If you have an unfinished basement, it’s likely you’re rarely down there unless it’s to place or remove something in storage.
If you aren’t down there a lot, it’s highly doubtful you’re really giving the room a thorough look for any sort of mold. This is where I give you the bad news.
Your basement is one of the first places household mold is found. Even worse is the fact that because you aren’t down there on a regular basis, it’s also one of the spots in your house that mold easily gets out of hand.
I don’t ONLY like to drop bad news around here though, so I have some helpful information that will get your mold issue in check.
Causes of Basement Mold
Before we go any further, let’s break down some of the basic causes of basement mold.
One of the reasons basements are prime mold real estate is because of the moisture that’s present down there. It’s below ground and cooler than the rest of the house. Also, anytime it rains or snows, there’s a big chance that moisture is making its way into any cracks or crevices in your basement walls or floor.
Another issue is the feeding sources often present in basements. Mold can find a feeding source in many different materials and, unfortunately, a lot of those materials are in items typically stored in a basement.
Mold likes to munch on something called cellulose and it’s often found in everything, from your curtains to your carpet, firewood, cardboard and many other items.
If you give basement mold the food it’s looking for and the moisture it needs, it can quickly get out of hand.
Simple Solutions
If the patches of basement mold you find are less than 10 square feet in size, you can take care of the problem yourself. A simple solution made from vinegar, baking soda, and water can help you remove the mold from the walls and the floor.
If you have bigger patches of mold, you need to contact a professional mold removal team. Household mold has a risk of spreading if large patches aren’t removed correctly. When disturbed the mold can release spores into the air that can either be inhaled or can land on other potential feeding sources. If this happens the mold simply finds a new place to live and the process (and your heartache) starts all over again.
Questions About a Mold Issue?
If you find mold in your basement and aren’t sure what the next steps are, contact us. We have a team of professionals who are certified in mold removal and can help you come up with a plan specific to your problem. Contact us today!
