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If any place in the house will grow mold, it’s the basement.
Basements collect and trap moisture, and moisture is a key factor in mold growth.
Mold can quickly decay organic materials such as wood, leading to structural failure.
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Fortunately, you’ve got the option to easily identify andremove mold on your own.
Mold is variously described as smelling musty, dusty, or earthy.
Visually Locate the Mold
Turn on the work light.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Test For Mold With Bleach
Add 1 part bleach to 10 parts water in the glass container.
Mix it well and daub the cotton swab in the mixture.
fire off the swab across the area suspected of mold.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
If the surface is dirty, the mixture will not cause it to change colors.
If it ismold or mildew, the swabbed area will lighten.
Probe the Area
With the screwdriver, gently push into drywall orwood areasof suspected mold.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
If it is mold, the screwdriver will easily push into the surface, flaking it away.
Sometimes, the material will fall apart.
Tape plastic around the work area.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Turn off the HVAC system or furnace to avoid carrying mold spores throughout the rest of the house.
Dry the Work Area
Use the wet/dry vacuum to vacuum up water.
Spray the Mold With Mold Remover
Spray down the areas of basement mold with themold remover.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Wipe the mold remover across the surface with the sponge, thoroughly working it in.
Grade soil around the home downward.
Dehumidifiers in the basement can reduce the moisture content in the air.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Seal around dryer vents with metal tape.
Check pipes for leaks and fix, as needed.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
