White Powder on surfaces in Basement
#1
12-13-10, 04:06 AM
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Virginia
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White Powder on surfaces in Basement
I have this mysterious white powder that shows up on the surfaces in an area of my unfinished basement where the washer and dryer are. I thought it may be mold so I moved the dehumidifier over there. I cleaned it up and it came back after a few days. It is not only on the floor; it shows up on the black seat of the excercise bike and treadmill. Wouldn't that rule out the concrete moisture? Thanks for any help.
#2
12-13-10, 04:57 AM
I was thinking efflorescence at first, but it usually is on the damp vertical surface only. With it spreading, I would definitely consider it an organism and treat it with a mildewcide as quickly as possible.
#3
12-13-10, 05:25 AM
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#4
12-13-10, 05:32 AM
I was also thinking efflorescence but the bike and treadmill rules that out. Are you continuing to run the dehumidifier in that area of your basement? Mildew/mold requires heat and moisture to grow.
#5
12-13-10, 05:42 AM
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I am continuing to run the dehumidifier set at 50% humidity. This morning I lowered it to 35% and I will see you that helps. Do you think I should clean up the white powder with Clorox wipes or bleach/water mix?
#6
12-13-10, 06:09 AM
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I started thinking about the humidifier attached to my furnace. Could that be causing moisture in my basement? I keep the vents in my basement closed. There is an air duct above the area which does have a little white spots on it. Could moisture be passing through the ducts?
#7
12-13-10, 08:18 AM
Absolutely. If you see the white stuff on the vent, then the moisture and contamination is starting there, so you need to start there. The wipes may work, but I was thinking of a spray type mildewcide sold for that purpose. I doubt the wipes would be sufficient for the walls and floors.
#8
12-13-10, 12:51 PM
I almost always use a bleach/water solution to remove mildew - it's cheap and effective 
A commercially prepared cleaner might be a better option since it all but eliminates the goof factor.
A commercially prepared cleaner might be a better option since it all but eliminates the goof factor.
