Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces and materials, and the best approach for cleaning depends on the material. Some materials are porous, while others have a hard, non-porous surface. For example, drywall is typically a porous material, while paint or primer creates a hard, non-porous finish. Cleaning solutions that are effective on non-porous materials like drywall include bleach, vinegar and commercial cleaners. On porous materials, a stronger solution may be needed, such as a commercial mold remover. If you suspect you have a mold problem in your basement, be sure to contact a local professional for inspection and treatment.
Molds thrive in areas of high moisture, such as Basement Mold. They are also closely linked to respiratory problems in those with preexisting conditions such as asthma. Some species of mold, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, produce mycotoxins, which are a group of chemicals that can cause severe health problems including lung infections and fungal meningitis. In many cases, the symptoms of mold exposure can be similar to those caused by seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion.
If you notice mold in your basement, it is important to take steps to remove it before it gets out of control. The sooner you address the problem, the less damage it will do to your home and your health. To begin the cleaning process, remove as much of the mold as possible from surfaces using a damp sponge or rag. Then, use a mixture of water and bleach to scrub remaining moldy areas.
After scrubbing, rinse the area with water and dry it completely before beginning any other cleaning. If you want to keep the cleaning process as environmentally friendly as possible, try a combination of distilled white vinegar and baking soda, which works just as well to kill mold spores and remove moisture from the surface.
For a more powerful cleaning, you can apply a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution directly to the affected area. Apply it to moldy surfaces and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. If you have a more serious problem, it may be necessary to sand down wood surfaces and repaint the area after cleaning to ensure all of the mold is removed. The last step is to prevent future mold growth by addressing the source of the moisture, such as leaky pipes or basement walls, rotted materials or excessive humidity levels. As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By focusing on preventing mold, you will be able to avoid the time-consuming and costly task of removing it.