- 1). Correct any conditions that can cause mold, such as water leaks, high humidity, and condensation. Ventilate your basement as much as possible by opening windows and exterior doors. Put on your respirator, safety goggles, and gloves.
- 2). Inspect thoroughly for mold growth. For wood, sheet rock, paneling, and other porous surfaces, look for discoloration. Water stains, soft spots, peeling paint, or musty smells indicate a hidden mold problem.
- 3). Cut a 12- by 12-inch square of sheet rock out of the wall with a razor knife, if you suspect mold is growing behind it. Alternately, pry back other types of porous wall coverings with a hammer and chisel or a crowbar. Inspect for the presence of mold with a flashlight.
- 4). Remove and dispose of any moldy wall coverings or porous materials that cannot be cleaned with bleach water. Continue with Step 5 if mold is still present on the surface of your basement walls.
- 5). Spray the surface of moldy basement walls with a fine mist of water to keep the dust down. For concrete walls, use a duster broom to brush off and loosen any dirt or debris.
- 6). Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 2 parts water in a large bucket. Dip a durable, disposable rag or sponge mop into the bleach solution and squeeze out excess. Wash moldy areas, and leave your basement walls to soak in the bleach solution for 20 minutes.
- 7). Rinse the wall in sections with clean water, then immediately dry the wall with a large bath towel. Place your fan so it pulls air from outside onto the wet walls to aid in drying.
previous post
next post