How to test for mold in your basement
If you’re not confident in identifying mold, there are several kits that you can buy to collect a sample and have them sent to a lab for testing — including this inexpensive kit available on Amazon. Simply follow the instructions and place the sample in a pre-addressed envelope to get to the lab.
Though testing is simple, you should immediately take action to stop mold in basement areas even if you just suspect it.
Some molds are technically more damaging than others, but the CDC states all molds should be removed, and the type of mold present in your basement is ultimately irrelevant.
3 steps to get rid of mold in your basement
Step 1: Quickly stop the source of moisture to prevent mold from growing further
Molds can grow quickly and spread throughout your entire home if not dealt with quickly.
If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home, try to fix the source of the problem. If it’s a leaky pipe, a condensation problem with your heating and cooling system, or a crack in a doorway or window, make sure to either repair or have a professional repair it.
If you find mold growing in your home, hire a professional to help you clean it up.
If you are cleaning up, mold yourself. Try to stop the source of the moisture; if you can, fix the source of the problem.
To clean up mold, use a dehumidifier to dry excess humidity and an air scrubber to clean the air.
Step 2: Remove moldy material if possible
For basement cleaning, you might have to contend with mold. Mold is a tough opponent that can make it difficult to clean up because it can spread to other areas.
However, you can make the cleaning process easier by removing the moldy material if possible.
If the mold has damaged a small area of soft or fibrous material like carpet, ceiling tiles, or wall material that’s not load-bearing (such as wood studs or cement), you can remove the material yourself and replace it.
Just be sure to wear protective eyewear and disposable dust masks, gloves, and possibly protective clothing so you can ensure you’re not bringing the mold into your living spaces.
Mold Growth on Wall and Damp Stained Wood Door
Step 3: Clean moldy material that can’t be replaced
They can live on walls, wood, tile, carpet, and more. When a mold problem is found, it is important to remember to protect yourself and remove all mold-infested materials.
This includes clothes, walls, floors, carpets, and furniture. The most common method of removal is using a commercial cleaner.
If using a commercial cleaner, follow the directions and wear the appropriate protective gear.
If you are cleaning an area that cannot be removed, you can use bleach or other disinfectants to kill the mold while wearing the same protective gear mentioned.
Products and tools you’ll need to get rid of mold in basement areas
- Dusk mask or respirator: You don’t need a medical-grade mask or a professional reusable respirator, but some sort of mask will protect you from the damaging effects of mold while working around it.
- Eye protection: If you work on projects that involve mold, keeping your eyes protected is important. If you’re working in a tropical environment, that will make it even more important.
- Disposable gloves: Common household items can become moldy and can cause skin irritation on the hands when someone uses cleaning products. It’s a good idea to protect your hands by wearing gloves.
- Stiff-bristled brush: You can remove mold stains from surfaces such as concrete and stone by using a brush. When choosing a brush, it’s important you choose one with a handle that can withstand pressure.
- Sponge: A disposable shower sponge can be a good way to prevent mold spots from growing in certain areas of your bathroom.
- Mold stain remover: Though not essential for actually removing mold, you’ll likely find a dark stain on the material that the mold was growing on and you’ll want a product to remove it. Plus, removing the old stains can make sure that you recognize new mold growth later.
- Bleach: A solution of 1 cup (8 ounces) of bleach to 1 gallon of water is enough to kill mold on surfaces, according to the CDC.
- Cleaning bucket with measuring marks: Ensure the right measurements for your bleach solution with a good cleaning bucket.
- Spray bottles: Whether used for bleach or one of the more natural solutions discussed below, a spray bottle will help you treat mold spots.
Some About The Unica Construction
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Unica Construction offers a variety of services that they provide to their customers. They offer full basement finishing, plumbing insulation, lighting installation flooring, ceiling, and drywall installation. Besides that, they also offer their customers a full array of materials for the basement finishing. Their customer service is second to none, and they also offer their customers a full satisfaction warranty and a guarantee.
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