Know About Basement Mold: Types, Impacts, Clean and Preventions

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Basement mold is a fungus that grows in multicellular filaments, forming colonies in the basement walls, floors, drywall, and cellar. Molds are grown on organic matter, such as wood, paper, and fabric. Mold is grown well at temperatures between 77°F and 86°F (25°C and 30°C) and moisture levels above 60%.

Mildew can be considered as an old form of the mold. Molds are mainly of 6 types according to their colors such as black, white, yellow, blue, green, and grey. These types are grown at various temperatures and surfaces in the basement.

You can identify the molds in the basement by the musty and earthy smell of the basement, stain marks on the basement wall and floor, allergy symptoms in the basement, using mild test kits in the basement, and paint peeling in the basement. Mold negatively affects on the basement by damaging structures, spending a higher cost on maintenance, decreasing the property values, creating an unpleasant smell in the basement, and increasing the health risk.

You can clean the mold in the basement by following these 5 methods: vinegar spray, baking soda, borax, and bleach. Each of these methods requires specific tools and instruments. When you follow the proper guidelines, you can clean the mold in the basement properly.

Basement mold is not die its own. Hence, you should prevent mold growth in the basement by waterproofing the basement, installing the dehumidifier, improving the basement ventilation, installing the french drain system, and installing a sump pump in the basement.

What is Mold in the Basement?

Mold is a fungus that grows in multicellular filaments, forming colonies in the basement. Mold and mildew grow in moist and damp environments, and they feed on organic matter such as wood, paper, and fabric.

The most favourable temperature conditions for mold growth are between 77°F and 86°F (25°C and 30°C). Mold requires moisture levels above 60% and high humidity levels. Basements can be damp due to inadequate ventilation and water seepage. Also, during rainy seasons, the basement can be highly humid and moist, and condensation can occur. Mold growth is high in areas in the lower part of the basement, such as basement walls, floors, drywall, and cellar. To prevent this you should install suitable waterproofing membrane in the basement.

What is Mildew in the Basement?

The mildew is formed from the mold after the mold is old and prolonged exposure to moisture in the basement. Water seepage can dampen the environment, and after a few days, mold will spread around surfaces, emitting a musty smell and transitioning into mildew. Mildew growth can cause structural damage to building materials, reduce indoor air quality, cause respiratory problems and costly repairs.

What are the Types of Mold In the Basement?

Basement molds are mainly 6 types. Those are identified by the color: black, white, yellow, blue, green, and grey. Each of these molds types are grown on different surfaces with various temperatures in the basement.

Black molds: Black mold in the basement is also known as Stachybotrys chartarum. Black molds grow in places that are warm and damp. The best temperatures for black mold growth are between 70 and 90℉. Black molds can spread on surfaces like walls, wood, and carpets by damaging those parts.

White molds: White mold in the basement is scientifically known as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. White mold prefers cooler temperatures ranging from 40 to 70℉. White mold can spread quickly and damage wood, drywall, insulation, fabrics and cardboard boxes.

Yellow Mold: Yellow mold in the basement is known explicitly as Aspergillus. The best temperature conditions for yellow mold are between 60 to 86℉. Yellow mold can damage wood, drywall, carpeting, and insulation of the basement.

Blue Mold: Blue mold in the basement is scientifically known as Penicillium. Blue mold grows in moderate temperatures ranging from 60 to 70℉. Blue mold can damage basement parts such as wood, drywall, paper, and fabric.

Green Mold: Green mold in the basement is scientifically known as Aspergillus flavus or Penicillium digitatum. Green mold prefers temperatures between 65 to 75 ℉. Green mold can damage parts of the basement, such as wood, drywall, paper, cardboard, and fabric.

Grey Mold: Grey mold in the basement is scientifically known as Botrytis cinerea. The optimum temperature for grey mold is between 50 to 70℉. Grey mold can damage materials in the basement, such as cardboard, paper, fabrics, and stored fruits and vegetables.

How Do you Identify Mold in the Basement?

Basement mold can be identified by these 5 ways such as musty and earthy smell, stain marks on the basement wall and floor, allergy symptoms, using mold test kits, and paint peeling in the basement.

Musty and earthy smell in the basement: Mold emits a musty smell in the basement similar to wet socks or rotting wood. To detect mold using this scent, first identify when the odor is more significant, such as after rain. Then, check areas with a high possibility, such as carpets, corners of doors, and sinks and pipelines.
Stain marks on the basement wall and floor: Mold makes dark and grey color stains ranging from green to black-brown on the surfaces. Greenish-black stains indicate household molds like Cladosporium, while brownish stains indicate harmful molds like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold).
Allergy symptoms in the basement: The most common symptoms of mold allergies are sneezing, coughing, and eye and skin irritation. If occupants experience these symptoms when spending time in the basement, it indicates the presence of mold.
Using mold test kits in the basement: The most appropriate mold test kits are a settled plate kit, tape lift kit, and swab kit. These test kits collect samples of mold to petri dishes and allow them to grow. The collected samples can be sent to a laboratory to identify the presence of mold.
Basement wall paint peeling: Basement wall paint peeling or bubbles as moisture occurs due to the growth of mold behind the paint. To detect mold, check areas with high humidity. Inspect behind the wall painting for dark spots, decoloration marks, and stains using a flashlight.

What are the Impacts of Mold in the Basement?

These are the 5 most negative impacts of the mold in the basement.

Damages to the basement structure: Mold grows and breaks down in the materials in the basement, degrading the structural integrity. Degradation can deteriorate the materials and increase the rot, causing structural instability.
Spend higher cost for mold treatment: To remove mold without damaging the basement, users have to consult a professional, and these consultation fees and mold treatments are highly expensive. The high cost of the treatments can put users under financial strain and make them stressed.
Decrease the property value: Property value can be decreased due to deterioration of materials as a result of paint peeling, bubbling and cracking. These structural damages will reduce the value of the basement, make users unsatisfied, and cause safety issues.
Unpleasant smell in the basement: Mold can emit a musty and earthy smell that spreads inside the basement and reduces the air quality. The musty odour can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and disturbances for users who are unable to utilize the basement.
Higher health risk: Excessive exposure to mold and mycotoxins can cause health problems such as skin rashes and irritations, respiratory problems, headaches, and difficulty in concentration.

How to Clean Mold in the Basement?

You can clean the mold in the basement by following the below 5 methods. You will need a specific products and instruments for each method.

Clean the Basement Mold Using Hydrogen Peroxide.

First, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans. Then, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the moldy areas with the solution and wait 10-15 minutes. Scrub the area using a brush or sponge to remove the mold stains and residue. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly. For heavy mold, repeat the process. Finally, dispose of any contaminated materials properly.

Clean Basement Mold Using Vinegar Spray

First, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine. Then, spray the vinegar solution directly onto the moldy areas to kill the mold. Let it stay for about an hour to kill the mold. After that, scrub the area with a brush or sponge to remove the mold stains. Rinse the area with water and dry it thoroughly using a clean cloth or towel.

Clean Basement Mold Using Baking Soda

Mix one tablespoon baking soda with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake it well to dissolve the baking soda. Then, spray the moldy areas with the solution. Let it stay for about 10-15 minutes. After that, scrub the area with a brush or sponge to remove the mold stains. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Clean Basement Mold Using Borax

First, mix one cup of Borax with one gallon of water. Use a scrub brush or sponge to apply the Borax solution to the moldy areas. Scrub the moldy spots well to remove the mold. Let the Borax solution stay on the surface for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Clean Basement Mold Using Bleach

First, open windows for ventilation. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water in a bucket. Dip a brush or sponge into the bleach solution and scrub the moldy areas. Let the bleach stay on the surface for about 15 minutes. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Basement?

You can prevent mold growth in the basement by waterproofing the basement, installing the dehumidifier, improving the basement ventilation, installing the french drain system and installing sump pump in the basement.

Waterproof the basement: Mold growth occurs due to high humidity, low ventilation, and excessive moisture levels. By waterproofing, we can regulate the temperature, humidity, and moisture levels in the basement to keep it dry. We can waterproof the basement by sealing cracks, installing sump pumps, installing vapor barriers, and installing interior drainage systems. Waterproofing the exterior foundation wall will increase the water protection in the basement.
Install a dehumidifier in the basement: A dehumidifier can absorb the excess moisture and regulate the optimum moisture conditions (around 40%) inside the basement. Low humidity levels are not suitable for mold growth.
Improve the basement ventilation: Poor ventilation can increase the humidity levels and develop mold growth. To maintain the proper ventilation and to expose to sunlight, we can install new windows, add new vents and open doors and windows. These will allow fresh air to circulate while maintaining low humidity levels.
Install a French drain in the basement: A French drain can collect and redirect the excess rainwater away from the foundation. This will dry the basement area by maintaining optimum temperature and low humidity levels, which are less favourable for mold growth.
Install a Sump Pump in the basement: A sump pump removes excess water that collects in the basement from rain or groundwater. The sump pump can prevent stagnant water formation, keep the basement dry, and decrease the humidity level inside. These conditions are less favorable for mold growth.

Can Mold Growth Die its Own?

Mold can become inactive and hibernate in unfavorable conditions, but it cannot die by its own. Mold spores can survive in harsh conditions and wait until favorable conditions. Extreme temperature conditions, both hot and cold, low humidity levels, and high ventilation can reduce mold growth, but they can hibernate until the conditions are favorable for them. Therefore, to eradicate mold we should use a proper mold removal method.