Tea Tree Oil Is Another Natural Cleaner That Will Kill Mold In Concrete
Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide thats great at killing mold. It can be mixed with water and sprayed onto concrete basement walls to kill spores. And its all natural so its much safer than chemicals and acids.
Heres how to make a tea tree oil cleaner:
- 1 tablespoon tea tree oil
- 1 cup water
- Spray bottle
- Dish soap
Wipe the surface level mold off the concrete first with a rag and soapy water.
Spray the moldy areas with your tree oil solution and let it soak. The longer it soaks the better it will work.
When youre ready to start scrubbing, spray the wall with solution again. Then start scrubbing hard into the pores.
When youre all done let the concrete walls dry.
Hiring A Mold Removal Expert
The EPA advises that if you have significant mold on the walls of your home, you should hire an expert to remove it. However, they state that you must ensure the contractor is certified, insured and trained specifically in mold remediation.
Mold removal professionals will follow a remediation procedure. Typically, theyll start by identifying the mold by collecting samples and testing it. They will then assess the extent of your issue and create a plan to completely remove mold from your property.
Next, theyll begin the mold removal process. Finally, they will carry out tests and issue a clearance report.
Basement Mold Removal Methods
Basement Mold Removal through Negative Air Pressure: A negative air pressure machine can be used to prevent the spread of mold to other areas in your home.
Negative air pressures use a process called ducting to suck the air out of a room and filter it outside of the area with mold.
Negative air pressure machines are a good way to ensure that an area is free of mold spores.
Removing Basement Mold with HEPA Vacuuming: HEPA vacuums can be used for mold removal and are often a great way to ensure that all mold spores and particles have been removed from your basement.
Furthermore, if an area of your basement is highly susceptible to mold, vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum on a semi-regular basis can also help prevent future mold growth.
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Where To Use Borax For Mold
While borax is a great mold-eliminator, you might want to be careful where you apply it to kill mold. If you have indoor plants with signs of mold growing on the surface of their potting soil, you should not apply borax as it can alter the pH of the soil.
In addition, do not use a borax solution to clean mold on porous surfaces such as drywall ceilings and walls. Such surfaces are absorbent and can retain moisture that can worsen your mold problem.
Heres where you can use borax as a cleaning agent to get rid of mold safely:
Black Or Gray Concrete Stains
Black or gray spots on your walls are generally mold. This is something you should be worried about because mold can be harmful to your health.
Mold typically grows in damp, warm settings. If that describes your basement then bring in some airflow to dry it out. I install basement ventilation in pretty much every basement we work on just to prevent mold growth. Fresh outside air is great at drying out those damp walls.
Try to maintain low humidity. If moisture can accumulate on the concrete walls or floors it could start growing mold.
Luckily, cleaning and killing mold spores isnt that hard once you find them. First, use a soap and water solution to clean all the surface mold. Soak the walls with water and then wipe the mold with a rag. Itll come off easily. But this initial cleaning is only surface level. Once youre done you have to clean deep to kill the spores.
After the wall has dried, mix some bleach in a bucket of fresh water. I use 1 about part bleach for every 3 parts water. Soak the wall in the bleach solution for about 20 minutes. Get the concrete really wet so that it gets into the pores. Dry the wall thoroughly when done.
You can substitute vinegar for bleach if you prefer. It work about the same but isnt as harsh. Keep the ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
For really bad mold, try a commercial mold killer.
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How To Remove Mold From Concrete Basement Walls In
Some household owners have even looked into using high-pressure washers to help remove mildew and get rid of mold from basement walls. Warm water from your sink will also do the trick. Rinsing helps remove any lingering spores that are clinging onto the wall. Dry the rinsed surfaces with a towel to minimize the risk of further mold spores.
Kill Mold Naturally With Tea Tree Oil
Believe it or not, one of the uses for tea tree oil is a fungicide thats surprisingly effective at killing molds and mildews on many different surfaces, from clothes to walls to shower stalls. If youre looking for a healthy, holistic, pleasant-smelling way to kill mold in your home, tea tree oil might be just the ticket.
- Scrub brush, sponge, or rag
If youre cleaning mold in a shower or other well-traveled area, you may be able to spray the area with the tea tree oil solution and leave it. Since youre only using one part tea tree oil for every 48 parts water, theres no need to rinse!
If the area is visibly moldy, you may want to scrub the mold away with a sponge or rag soaked in the tea tree solution instead. In both scenarios, leave the cleaner on the surface without rinsing to help discourage future mold growth. Watch tea tree oil use around pets, as it can be harmful to them if ingested.
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When To Call A Professional Mold Remediation Company To Get Rid Of Mold
When it comes to non-toxic mold in small areas on non-porous materials there is a fair chance you can remove the mold on your own using one of the products listed above. However, professional mold remediators are recommended when:
- Mold is in your HVAC systems or inside materials and places that are difficult to repair or replace
- The mold infected area is large
- You dont have the appropriate ools or sufficient knowledge to remove the mold on your own
- You are already experiencing mold exposure symptoms
- You prefer not to waste time or nerves on mold removal
Mold remediation specialists have a lot of experience and professional equipment that will completely remove mold. These professionals know what mistakes to avoid, what not to overlook, and how to permanently solve your mold problems.
How To Beat Mold And Mildew
- Method 1 of 3: Treat the bottom of the mold. Keep in mind that mold is mainly caused by moisture. Mold is a moisture problem.
- Method 2/3: Use of different cleaning solutions. Try a mixture of bleach and warm water. Mix one cup of bleach for every gallon of hot water.
- Method 3 of 3: Clean less common surfaces and materials. Remove mold or mildew from clothing.
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Rinse The Concrete Walls
If possible and practical, rinse the solution off the walls using a water hose. Some household owners have even looked into using high-pressure washers to help remove mildew and get rid of mold from basement walls. Warm water from your sink will also do the trick. Rinsing helps remove any lingering spores that are clinging onto the wall.
Dry the rinsed surfaces with a towel to minimize the risk of further mold spores. You can also use a negative air pressure machine to filter the dirty air in your basement.
Getting Rid Of White Chalky Efflorescence From Cement Block Basement Walls
Most times, in old cement walls, you will find minerals and salts come to the surface in the form of a white ugly-looking residue. This is called Efflorescence which should be removed as soon as possible.
We will use soap and vinegar in this method. Vinegar can neutralize the alkalinity of efflorescence.
Note: Never try to seal the cement wall if there is white chalky residue over it because it will become cryptoflorescence which will weaken the wall and may be the cause of chipping and even a collapse.
YOULL NEED
9- Dry cloth
STEPS
STEP 1: Use plastic sheeting on the basement floor . You may choose to work one wall at a time and accordingly shift the plastic sheet as you move to the next wall.
STEP 2: Use a stiff brush to scrub off the surface chalky residue from your cement wall.
STEP 3: Prepare a soapy solution of 1 Gallon water, 2 cups of vinegar, and 2 cups of dishwashing detergent.
STEP 4: Using a sponge, apply this solution over the cement wall. Now, use a plastic bristled stiff brush to scrub the efflorescence off the cement wall. Use circular motions while scrubbing. You will see the white chalky material coming off gradually.
You may choose to use a drill motor brush if you have one and do not want to scrub manually.
STEP 5: Now, using a garden hose, wash down the soapy water from your basement wall, if a little water flooding is not a problem for you.
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Removing Mold From Basement Walls
If youve found mold on your basement walls, you may be wondering the best way to remove basement mold from concrete/basement wall.
Fortunately, there are numerous safe ways to remove mold from your basement walls.
- Clean your Basement Walls: The first step to removing mold from your basement wall especially if your wall is concrete is to clean the wall. Take warm water and soap and scrub any build up or dirt off of the walls.
- Proper Mold Cleaning Product: Once youve ensured that your basement walls are clean, its now time to use your product of choice for mold removal.
Many of the mold removal solutions mentioned thus far, would be suitable for removing mold from your walls.
And, while many of these mold killers are non-toxic, bleach should always be used with caution while using in non-ventilated areas.
It is also preferred to use a safety mask or other PPE when handling any type of toxic mold cleaning agents.
Whatever mold removal product you decide to use, applying it with a scrub brush to the mold may assist in ensuring that you remove all of the mold and the mold spores from the surface.
Dry your Basement Walls: Mold loves moisture, so after youve cleaned your walls and removed mold, your next step should be to dry your walls to ensure the mold doesnt return from the walls staying damp.
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Bathroom Walls
Bathroom mold is an unsightly and unhealthy problem that should be addressed as soon as you spot it. For mold on painted walls, try a natural remover. Learn more here.
Bathroom mold is an unsightly and unhealthy problem that should be addressed as soon as you spot it. The most common places to find mold are tile grout, caulk and painted or wallpapered walls.
Bathroom mold occurs primarily because mold loves damp, dark, isolated spaces, says Larry Vetter of Vetter Environmental Services in Smithtown, N.Y. Typically, a bathtub, shower, or entire bathroom remains damp enough for mold growth just from showering or bathing.
Chances are, if youre reading this, you already have a mold problem in your bathroom. In that case, there are some simple steps you can take to get rid of that mold.
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Spalling Or Crumbling Walls
Spalling occurs when the concrete in your basement wall begins to crumble, while also causing flaking and chipping. However, spalling is a more serious problem that you must address immediately. If you fail to do that, you may have to replace the entire concrete wall.
Just like some other stains, spalling results when water penetrates your wall. If the water carries salt, it may fill the spaces between concrete particles.
When the salt expands, they increase these spaces, causing the concrete to break and flake away. Therefore, keeping humidity levels low is one of the sure-fire ways of avoiding this problem.
This video explains how you can minimize humidity in your basement and garage:
Types Of Basement Mold
Various types of mold will infest your basement. While they are all hideous, not all of them are toxic to humans.
Molds can be divided into two categories:
- Allergenic
- Mycotoxin/black
Allergenic molds usually pose no health risk unless you are extremely sensitive to molds or asthmatic. Black molds, on the other hand, produce a toxic chemical called mycotoxins and are particularly harmful to humans and pets.
Here are the common types of molds that can infest your basement.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is one of the most common household mold species. There are different types of Aspergillus, and most of them thrive well indoors. Some of the Aspergillus molds are allergenic, but some are mycotoxin and should be removed by a specialist, especially if it is something like black mold.
This fungus is dark green and found on damp walls, ceilings, and even furniture. It flourishes in humid environments, but can also grow in areas that are dry with high levels of humidity or condensation.
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Know Your Mold And Mildew
Mold can grow in your home wherever theres an abundance of moisture, especially when its allowed to remain for extended periods of time. Mold usually appears on walls, ceilings and floors of homes where moisture management is not at its best. In particular, basements, shower walls and windowsills are areas where mold commonly likes to live. Mold and mildew, for all intents and purposes, are essentially the same thing mildew is generically used to describe many minor mold problems in the home, such as on shower tile grout. However, some molds can become highly toxic to people if left to prosper. Mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complications, and is especially a risk for small children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory illnesses or weakened immune systems. Mold can appear in many shapes and colors, none of which accurately determines the actual species of mold. However, it does commonly present itself in various tints of black, white, green or blue, and in many combinations of these and other colors.
Eliminate Basement Mold With Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit Seed Extract: An advantageous of grapefruit seed extract is that not only will it remove mold, but it can also be used as mold prevention.
To remove mold with grapefruit seed extract, combine the extract with water and apply to the surface where the mold is. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then wipe off.
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Remove Moisture Prevent Mold
You can remove mold from every inch of your basement or crawl space, but unless you take steps to reduce or eliminate moisture, those spores will eventually return.
If you have a partial basement meaning one section of your basement is more like a crawl space cover the soil in that part of the basement with thick plastic sheeting to reduce humidity from soil moisture . Use a dehumidifier or other type of air exchange solution, and remember to empty it regularly. Patch any fine cracks in walls to keep water from seeping in if you have any large cracks in the walls or gaps between cinder blocks, your foundation may need to be repaired before youll notice a decrease in basement/crawl space humidity.
In the proper environment, mold will continue to grow, so its important to create dry conditions in your basement or crawl space that dont appeal to mold spores.
Prepare Your Room And Clean The Walls
Once youre ready to start removing the mold from the walls, clear the area. Ensure that you remove any furniture, fabrics, and electrical equipment from the affected area. Then, cover the floor with plastic sheets for protection.
Next, use a damp sponge with dishwashing liquid and clean the affected area to remove any dirt.
We recommend that before you cleaning or treating the wall with any product, you put on protective gear. Safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a mask will protect you from exposure to the mold. You should also ensure that you open windows and doors while youre removing the mold.
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How To Kill Mold With Borax
Mold is packaged in a powdery form and you can buy it at your local grocery store. You can also buy mold on Amazon along with other groceries. To use borax to clean mold, mix it with water to make a borax solution for wiping moldy surfaces.
Heres how to kill mold with borax:
If you do not want to leave the borax solution on your surfaces, rinse it off and repeat this procedure for 2-3 days to make sure all the mold spores are eliminated.
How To Clean Interior Concrete Walls
Before we start talking about more specific type of cleansers and techniques, lets go over some basic cleaning methods, tips and tricks. Whether your interior concrete walls are covered in mold and mildew, rust, grease, grime, or just dust and dirt, you can clean them with the right products and methods.
The most important thing to understand about cleaning your interior concrete walls is that concrete is porous. Its not like cleaning a hardwood floor, tile or drywall. Mold, bacteria, dirt, dust, etc. will settle into the concrete. Its important to not only clean the surface of your concrete but also inside it where mold spores can breed.
Whenever you clean a concrete wall, let the solution soak. Some strong cleansers only need to soak for a minute or two while natural solutions can sit for an hour. Vary the soak time based on the cleaner youre using.
Cleaning a concrete wall involves some scrubbing. Use a medium to hard bristle brush. Scrubbing is the best way to clean inside those pores.
Some concrete cleaning solutions, like vinegar and water, are fairly harmless. But others, like acids and commercial cleansers, can be harmful to your health. They can damage your skin and eyes and make you sick if inhaled. Use the appropriate safety gear based on the type of cleaner youre using. For harsh chemicals and acids I use gloves, a respiratory mask and goggles.
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