How to Keep Mold Out of a Wet Basement
Mold is a fungus that grows and thrives in moist spaces, specifically in bathrooms and basements. There are several different kinds of molds that can be found indoors and outdoors. Some mold is found to be beneficial---such as the mold that makes up penicillin---while others---such as black mold---are highly toxic. Mold spores can be inhaled, thus making you ill. Getting rid of mold in your basement will help keep you healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Weather stripping
- Thick plastic
- Staple gun
- Polyurethane crack repair kit
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Dust mask
- Bleach
- Water
- Sponge
Instructions
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Identify any cracks or openings in the foundation or basement windows. Rainwater and other elements enter your home through tiny openings, adding moisture into your basement and creating an idealistic environment for mold growth.
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Clean the area you are planning to seal. Use a strong disinfectant, such as bleach mixed with water. Wipe it over the surface using an all-purpose sponge.
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Seal off all basement windows. Apply weather stripping in between the openings in the windows. Spread thick plastic over the inside of the windows and staple into place, creating a thick barrier. If you have window wells, install window well covers on the outside of each window.
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Find any cracks in the foundation of your walls and floor. Use the bleach solution to thoroughly clean the area around the crack.
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Seal the cracks with the polyurethane solution. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying information. Polyurethane is ideal for sealing concrete cracks, because it expands deep into the cracks before it dries. This allows it to fully seal the inside and outside of the crack.
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Install a dehumidifier in the basement. Select a model that is ideal for the size of your basement. Large basements require large capacity humidifiers. The humidifier will keep the basement dry, eliminating future mold growth.
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Remove any carpeting that is installed in the basement. Carpet absorbs moisture and may be saturated easily, carrying a higher risk of mold growth. Identifying mold in carpeting is difficult, because of the texture and color. Often, the first indication of mold growth in carpet may be the musty, mildewy smell that emanates from it.
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Check any appliances you have running in your basement. If you have an additional refrigerator or freezer in your basement, empty any drain pans, to decrease sitting water. Ensure that your dryer is vented to the outside, eliminating additional humidity.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gear---including goggles, gloves and a dust mask. This will help decrease the risk of coming in direct contact with harmful mold spores.
References
Resources
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