How to Clean Mold and Mildew in a Basement
- 1). Put on gloves, goggles and a dust mask. Some types of mold and mildew spores can get into your lungs and cause infections. The spores can also irritate your eyes and hands.
- 2). Close all of the doors in the basement that lead to the rest of your home. Open windows or outside doors to encourage the mold and mildew spores to leave your home.
- 3). Remove all of the items in the basement that show visible decay from mold or mildew. This includes carpeting that mold has worn away, furniture that has the finish eaten away or curtains, throws or blankets that have mold or mildew holes. If the mold has destroyed the item it is likely that it will be impossible to remove all of the mold spores.
- 4). Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray all of the hard surfaces in your basement. Make sure surfaces are completely covered.
- 5). Let the vinegar solution sit on the area for at least 20 minutes. This will give it time to loosen the mold and mildew spores.
- 6). Scrub off mold and mildew stains with a soft-bristled brush. Scrub around visible mold growth, as mold spores are microscopic and also present around visible mold growth.
- 7). Spray clear water on the mold and mildew stains to rinse away the vinegar residue and spores.
- 8). Dry the walls completely with a clean cloth. Leaving moisture on the walls will simply encourage more mold and mildew growth.
