Toxic black mold provides a significant danger in any home. Unfortunately, it can form fairly easily. This toxic, living organism can begin to establish a colony in your home in as little as 24-48 hours!
So how do we prevent this from happening? Well, first we must identify the source of the mold. Your local basement waterproofing company can perform a free inspection to assist in locating the source of any mold growth.
In the short term, we can reduce the health risk posed by toxic mold by doing a little clean up before we consider long term solutions:
First, grab a bottle of hydrogen peroxide from your local pharmacy or grocery store, along with an empty spray bottle and a dust mask. Next, fill the spray bottle with a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. With your dust mask on, spray a generous amount of the solution directly on to any affected areas of your basement walls or floor. After letting the solution sit for about 20 minutes or so, scrub vigorously with a firm sponge. Add more solution while scrubbing if desired.
Repeat this process once a week for the next 2 weeks, and you will have dealt a serious blow to the mold inhabiting your basement.
It is important to note, however, that spot mold treatment is not a permanent solution. It is an effective temporary solution to a larger long-term problem. So how do we go about identifying this problem? Well, we already know that the cause of the mold is moisture, so you’ll probably want to look at the following items:
- Proper Seal Around Windows and Doors
- Crawl Space Vents Closed
- No Leaks In Appliances/Plumbing Fixtures
- Overfull or Improperly Sealed Sump or Sewage Basin
If none of the issues above appear to be the cause of your mold infestation, then you may be looking at an issue with your foundation. These situations require the presence of a basement waterproofing professional to accurately diagnose the source of the moisture. The good news is, even if you are just seeking a better understanding for a do-it-yourself solution, most companies will provide you with a free inspection and price estimate.
Learn more about household mold on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s website.