Things You'll Need:
- Spatula
- Chlorine bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Water
- Sponge
- Brush
- Fan
- Garbage bags
- Mold-killing product
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Step 1
Check for sources of water (or moisture) in the basement. These can range from leaking pipes, a washing machine, high humidity, or water seeping in through the floors or walls. Eliminate the reason moisture has formed. It is of little use to treat mold if it grows back again.
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Step 2
Scrape off any visible mold with a spatula. Use a non-metallic spatula if mold has formed on wood paneling in order to avoid scratching the wood.
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Step 3
Create a solution of chlorine bleach, laundry detergent and water. If the surface is made of concrete, mix one cup of bleach and one-half cup of detergent for each gallon of water. If the wall has wood paneling, first try a weaker solution consisting of only one-half cup of bleach (or no bleach at all), and the same amount of detergent.
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Step 4
Apply the solution to a small portion of the surface to see if it has any adverse effect. This is particularly important if a moldy wall is made of wood. If no adverse effect occurs, scrub hard to remove the mold's roots. Use a sponge for walls made of wood. Use a sponge or brush for walls or floors made of concrete.
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Step 5
Rinse off the area you cleaned. Scrub and rinse again for stubborn mold.
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Step 6
Place mold in heavy-duty garbage bags. Remove bags from basement immediately.
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Step 7
Allow the basement to completely dry. Place fans in basement to help the drying process. Consider installing a ceiling fan to improve the basement's ventilation.
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Step 8
Use a commercial mold-killing agent when all else fails. Thee products can be purchased at most hardware stores.
