How to Kill Basement Mold

Basement mold can be a serious problem for many people. Mold, while not particularly resilient, can return very quickly, even when cleaned properly. A few varieties of mold can cause health problems, but even your ordinary, everyday mold can cause damage to food, paper, drywall and other materials. So, what is the best way to get rid of basement mold and be absolutely sure that it will not come back? The process takes many steps, but when you are done you can count on having a basement that is absolutely mold free.

Step 1 - Cleaning

Killing mold that is already visible is actually quite easy. A simple borax solution is enough to do it. Borax is a common cleaning material, but unlike bleach, it is capable of killing mold on porous surfaces. Additionally, borax does not give off harmful fumes, unlike bleach or many other cleaning agents. However, borax is toxic, so keep your children and pets away from it.

• Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water.
• Apply some of your mixture to your rag, sponge or paper towel, and wipe the effected area. A few wipes should be enough to do the trick.

In serious cases, you may need to give up on cleaning altogether and simply remove the moldy materials completely and replace them with new ones. Obviously, you do not want to have to do this repeatedly, so be sure to immediately put the next steps into action.

Step 2 - Removing Humidity

Mold needs humidity to grow. Because your mold is now gone and you are trying to prevent it from coming back, the best thing you can do is keep your basement free of humidity. Installing a dehumidifier should do the trick in most cases. Dehumidifiers are relatively simple, only requiring that you plug them in and leave them alone to do their jobs correctly. Start out your dehumidifier on its lowest setting and turn it up as needed.

Be aware that many dehumidifiers can consume a lot of power. Additionally, be aware that an air conditioner can serve as a dehumidifier in a pinch, so if you have one (or are planning to) try it out first to see if it is enough to remove the humidity from your basement. If not, try a dehumidifier.

Step 3 - Additional Problems

Sometimes, a dehumidifier is not enough. In these cases, it is likely that your basement has more serious problems than simple mold or high humidity. You should check your basement pipes for leaks, cracks and other problems. In addition, a leak or problem in another area of your home could also be causing the problem. If you find the problem and it is beyond your ability to solve, or you are just completely unable to figure out what is causing your basement to be so humid, you should consult a professional.

In some cases, basement humidity will come from something outside your control, such as a high water table.