When you ask a person to think of a basement, there is a good chance that the basement they envision is not too inviting. They likely think of a dark, unfinished, damp place filled with boxes, furniture that's in poor condition, and a water heater in a corner somewhere. Needless to say, basements are not typically comfy places. If you were to ask someone what smell they associated with basements, it would not be too surprising for them to describe an old, and musty smell. That is the smell of mold.
The sad truth is that mold and basements go together like peanut butter and jelly. A basement has all of the right conditions necessary for being a mold breeding ground if the right preventative measures are not put in place. If you have a basement and are worried that there might be mold growth, then here is everything you need to know about why mold grows in basements, how you can take care of any mold in yours, and how you can prevent future growth.
What's the Big Deal?
You may be wondering why it's a big deal for mold to be in your basement. After all, if every basement in the world smells like and has mold, then it can't be that bad of a problem, right? Wrong. Mold is a highly destructive force on a home if it is allowed to grow unchecked. Sequestering it to the basement will do nothing to stop it from spreading to the rest of your home.
Making things worse is the fact that mold is a corrosive substance that will eat away at the wooden foundation of your home, ruin your walls and ceiling, and even endanger your family's health. Mold is not a threat to take lightly.
Health Risks of Mold Exposure
Most molds in the world are relatively harmless to humans. However, mildew and black mold can be massively harmful for numerous reasons. First of all, mold is a fungus, not a bacteria. However, that does not mean that it cannot make you sick. Mold spreads by emitting microscopic spores. When you inhale those spores they make their way into your respiratory system and can make you quite sick.
Mold exposure causes a litany of possible ailments as follows:
- Labored breathing
- coughing
- sneezing
- wheezing
- watery eyes
- rashes
- dry skin
These are the main symptoms that you can look out for. What makes it worse is that simple antibiotics will not work because mold is not a bacteria, but a fungus. If you don't take mold seriously then you are potentially putting your home and family at risk.
Identifying Mold in Your Basement
If you are going to get rid of mold in your basement then you have to be able to recognize what mold looks like and where to find it. Here are the signs you need to look for to find mold.
Damp or Musty Smell
As previously mentioned, the smell that basements are most known for is the old musty smell. This is the signature smell of mold growth. The area where the smell is the strongest is the most likely spot where the mold is growing.
Black Spots Or Stains
Take a look at the walls or the carpet of your basement. If there are dark spots, splotches, or staining that is of an unsightly manner then you are very likely looking at mold growth. If you are seeing such staining then you are seeing mold and from here on you need to take precautions. Wear a respirator if you have one available to you so you do not inhale any mold spores. If you do not have access to a respirator then at least wear a facial covering of some kind.
Bubbling Paint or Peeling Wallpaper
Another sign of mold growth that is not so visible at first is that of bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper. These are signs that the mold has made its way into your walls and worked its way between your paint/wallpaper and the wall itself. Behind that bubbling or painterly wallpaper is likely a thick layer of mold.
Humidity Above 50%
Humidity is one of the chief causes of mold. This is because mold requires moisture and a supply of nutrients in order to thrive. Mold levels above 50% are ideal for mold growth because are past what is recommended for any home. When your home is overly humid there tends to be water accumulation, particularly on the walls.
Condensation on Windows/Leaky Pipes
If your basement has windows then there is a good chance that at some point there will be condensation on those windows due to temperature differences. When there is condensation, there is a good chance for mold to grow because that condensation on your window provides the moisture/nutrient combo necessary to facilitate mold growth.
The basement is also the location of numerous pipes in your home, often the location of your home's water heater. Where there are pipes there is the possibility that one of them has a leak. Whether through being loose, damaged due to use/materials, or improper installation, a leaky pipe is one of the worst catalysts for mold growth because it is often out of sight and out of mind long enough to give the mold a chance to grow. If you have your washing machine in your basement, then the chances only increase that mold growth can occur.
Allergy Symptoms After Visiting Basement
If you are not one to experience allergy-like symptoms but have been experiencing them since a trip to the basement, then that is a sign that you have likely been exposed to mold. In this particular case, you should speak with a doctor because mold exposure has a laundry list of symptoms, and they can all start small before becoming serious.
Preventing Mold Growth In Basements
When it comes to mold growth in your basement, the best offense is a good defense. Mold growth can get out of control in a basement unless you put in the work to make sure that the mold cannot grow in the first place. Here are the steps you need to take to prevent mold growth.
Declutter
Basements are notorious for being cluttered. This is because they are often out of sight and out of mind. As a result of that, people feel less inclined to keep things organized. But too much clutter can become the perfect place for mold to hide. By decluttering your basement you are removing that hiding place. On top of that, you are helping to create a more open space in your basement, which can improve ventilation and make it more difficult for mold to grow.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your basement clean will help you remove any potential nutrients for mold to feed on. Weekly cleanings are all it takes.
Clean Any Spills
If you spill any liquid in your basement then you should make sure to clean it immediately. This will prevent any additional moisture from potentially growing mold.
Repair Any Leaks Immediately
Go through your basement and inspect all pipes and water fixtures, including your water heater and your washing machine. Look for any leaks that may be present. If you find a leak or a loose pipe it is on you to repair the leak immediately. Once the leak is repaired it can no longer be a mold threat.
Don't Keep Plants in the Basement
Not only is the basement a terrible place for plants to thrive, but the soil is also a breeding ground for mold. When the plant eventually dies due to not receiving enough sunlight, mold will grow and feed on the plant before moving on to the rest of the basement.
Additional Prevention Tips
- Avoid installing carpet.
- If your dryer is in the basement, vent it outside.
- Install a basement exhaust fan.
- Regularly inspect your basement for all prior mold causes.
Removing Mold From Basements
The Right Tools
If you are going to get rid of mold in your basement then you need to have the right tools. These are the tools you need to clean up mold in your basement:
- Rubber gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Face mask (preferably a respirator)
- Soft-bristled scrub brush
- Spray bottle
- Towel
Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning up the mold in your basement is not difficult in principle. The part that can sometimes be tricky is picking the right cleaning solution for you. Plenty of people will recommend using bleach to clean up mold, but the truth is that bleach can be overkill in most cases and can be destructive when used on porous surfaces. That is not to say bleach cannot be used, just that it is best used on synthetic, non-porous surfaces. We will start with the most commonly known household cleaner that works like a charm on mold. That would be the ever-popular vinegar solution.
- Solution of 70% water and 30% white vinegar
- Concrobium Mold Killer
- Steam Cleaner
The Basic Cleaning Process
To clean mold from your basement, you first look at the afflicted area and apply your cleaning solution to it. Allow the cleaning solution to set up for roughly ten minutes. Then take your soft-bristled scrub brush and scrub the mold from the afflicted area. Then take your dry towel and wipe the surface until it dries. Place a box fan nearby to help the surface dry completely if necessary.
Remove Any Contaminated Materials
If your basement was hit by a flood or your furniture has been affected by mold damage, you need to understand when it may be a better idea to throw away the materials that have been compromised simply. For example, if you have a couch that has been hit with heavy water damage and mold is growing on it, you could, in theory, deep clean it and potentially get rid of the mold. However, there is no guarantee that you would actually get rid of the mold. It may be a better idea to scrap the couch altogether.
A Word of Advice
Getting rid of mold in a basement can be a big job. If you find mold growth exceeding ten square feet, the EPA recommends calling in a water damage and mold damage expert to clean your mold-afflicted basement. This is the best course of action as an expert will know how best to handle your basement's mold problem in a timely manner with all the right tools and training.
