How to Remove Basement Mold in 5 Ways?

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Basement molds are fungi that grow in multicellular filaments, forming colonies on organic surfaces in the basement. Basement mold causes pest attraction, musty odor, poor indoor air quality, increased health risk, and structural damage over time. To prevent these negative impacts, basement mold should be removed by following these 5 methods.

5 Ways to Remove Basement Mold

1. Remove Basement Mold Using Hydrogen Peroxide
2. Remove Basement Mold Using Vinegar Spray
3. Remove Basement Mold Using Baking Soda
4. Remove Basement Mold Using Borax
5. Remove Basement Mold Using Bleach

These 5 ways help to mold remediation and keep the basement floor and walls clean. To prevent basement mold, you should waterproof the basement, install a dehumidifier, sump pump, and French drain, and improve the basement ventilation properly. Basement molds are mainly of 6 types; among them, the black mold is the most dangerous fungus that causes severe health impacts to humans.

1. Remove Basement Mold Using Hydrogen Peroxide

You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove the mold in the basement. This process will take 10-15 minutes of waiting time and 2 minutes per square meter. This will cost $1-$2 per 1 Oz of liquid Hydrogen Peroxide. You should follow the steps below to clean the basement.

1. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans before using the H2O2 in the basement.
2. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the mixture on the moldy areas, such as basement walls, floors, and other fixtures, and wait 10-15 minutes.
4. Scrub the H2O2 spread area using a brush or sponge to remove the mold stains and residue. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

You should repeat this process if the area is heavily molded.

2. Remove Basement Mold Using Vinegar Spray

You can use vinegar to remove and clean the basement mold. This will take 30 minutes to 1 hour waiting time and will cost $3-$4.5 per gallon of vinegar. These are the steps to clean the basement mold using vinegar.

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine.
2. Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the moldy areas to kill the mold.
3. Let it stay for about an hour to kill the mold.
4. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge to remove the mold stains.
5. Rinse the area with water and dry it thoroughly using a clean cloth or towel.

3. Remove Basement Mold Using Baking Soda

Baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate) can be used to remove the mold in the basement. This mold remediation process will take 10-15 minutes of waiting time to loosen the mold, and the cost will be $0.8-$1.5 per Lb. You will need spray and scrub equipment to use the baking soda in the basement.

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water in a spray bottle.
2. Shake it well to dissolve the baking soda.
3. Spray the baking soda on the basement walls and floors.
4. Let it stay for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge to remove the mold stains.
6. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

4. Remove Basement Mold Using Borax

Borax is typically named as Sodium tetraborate. Borax can be used to remove the mold in the basement in 10 minutes for a cost $10-$15 per 1 Oz. Follow these 5 steps to remove the mold using borax.

1. Mix one cup of Borax with one gallon of water.
2. Use a scrub brush or sponge to apply the Borax solution to the basement walls and floors.
3. Scrub the moldy spots well to remove the mold.
4. Let the Borax solution stay on the surface for about 10 minutes.
5. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

5. Remove Basement Mold Using Bleach

Bleach is typically named Sodium hypochlorite, which is a popular cleaning agent in the house. Bleach can be used to remove and clean the basement mold in the basement floor and walls. This will take 15 minutes and will cost $4-6 per gallon. When you clean basement mold, you should follow these steps.

1. Open windows and openings in the basement to increase ventilation.
2. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water in a bucket.
3. Dip a brush or sponge into the bleach solution and scrub the basement floor and walls.
4. Let the bleach stay on the basement surfaces for about 15 minutes.
5. Rinse the basement area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

What is Basement Mold?

The basement mold is a multicellular fungus colony that thrives on organic materials like wood, paper, drywall, and insulation in the basement. The basement mold growth factors are higher humidity, lower sunlight, less air circulation, poor ventilation, and continuous water intrusion conditions in the basement.

What are the Basement Mold Types?

Basement molds are mainly 6 types. These molds are grown at different temperatures in the basement.

1. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) grows between 70 and 90℉ temperatures in the basement.
2. White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) grows between 40 and 70℉ temperatures in the basement.
3. Yellow mold (Aspergillus) grows between 60 to 86℉ temperatures in the basement.
4. Blue mold (Penicillium) grows at moderate temperatures ranging from 60 to 70℉ temperature in the basement.
5. Green mold (Aspergillus flavus or Penicillium digitatum) grows between 65 to 75 ℉ temperatures in the basement.
6. Grey mold (Botrytis cinerea) grows between 50 to 70℉ temperatures in the basement.

Read More About: All About Mold and Mildews: Signs, Causes, Impacts, Elimination

Is Black Mold in the Basement Dangerous?

Yes, black mold in the basement is dangerous. Because black mold in the basement can cause health problems, particularly respiratory issues, allergies, and skin irritation. Higher growth of black mold can cause severe symptoms like chronic coughing or breathing difficulties.

What are the 5 Signs of Basement Mold?

Basement mold can be identified by following the 5 signs.

1. Musty and earthy smell in the basement
2. Stain marks on the basement wall and floor
3. Allergy symptoms in the basement
4. Using mold test kits in the basement
5. Basement wall paint peeling

How to Prevent Basement Mold?

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

1. Waterproof the basement: Basement waterproofing helps to control 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.
2. Install a dehumidifier in the basement: Dehumidifiers absorb the basement moisture and maintain optimum moisture conditions (around 40%) that prevent mold growth.
3. Improve the basement ventilation: Improve basement ventilation by installing windows, adding new vents, and opening doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate while maintaining low humidity levels.
4. 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 favorable for mold growth.
5. 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.

Read more: How to Waterproof the Basement?