Mold and basements go hand and hand. It feels like a losing battle. However, there are many ways you can prevent mold growth in your basement. Mold removal is a much more daunting task that mold prevention.
Clean regularly
This may seem like a given but making sure to take the time to clean your basement will reduce the likelihood of mold growing. We recommend using a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in your vacuum. This filter will effectively remove mold spores. Make sure to pay extra attention to areas of the basement that are exposed to moisture.
Minimize moisture
Moisture is the number one thing that causes mold growth. When there is a leak or spill, make sure to clean it up as soon as possible. If your basement gets flooded or has suffered from any type of water damage, try to clean it within two days. Consider using a dehumidifier in your basement. This will prevent moisture in the air and reduce the overall dampness.
Do not store damp items in your basement
Try not to store clothes, books, papers, and carpets in your basement. If this can’t be avoided, don’t store these items in cardboard boxes; use plastic containers instead. Moisture houses itself in porous material and mold may start to grow.
Discard clutter to avoid mold removal
Most items in the basement haven’t been used for a while. Leaving these objects for years allows them to collect dust and moisture. Make sure to go through your belongings.
Repair leaks as soon as possible
Regularly check your pipes and walls to make sure they are in good condition. Your basement walls may also leak if they aren’t waterproofed.
Unblock gutters and downspouts
Gutters and downspouts take water from the roof and move it away from your house. If you do not have gutters, they are clogged, or they are broken, the water will run straight down from the roof and to the ground surrounding your basement. This increases the likelihood of flooding and moisture in the basement.
Properly seal tubs, sinks, and other plumbing to avoid needing mold removal
Water is a victim of gravity. The basement of your home is the bottom most point in your home. While this is all common sense, the point is if your plumbing and sealing on the all the floors above the basement is faulty, that affects the basement. Seal showers, toilets, and sinks are properly to prevent water from trickling down into the basement.
Insulate your basement windows and water pipes with pipe sleeves or fiber glass
This will prevent condensation, especially in colder regions. Another way to prevent condensation is to increase the temperature in your basement. Warmer air can hold more moisture without causing condensation on cold surfaces.
Don’t install carpeting in your basement
Use washable floor surfaces or area rugs instead. These are easier to clean and remove, which reduces the chances of mold surreptitiously growing under them.
Check your landscaping to avoid needing mold removal
Your house should be built in a way that rainwater flows away from, not toward, your house’s foundation. Your gutters and drainage pipes should likewise be pointed away from the house, and ensure that no source of water is deposited near the basement. You can also dig drains to channel the water away from your house.
Welcome Mold Prevention. Avoid Mold Removal.
While it’s impossible to totally eliminate all mold and mold spores in your basement, depriving them of moisture is the most effective way to prevent mold growth. With regular cleaning and maintenance, will go a long way in keeping a mold-free basement. Restoration Authority wants to set you up to succeed.
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