Mold, a type of fungi, needs moist conditions for growth. Homeowners often discover mold growing on shady areas of an outdoor deck and on the tile and grout in a bathroom. However, the discovery of mold in a basement is most common. Fortunately, mold can be prevented and removed by mold remediation experts at ServiceMaster Restore.
Common Causes of Basement Mold You know that smell. It's damp, musty and unpleasant. A basement should not have that smell. That musty smell is from mold. Mold needs moisture and likes humid conditions where the air circulation is minimal. It can't grow in freezing conditions or under ultraviolet light. Mold does grow well in most basement conditions. The most common causes of basement mold include:
- Foundation cracks leaking moisture into the space
- A leaking pipe
- Poorly sealed/insulated windows
- Poor ventilation and high humidity
- Inadequate drainage away from the foundation
- Flood/water damage
How to Prevent Mold in Basement Space The key to preventing mold is to eliminate the growing conditions it likes. Begin by increasing the basement's ventilation and decreasing its humidity. This may require running fans and a dehumidifier. The next step is to determine the cause of the moisture. Has a pipe leaked? Are there foundation cracks allowing in moisture? Is there condensation on the windows? Has the basement flooded recently during a storm? Mold prevention requires finding the source of the moisture, repairing the issue to eliminate further water damage, reducing the basement's humidity and inhibiting the growth of additional mold.
How to Remove Mold from Basement Spaces Depending on the extent of the mold issue, its removal may be as simple as a thorough cleaning or more complex requiring the expertise of the ServiceMaster Restore professionals. Mold growth limited to individual items such as cardboard storage boxes is simple. Transfer the items in the boxes to water-proof containers and dispose of the moldy cardboard. Locate and eliminate the source of the basement's moisture, increase the ventilation and if needed run a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low.
Safety Tip: Always wear protective gloves and goggles when working with bleach or other cleaners. Make sure the area is well-ventilated. Remove mold from items like clothing, blankets and other fabrics by thoroughly washing and drying. It may require bleach or a non-chlorine bleach product to remove the moldy smell completely. Always check the manufacturer's label before using bleach on a fabric. Wet, moldy carpet/rugs and upholstered furniture requires professional cleaning or possibly removal. Professional cleaning teams like ServiceMaster Restore can safely and effectively clean and restore personal items affected by water damage and mold, including books, documents, artwork and more. After any water damage, trust the clean-up and mold remediation to the experts. The technicians from ServiceMaster Restore know where mold hides, from behind drywall to lurking on insulation. Locating and removing all sources of mold as well as thorough drying is essential for mold removal. By using state-of-the-art technology and high-quality products, ServiceMaster Restore performs full mold remediation so you can reclaim your basement. Check out the video below for additional mold safety and inspection tips for your home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaifgXVMQbg