How to Remove Mold From Basement Walls

1. Why Does Mold Grow on Basement Walls?

When mold is provided with a dependable bard source and adequate moisture, it will begin to feed and reproduce. The most dependable bard source for mold is cellulose. It is found in wood and paper-based materials that are abundant in homes.

It also requires high moisture content to grow. Some types, such as Stachybotrys chartarum (a.k.a. black mold), require a constant water source, while others can thrive with occasional moisture or high humidity levels. Basements tend to have poor ventilation, allowing humidity or dampness from the surrounding soil to accumulate inside. Coupled with the cellulose found in drywall, insulation backing and dust, this is an ideal environment for mold growth.

2. Can Mold Be Washed off Walls?

There really are two parts to this answer. The first part is the good news: Mold can be cleaned off of wall surfaces quite easily. A vinegar-soaked rag or spritz with a commercial mold remover will generally wipe out visible traces of mold from the wall. This might be sufficient for a quick touch-up, but it will not eliminate the larger problem that is growing inside the wall. For that, we get to the second part of the answer.

Mold cannot really just be washed off the walls or any other surfaces. To really get rid of it, you need to eliminate the water source that is encouraging growth. Without water, mold cannot survive and reproduce. In a dry environment, any small amounts that might be left behind will not be able to rehydrate to start raising additional mold colonies in your basement walls.

In short, removing the surface mold off of walls will make them more attractive. Still, it will not resolve the underlying problem: There are millions — or more! — of tiny little fungi actively living, eating and reproducing inside of them. They will quickly return to any finished walls since drywall is backed by paper, which is one of mold’s favorite bards. To keep that from happening, you will need to do more than wash the mold; you need to eradicate it and eliminate the water providing nourishment. Our mold remediation experts work to eliminate any residual traces of mold from the environment so you can stop worrying about cleaning mold off the basement walls.

3. How Do You Clean Mold From Walls?

The EPA does not recommend homeowners attempt to remove large mold infestations. Instead, you should call professional mold remediation experts who can safely eliminate the mold and remove contaminated materials.

The EPA does provide guidance for homeowners who are interested in removing mold from the walls themselves. The basic steps include:

1. Stop the water source. We can’t stress enough that the first step you should take to remove mold from basement walls is to identify and eliminate the water source that encourages its growth.
2. Use appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves and a personal respirator. These will help protect you from touching any mold or breathing it in. 
3. Once that has been done, proper precautions should be taken to seal off the contaminated area. A ventilation system that vents the air to an outside area and brings in fresh air is also helpful.
4. Remove any materials that have visible mold. Extending slightly beyond damaged borders can help remove hidden spores. 
5. Next, apply a fungicide and mold inhibitor to the walls, being careful to follow the provided instructions. 
6. Once the area is clean and completely dry, you can replace and finish any removed materials. 

4. How Do You Remove Mold From Concrete Basement Walls?

Concrete walls present slightly different concerns. For starters, they are much lower in cellulose compared to finished walls made from wood and drywall, so mold will have to work harder to access bard. Unfortunately, basements usually have plenty of dust to keep them well-fed and reproducing. They also present a sizable obstacle to removing existing infestations.

In a standard mold removal operation, the contaminated materials are removed and replaced with fresh ones. Concrete makes that difficult since you can’t just take out a portion of the house’s foundation. That doesn’t mean that mold can’t be removed from concrete walls, but rather that it is a job best left to professional mold removal experts.

5. What Is the Best Product To Remove Mold From Walls?

There are multiple products on the market to remove mold, and some are more effective than others. A popular pick is RMR Complete Mold Killer and Disinfectant. Its EPA-registered formula works to kill mold, clean stains and eliminate odors in one simple step. It also serves as a household disinfectant that can kill bacteria and virus particles so that you can find other uses for any leftover product.

Homeowners should always use caution when selecting a product since they may require special protective equipment or ventilation support. Also, some are specifically designed for outdoor mold problems and should not be used in indoor areas. That is especially true of basements, which often have low ceilings and a lack of natural ventilation.

Some families choose a more natural solution, which can also be effective. For example, high-potency vinegar can effectively kill mold even deep inside of porous materials like your basement walls. However, its high acidity can damage some surfaces, making it a poor choice for removing mold on waxed wood, natural stone, waxed wood, aluminum or cast iron.

6. Can You Use Bleach To Get Rid of Mold in a Basement?

Many homeowners automatically think of bleach as a way to remove mold from walls and other surfaces. However, it is not an effective tool. In fact, the EPA does not recommend using bleach in most cases. It is incredibly harsh to breathe and is highly toxic when mixed with certain other household chemicals.

Bleach can also leave behind a small number of living organisms after treatment. Once sealed back up inside your walls, provided they have bard and the right amount of moisture, these residual molds will continue to grow. Over time you will be left with the same situation you were trying to resolve. Our technicians use professional-grade treatments to kill the existing mold. They also apply an inhibitor to prevent a resurgence of mold growth.

7. What Tools Are Needed To Remove Mold From Walls?

If you are still thinking about removing mold from your basement walls, it is helpful to gather together the supplies you will need. Use this list to get yourself organized:

Safety equipment: N95 respirator, rubber gloves, safety glasses or goggles and a fan for ventilation

Cleaning Tools: Your chosen cleaning solution, paintbrushes (to apply solution), a scrub brush, rags, 6-mil trash bags, a shop-vac, plastic sheeting and tape

Remember that the more safety precaution you take, the less contamination will escape into the rest of your home. If you want to ensure the mold is removed the correct way, Mold Remediation can help. Our trained technicians can determine what type of mold is present in your basement, how far it has penetrated the walls and the most effective removal strategy. Contact us today to learn more about our basement mold removal services.