How to Remove Mold in a Damp Basement
- 1). Put on a mask, rubber gloves and goggles. Eliminate the source of moisture in the basement. Check for water seeping in through the floor or walls. Remove items that can collect mold, such as boxes, newspapers, books and magazines. Remove and disinfect any furniture that has become mold infested.
- 2). Close off the basement so airborne mold spores don't spread to another part of the house. Make sure all basement windows are open.
- 3). Scrape off visible mold with a spatula. Place mold in heavy-duty garbage bags. Remove bags from the area immediately through the nearest exit.
- 4). Mix a solution of laundry detergent, chlorine bleach and water. Mix one cup of bleach and 1/2 cup of detergent for each gallon of water.
- 5). Spray or apply solution to the mold with a sponge. Wait 15 minutes to allow the solution to seep into the mold. Scrub the mold with a sponge or brush. Use a sponge for walls with wood paneling. Use a sponge or brush for walls or floor made of concrete. Scrub with force to remove mold roots.
- 6). Rinse off the area you cleaned with water. Scrub and rinse again if any mold remains.
- 7). Dry the area you cleaned with a rag. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry the basement. Ventilate the basement as best you can. Install a ceiling fan. Blow dry air into the basement with a window fan if possible.
- 8). In extreme cases, apply a commercial mold-killing agent. You can find these products at hardware stores.
