Mold or efflorescence?

Hi all,

I don't know if this is efflorescence or mold on my wall. As per the inspection report from a few years ago it says: "Efflorescence seen on walls indicates the presence of past and/or periodic moisture. Recommend cleaning and resealing the block walls prior to re-painting"

Questions:
1) is it mold, efflorescence or both?
2) What are the next steps I need to do to remove and clean this from the wall and what kind of resealing block do I need to put on these walls? (low voc and water based-kill z Mold and Mildew?)
3) What kind of flooring can I replace with the current one-it is currently vinly and where the pump of the basement is.

I compared the pictures from the inspection report and the pictures of the wall now and it doesn't look like it has grown or changed(mold grows?)

Pictures attached, Thanks for your tips/help.

 

1. You would need to test to know for certain but it looks mostly like efflorescence with possibly some mold thrown in for color.

2. I have never seen a paint on coating work. Water needs to be stopped outside before it can enter the home. By the time you see it inside... it's already inside. Just search this forum and the web. There are tons of people who want a simple solution to a wet basement.

3. You can try almost any waterproof flooring material you wish; vinyl, tile or just bare concrete. In your case it's largely a cosmetic decision but you do need to keep the moist environment in mind when choosing something new.

Your situation looks pretty mild. I'd be tempted to just let it go. You can scrub and thoroughly clean the wall and apply more water proofing paint if you're looking for a project.

 

Taste it, effervescence is salt, easy to tell!