Having a mold infestation in your basement is scary stuff. Especially if the mold is in a state of growth due to humidity and other conditions in your basement, you could be in big trouble.
Respiratory illness, headaches, dizziness, and even seizures can all be triggered by inhaling mold particles. In case you suspect you might have a mold infestation in your basement, here are some helpful tips and advice you can use to get rid of it.
1. Assess the Air In Your Home
Mold cannot grow without high humidity and dark, dank conditions. Basements tend to have this in abundance because they are built underground. The first thing you need to do to prevent and stop the growth of mold in your basement is to buy a dehumidifier.
You can find one for about $100 that will suck the excess moisture out of even a large basement. This will eliminate the conditions for mold growth. You also need to eliminate any condensation or leaks you find in your basement.
2. Kill the Mold
After you’ve fixed the air in your basement it’s time to find and kill the existing mold. Make sure to wear a mask, goggles, and protective equipment when performing this step.
A lowes stair handrail will come in handy here as you try to work your way down to the basement to find the mold. Check the walls, the flooring, and everywhere you can think of for mold. If your insulation has mold on it, throw it away and buy new insulation.
If you suspect your basement has been infested with mold for any length of time, you may just want to do a full wipe-down. Put together a mold-killing solution of either diluted bleach, undiluted vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.
Spray down every inch of your basement and wipe it thoroughly with the solution. If the mold was just surface level, this should be enough to do the trick.
3. Contact the Mold Remediation Pros
There are a few situations in which you might need to contact the pros if you have mold. If the mold odor is intense, you suspect your HVAC might be contaminated with mold, or you think the mold may have spread into the walls, you need professional help.
Some of these situations require special equipment, know-how, and evacuation of the home. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to eradicate the mold completely, it’s best to get some help.
Eliminate Mold as Soon as You Suspect It
Don’t wait to address a mold problem. Every second you delay means another breath of air filled with mold spores that enter your body and wreak havoc on everything from your lungs to your brain. You can try the mold-killing method we mentioned here, especially if you live in a wood Frame Construction house which is prone to mold growth.
If you think the task at hand is bigger than you, however, do not hesitate to call up a professional mold-removal team and ensure that every speck of mold in your home is eliminated for good.
Mandy Lee is a contributor to Innovative Construction Materials. She is a blogger and content writer for the building materials industry. Mandy is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.