Mold Prevention & Treatment Information
For step-by-step instructions on mold treatment, visit the Mold Clean Up and Prevention Instructions page.
Important steps to prevent mold growth after a flood in your house:
Ensure Safety
Before entering your home after a flood, make sure it is safe to do so. Check for structural damage, gas leaks, and electrical hazards. If there are any safety concerns, contact the appropriate authorities or professionals.
Wear Protective Gear
When entering the flooded area, wear protective gear such as rubber gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid direct contact with mold and other contaminants.
Remove Standing Water
Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to remove standing water from your home. The sooner you can eliminate the excess water, the better chances you have of preventing mold growth.
Dry Out Affected Areas
Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to facilitate air circulation and aid in the drying process. Focus on removing moisture from walls, floors, carpets, and any other affected materials. Consider renting professional-grade equipment if necessary.
Discard Damaged Items
Remove and discard any items that cannot be salvaged or thoroughly cleaned, such as waterlogged carpets, insulation, furniture, and other porous materials that are heavily contaminated.
Clean and Disinfect
Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture, using a solution of water and detergent or a specialized mold cleaner. This helps eliminate any existing mold spores and prevents future growth.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Regularly check the humidity levels in your home. Ideally, the humidity should be kept below 50%. You can use a hygrometer to measure humidity and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture if necessary. BEST HYGROMETERS REVIEWED https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/22752800/best-hygrometer
Proper Ventilation
Ensure proper ventilation in your home by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and allowing air to circulate. This helps prevent the buildup of moisture and mold-friendly conditions.
Inspect and Repair Leaks
Check for any plumbing leaks or other sources of moisture in your home. Repair them promptly to prevent ongoing water damage and potential mold growth.
Seek Professional Help
If the flood damage is extensive or you're uncertain about the extent of mold growth, it's advisable to seek professional assistance. Mold remediation specialists can assess the situation, conduct proper testing, and provide effective solutions.
Remember, acting quickly is crucial after a flood to prevent mold growth. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, so it's important to begin the cleanup process as soon as it is safe to do so.
Cleaning Mold
When it comes to cleaning mold in a basement, there are several effective cleaning agents you can use. Here are some of the best mold cleaning agents for use in a basement:
Bleach: A solution of bleach and water is a commonly used and effective method for removing mold. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water and apply it to the affected areas. Keep in mind that bleach may discolor or damage certain materials, so it's important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first and ensure proper ventilation during its use.
Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural and non-toxic option for mold cleaning. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar and spray it directly on the moldy surfaces. Allow it to sit for a few hours, then scrub and wipe clean. Vinegar has a strong odor that dissipates over time.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is another effective and non-toxic option for mold removal. It can kill mold spores on various surfaces. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide, available at most drugstores, and apply it directly to the moldy area. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and wipe clean.
Borax: Borax is a natural mineral compound that can effectively remove mold. Mix one cup of borax with one gallon of water and apply the solution to the moldy surfaces. Scrub the area thoroughly and wipe clean. Borax is a mild skin irritant, so wear gloves and avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Commercial Mold Cleaners: There are various commercial mold cleaning products available on the market. Look for products specifically designed for basement mold removal. Follow the instructions on the product carefully and take appropriate safety precautions.
Bob Villa (of This Old House fame) Website review of mold cleaners 2023
Highly alkaline
Concrobium Mold Control is a patented solution comprised of purified water, sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and trisodium phosphate.
Together, this unique, tri-salt (three salts) polymer is intensely alkaline (not acidic), which holds great advantage over mold.
Steam Cleaning: Regardless of the cleaning agent you choose, always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid direct contact with mold spores. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation in the basement during the cleaning process.
It's worth noting that while these cleaning agents can help remove mold, they may not be sufficient if the mold growth is extensive or if there are underlying moisture issues in the basement. In such cases, it's advisable to consult a professional mold remediation specialist for a thorough assessment and appropriate action.
Steam Cleaning
A steam cleaner can be effective for cleaning mold in a basement. Steam cleaning utilizes high-temperature steam to kill mold spores and remove them from surfaces. The heat from the steam helps to break down the mold and loosen it from porous materials. Most molds are heat-sensitive and destroyed by heat treatments at temperatures of 140-160°F (60-71°C).
How long does it take for steam to kill mold?
According to the journal of occupational and environmental hygiene, it takes at least twelve seconds of steam vapor contact time to achieve over 90% mold reduction on moist carpet.
While steam cleaning will kill mold, it should be combined with other cleaning and maintenance strategies to keep mold at bay. Throwing away moldy items and removing moldy surfaces from the home is essential to removing mold, as is locating and repairing leaks.1
Here's how you can use a steam cleaner to clean mold in a basement:
Ensure safety: Before starting, make sure the area is well-ventilated. Wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from mold spores and steam.
Prepare the steam cleaner: Fill the steam cleaner with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some steam cleaners may require the addition of a cleaning solution specifically designed for mold removal.
Test on a small area: Before treating larger surfaces, test the steam cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration.
Steam clean the moldy areas: Direct the steam cleaner's nozzle to the moldy surfaces, holding it a few inches away. Move the steam cleaner slowly across the affected areas, applying steam for a sufficient amount of time to ensure thorough cleaning.
Scrub and wipe: After steaming, use a brush or sponge to scrub the loosened mold from the surfaces. Wipe the area with a clean cloth to remove any remaining mold debris and moisture.
Dry the area: Properly dry the treated surfaces to prevent the growth of mold. Use fans or dehumidifiers to increase air circulation and aid in drying.
While steam cleaning can be effective for surface-level mold removal, it may not eliminate mold that has deeply penetrated porous materials. If you have extensive mold growth or recurring mold issues in your basement, it's recommended to seek professional mold remediation services to ensure proper assessment and thorough removal of the mold.
Resources
“Does steam cleaning kill mold?”
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-in-basement/
“How to get rid of mold in a basement”
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-in-basement/
“You can control mold” (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/control_mold.htm
“A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home”
https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
Cleaning Mold on Basement Walls: Explains why vinegar is better than bleach.