Basement Mold
#1
06-18-03, 06:34 AM
Basement Mold
What is the best way to clean mold off of basement walls and in corners. I know I need to work on the source and stop the water from getting in, and I have already cleaned the gutters to make sure they are flowing with out any blockage. My next step is to make sure the ground on the side of the house is sloping away enough so the water drains away. I just bought this house and am trying to clean up what has been neglected as far as basement cleanup. If there are any products or procedures that would work well, please let me know. Thanks for your help.
#2
06-18-03, 09:53 AM
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jwallys,
Depending on what you have this might help...
If it is "efflorescence" , white powder at perimeter, this is due to soluble salts that are excreted from the cement. You might be want to brush off the "white stuff" with a stiff bristle brush and then follow by thoroughly washing the walls with clean tap water. Allow the walls to dry out to allow for any additional "white stuff" to come to the surface, which you then have to remvoe. Sure Klean 600, Diedrich 202 New Masonry Detergent can be used to do a thorough job.
Make sure the white stuff is white and not green or mustard colored which indicates mold or mildew.
If it is mold or mildew, use 1-part laundry bleach, 4 parts warm water. Brush into affected areas and rinse with top water. Let it dry thoroughly.
I would recommend latex which do include primers, sealers block fillers and finish coats; all intended for masonry surfaces. Apply one coat of masonry sealer followed with one or two coats of acrylic latex masonry topcoat, either semi gloss or flat.
I agree with you to resolve all water infiltration issues as this process will have to be repeated.
Good Luck!
Depending on what you have this might help...
If it is "efflorescence" , white powder at perimeter, this is due to soluble salts that are excreted from the cement. You might be want to brush off the "white stuff" with a stiff bristle brush and then follow by thoroughly washing the walls with clean tap water. Allow the walls to dry out to allow for any additional "white stuff" to come to the surface, which you then have to remvoe. Sure Klean 600, Diedrich 202 New Masonry Detergent can be used to do a thorough job.
Make sure the white stuff is white and not green or mustard colored which indicates mold or mildew.
If it is mold or mildew, use 1-part laundry bleach, 4 parts warm water. Brush into affected areas and rinse with top water. Let it dry thoroughly.
I would recommend latex which do include primers, sealers block fillers and finish coats; all intended for masonry surfaces. Apply one coat of masonry sealer followed with one or two coats of acrylic latex masonry topcoat, either semi gloss or flat.
I agree with you to resolve all water infiltration issues as this process will have to be repeated.
Good Luck!
#3
07-01-03, 04:53 PM
after cleaning but over paint
Hi,
I hope its okay if I jump in here on jwallys question to ask a follow up. I've got a similar problem and have both the salts and some mildew. I'm in the process of cleaning and doing various other improvements to deal with the water issue. After the other improvements, I'd like to paint the basement. I considered some of the sealers that are out there, but all recommend only using on a clean surface that hasn't been painted. All of my visible basement walls are painted, so am I pretty much committed to either having to wire brush all of the walls to get the old paint off? Or does anyone know of a sealing product that would work over old paint?
Thanks!
I hope its okay if I jump in here on jwallys question to ask a follow up. I've got a similar problem and have both the salts and some mildew. I'm in the process of cleaning and doing various other improvements to deal with the water issue. After the other improvements, I'd like to paint the basement. I considered some of the sealers that are out there, but all recommend only using on a clean surface that hasn't been painted. All of my visible basement walls are painted, so am I pretty much committed to either having to wire brush all of the walls to get the old paint off? Or does anyone know of a sealing product that would work over old paint?
Thanks!
