basement is below the ground, the conditions are typically humid, damp and dark with limited air flow. These conditions are highly conducive to mold and mildew growth. In order to prevent out-of-control mildew and mold growth in the basement from water and moisture, it is important to properly reduce the humidity in the room.

Things You'll Need

• Humidity sensor
• Dehumidifier
• Fan
• Basement waterproofing sealer
• Pipe insulation

Instructions

1. Buy a humidity sensor. InspectAPedia recommends a relative humidity level below 55 percent to prevent mold growth. A humidity sensor allows you to gauge the relative humidity level in your home via a digital readout, much like a thermostat.

2. Drain storm water away from the home. Make sure that the ground outside of your home slopes away from the foundation. Otherwise, water will accumulate beside the house and seep in through the foundation.

3. Apply waterproofing sealer to your basement walls. All exposed brick or concrete should be waterproofed with a commercial sealant. This will prevent moisture from seeping through the walls from the ground.

4. Place a dehumidifier in humid rooms. Depending on the size of your basement, you may wish to use multiple dehumidifiers.

5. Ventilate. Air flow is important to preventing mold growth. Place a fan near constricted areas, such as crawl spaces, to promote ventilation.

6. Insulate pipes. Condensation from pipes may cause water to accumulate behind walls and beneath floor boards. This can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth. Wrap pipes in insulation to prevent condensation.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up mold before it spreads using vinegar and a sponge.

References

• InspectAPedia

Resources

• The Cleaning Frenzy Mold Removal Task Force