How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Your Basement 

If you’re concerned about black mold in the basement,  it’s vital that you take steps to address it. Black mold can damage the structure and even the value of your property. For vulnerable people, it can also present a health hazard. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about black mold so you can eliminate it from your basement – and prevent it from returning.

What Is Black Mold?

Black mold – or Stachybotrys chartarum – is a species of microfungus. Like other types of mold, it thrives in damp places, like bathrooms and basements. Black mold grows slowly, feeding on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as wood, fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper.  When wet, it releases mold spores into the air. 

Although mold is sometimes confused with mildew, there are distinct differences between the two. Mold develops in an array of colors and is sometimes fuzzy, slimy, or raised in texture. Mildew, on the other hand, is powdery, pale, and appears flat.

Why Does Black Mold Develop in Basements?

Black mold can be found almost anywhere in a home, but the basement is particularly susceptible to its insidious growth. Basements offer prime conditions for mold growth. They tend to include all the high-cellulose, low-nitrogen materials that black mold feeds on, and offer prime conditions for mold growth. These conditions include:

• Poor air quality
• Lack of proper ventilation
• Lack of waterproofing
• Porous surfaces
• Excess moisture
• Darkness

As the basement is often one of the most neglected parts of a house, mold usually has more time to grow undetected than it would in any other room.

What Are the Dangers of Black Mold?

Although black mold is the most dangerous type of mold, not everyone suffers from exposure to it. However, for those who suffer from certain health problems, the complications can be very bothersome at the least, and a serious health issue at worst. These symptoms can range from sneezing, wheezing, skin irritations, and eye inflammation to fever and shortness of breath or even fungal infections of the lungs. Those who suffer from asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – and those who have compromised immune systems – are most at risk for developing complications from even mild exposure to black mold. 

Black mold can also pose a danger to furniture and to the rest of the area. Its growth on wooden building materials, especially those used in the framework of a finished basement, can be especially dangerous. Black mold uses these paths to infiltrate the rest of the house. This can cause a weakening in bearing walls and beams, thus compromising the entire home.  

How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Your Basement

Whether you’ve conducted mold testing or you’ve simply spotted the telltale signs of mold in your basement – black marks on the wall or ceiling and a strong, musty smell – it’s vital to take action. 

Here are some tips to get rid of black mold in the basement.  If you want to attempt to clean the mold from your own basement walls and ceiling, you’ll need to invest in some equipment to do so safely and effectively. This equipment includes:

• White vinegar
• Disinfectant
• A spray bottle
• Bleach
• Borax
• Hydrogen peroxide
• A sump pump
• A dehumidifier

Many of the cleaning solutions for basement mold removal include extremely strong chemicals that can be hazardous to touch or breathe in. We recommend using all these items with caution and wearing protective equipment for your clothes, nose, and mouth.

However, it’s usually wisest to seek professional help for mold remediation. These people have been trained to root out the source of the contamination and to fully exterminate it. The work of a professional basement contractor is guaranteed. Companies like Alure Home Solutions are able to deal with many problems that the everyday homeowner isn’t. 

Professional mold remediation involves more than simply removing visible black mold from the affected areas of your basement.  A professional will also search for any mold that may be hidden in ceilings, floors, and walls. 

How to Prevent a Mold Problem From Returning

Once you’ve dealt with the problem, the last thing you’ll want is your basement becoming moldy again. To prevent the issue from returning, consider investing in basement waterproofing and installing air conditioning, such as an HVAC system, to improve the airflow around the basement. If these measures aren’t feasible, take steps to reduce – even better – eliminate any source of moisture in the room. Remember, black mold thrives in damp conditions. So the drier you can keep your basement, the better. 

Have You Spotted Black Mold in Your Bathroom?

Bathrooms are another common place where black mold can develop in the home. Take a look at our article on black mold in bathrooms to learn more. If you think you might have this problem in a bathroom, the only 100% foolproof way to tackle it is to gut the space and start completely afresh. Schedule a call with one of our bathroom experts at Alure Home Solutions to start making plans for your mold-free bathroom.