How to Get Rid of Basement Molds and Mildew

A mold is a fungus. 

It’s a part of the natural environment that is found indoors and outdoors.

A mold can grow and spread rapidly. It reproduces tiny spores that are smaller than pollen grains and are also invisible to your naked eye (Environmental Protection Agency, November 2015).

You put your health at risk when you ignore mold spores.

These spores are the cause why you and your family suffer from respiratory problems such as allergic rhinitis and asthma attacks.

The following are commonly found in your basement and other areas of the home. Remember: Studies show color isn’t a strong indicator of the mold species. Always consult a microbiologist for proper identification (Mould Facts, 2014).

Cladosporium (clad-oh-spore-ee-um)
Color: Green, Brown, Gray, Black
Hazard Class: B or C, causing allergic reactions
Areas: Walls, wood, dust, insulation

Aspergillus (as-per-jill-us)
Color: Black, White, Green, Yellow, Gray, Brown
Hazard Class: A or B, causing infection
Areas: Walls, insulation, clothing

Ulocladium (you-low-clad-ee-um)
Color: Black, Gray
Hazard Class: B or C, causing hay fever
Areas: Damp walls, damp windows, dusty area

Acremonium (ack-ri-moan-ee-um)
Color: Brown, White, Gray
Hazard Class: A, B or C, causing arthritis
Areas: Damp insulation, drywall

Stachybotrys (stack-ee-bot-riss)
Color: Black
Hazard Class: A, creating toxins
Areas: Damp surfaces

Alternaria (all-ter-nair-ee-uh)
Color: Black, Gray
Hazard Class: B, causing allergic reactions
Areas: Walls, dusty areas, windows

The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Mildew is commonly perceived as a similar form of mold. Yet, these two are different. Mildew is also a form of fungus but is white in color.

Your home makes a paradise for mildew if it lacks proper ventilation and lighting. It also appears in wet bathroom and kitchen. Mildew also loves to eat fabrics made of silk, linen and cotton, which are kept inside an old cabinet for years.

Mold and mildews have its distinct characteristics. A mold is fuzzy in appearance while mildew looks powdery or downy. Molds appear in different colors while mildew starts to appear as white and turns yellow if it’s powdery. Downy mildew is yellow and turns brown later on (Mold-Advisor, 2015).

Both molds and mildews cause health problems such as respiratory problems, migraine, headache, joint pain and fatigue. Antibiotic penicillin is, however, made of harmless mold.

Where Do Molds and Mildews Grow? What Seasons?

A public health study reveals fungi grow when temperatures rise between 60 and 80 Degrees Fahrenheit (Epi Public Health, July 2015). During summer, molds and mildews still grow in warm and humid indoor areas (basement, shower and crawl space) with oversized and undersized air conditioning systems.

During winter, molds love to grow in non-insulated closets along exterior walls. Both molds and mildew also develops outdoors if there is decomposing vegetation.

Why A Mold and Mildew Grow in Basement?

Reason 1:

Basement is the lowest part of a house. It gets no sunlight. It receives little or no ventilation. Oftentimes, it stays humid for a long time.

Reason 2:

Most homeowners rarely clean their basements. It’s left unnoticed for weeks or for months. A basement is only noticed when unwanted water or melted snow creeps in.

Reason 3:

Underground pressure results to leaking pipes. If left ignored, leaking will lead to mold growth.

Reason 4:

Mold and mildew easily develop in areas where they are kept. These areas are walls, wooden building frames, floor, ceiling, storage, insulation, pipes, vents and ducts.

Ways to Get Rid of Basement Mold and Mildew

Tip 1: Flooding is inevitable; especially it’s a hurricane season. Therefore, always clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water.

Tip 2: Porous items such as carpet, carpet padding, wood, leather, upholstery, drywall, floor and tiles are impossible to clean after flood. Take them out immediately.

Tip 3: Find time to fix water problems. If you think there are hidden leaks around, don’t wait. It’s best to call a professional for a free inspection.

Tip 4: Disinfect your basement once a month. Mop the concrete floor with bleach solution (without ammonia). If the budget permits, choose to install stone flooring. Apart from molds and mildew, it also protects the floor from discoloration, spills and cracks permanently.

Tip 5: A home improvement study reveals molds are early signs of moisture problem. For this, better find the water source before possible problems occur and clean it thoroughly.

Tip 6: Look around the house. Have you found a mold growth near the ceiling? If yes, find the leak in the roof.

Tip 7: Insulate the walls with paperless drywall. A paperless drywall is covered with front and back fiberglass, which is mold-resistant (Ask The Builder, 2012).

Tip 8: Install a brand new ventilation system to reduce the humidity level by 30 to 60%. The E.Z Breathe is a dehumidifier and air purifier system in one. Provided by Vulcan Waterproofing, it removes damp and contaminated air. Its fan setting will automatically adjust if the room’s temperature becomes too humid.