Getting Rid of Black Mold In the Basement
Black mold removal from home basements and cellars is invariably a problem. They are ideal breeding grounds for mold because they are cold, dark and moist and the perfect location for black mold spores to move into and raise a big family. Since prevention is better than cure, the best defense against mold taking up residency in the first place is to get rid of the conditions where it is able to flourish. Therefore, your first step is to cleanup any mold that may have already set up house in your basement or cellar. Every spore needs to be cleared out without exception. It is important to begin with a fresh clean slate when it comes to the treatment of mold problems successfully.
Cleaning Basement Mold
Removing black mold starts with the mixing of a cleansing solution consisting of one cup of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. To protect against the inhalation of mold spores, you should wear a dust mask to cover your mouth and nose and a good pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands. Put on the bleach water cleansing mix to the surface with a sponge and leave it soak for approximately fifteen minutes before drying off the surface. Any porous materials like wallboards, cardboard or rugs should ideally be disposed of into strong airtight plastic garbage sacks.
Once you are satisfied that all of the mold has been cleaned out of the cellar, you have to take measures to ensure that it does not come back. Preventing black mold in basements is a three-step process.
The three steps are de-cluttering, repairing the origins of any water leakage followed by frequent inspection and maintenance. Since you want easy access to every square inch of wall space, a good clear out of the clutter is the order of the day. You can either pile everything in the middle of the floor or have a good sort out and do away with everything you do not require. As soon as everything has been cleared away from the walls, examine them carefully for any indications of water seepage.
If you discover damp spots on the walls, either treat them with sealant, particularly if you have clinker block walls, or get hold of a professional to take care of the issue for you. It cannot be stressed enough that eliminating the water is the most crucial step in eliminating the mold. You might also look at putting in a dehumidifier for a wet basement which is specifically designed to remove large quantities of moisture from basements.
The last step is to make frequent inspections to stop the mold from recurring. Make a point to wipe down the cellar walls every couple of months with an ammonia or bleach based cleaner. If you do come across any mold, clean it straightaway and then check for water seepage. With careful and constant vigilance, you will be able to keep your basement clear of black mold.
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