As humans, we are smart enough to find solutions to problems. We first identify the problem and then collect data to help us make a decision and propose a solution.

Many types of organisms can cause diseases, and the ways they infect and affect humans vary greatly. However, not many of us consider the health hazards of mold.

Mold growth

Mold survives in humid places. They can reproduce asexually and reproduce rapidly. Especially when the environment is favorable. Bacteria such as mold cannot survive in a dry environment. Moisture is a key requirement for mold growth or reproduction, but the good news is that moisture is also the simplest requirement for all of us to control.

The mold in the basement can be a destructive invader. Before the naturally occurring mold spores start to grow rapidly, only a little water is needed. Coupled with the low airflow in the basement, moisture can easily lead to mold growth and may damage your health and property.

Getting rid of mold in the basement is a daunting task, and it is difficult to know when to call in professionals and what you can handle reasonably. This guide will guide you step by step to understand the knowledge of mold in the basement, the steps to eliminate mold and provide you with some useful suggestions.

How is the basement moldy?

Mold is a natural way for the environment to break down organic debris, and tiny mold spores are everywhere. When mold spores come into contact with a wet surface, they either start to grow or try to decompose the objects growing on them, such as natural fibers and untreated wood.

There are different types of molds, but once the characteristics of each mold are known, it is easy to identify them. Know where to find it easily. Mold usually grows when HVAC condenses, leaks in pipes, or produces moisture in unsealed basement walls. By checking around the HVAC unit, under elevated pipes, and at the intersection of the basement wall and the ground, you can usually find where the mold settles and begins to grow.

Common types of basement molds

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) lists the five most common molds:

Cladosporium: Usually brown, but it may be black or gray. This mold is common in soil and organic materials all over the world. This type of mold grows relatively slowly.

Penicillin: Penicillin is used to develop and produce the life-saving antibiotic penicillin. It is also common worldwide and grows rapidly, usually green or white.

Aspergillus: This fungus lives indoors and outdoors, and most people can tolerate it. However, in rare cases, it can cause an infection called aspergillosis, which can cause great harm to people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases such as asthma.

Alternaria: fast-growing, brown, olive, or black, can cause serious infection, but it is rare under normal circumstances and is accompanied by an underlying disease.

Stachybotrys chartarum: Also known as toxic black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum is arguably the most common household mold. It is black to green in color and grows quickly. It is notorious for its prosperity on drywall, wood board, gypsum board, and other building materials.

Eliminate mold in the basement

You cannot completely remove the mold spores in the basement, but you can remove the moisture source and remove the mold. The following steps will help you get rid of mold in the basement:

Step 1: Quickly stop the water source (if possible) to prevent further growth of mold

Depending on the problem, you may have to perform extensive repairs to stop the moisture. If it is a leaking pipe, condensate in the HVAC system, or a crack in a doorway or window, please make sure to repair it as soon as possible or by a professional. If your basement walls have moisture problems, run an Alorair basement dehumidifier to dry the excess moisture.

Step 2: If possible, remove moldy material

If the mold damages a small piece of soft or fibrous material, such as carpet, ceiling, or non-load bearing wall material (such as dowels or cement), you can remove the material and replace it yourself. Just make sure to wear protective glasses, disposable dust masks, gloves, and possibly protective clothing to ensure that mold will not be brought into the living space.

Step 3: Clean moldy materials that cannot be replaced

For walls, floors, and other hard surfaces, please use a bleach solution and/or commercial cleaner, and wear the same protective equipment as mentioned in the second step to clean and kill the mold. Use disposable sponges and other cleaning materials to discard them and prevent the spores from spreading to other parts of the house.

other suggestion

The less visited and cleaned area of your home may be your basement. The basement is usually dark, poorly ventilated, and often becomes humid when there is no direct sunlight. The best way to control or prevent mold in the basement is to clean it regularly, check regularly for moisture or moisture intrusion, and run an Alorair air mover for ventilation. Your job is to make the basement as dry as possible.

Check the entire basement regularly for dampness or leaks. Repair any broken pipes or leaking joints. Most importantly, if mold is found, seek professional help to ensure that all basement mold is removed correctly.

If mold is not visible in your basement, but you suspect it exists, or you know it has been damp, please call us or visit our Amazon store to purchase basement dehumidification products. We are glad to help you.