Mold In Water Heater Closet
A closet or small storage area with a water heater inside presents another great environment for mold growth. Sometimes, a water heater will purge extra pressure and create some steam and water. This will disperse the walls and ceiling of the closet and start the mold growth process. This water is hot, and the tank/heater creates some heat to speed up the growth of the mold. Prevention is similar to having a sump inside the closet. Use a low-wattage light bulb to create a bit of dry heat to cut down on the humidity inside the closet. Vent the blow-off valve to a drain using a hose as well so that if it does release, the water goes directly to the drain.
The main thing to remember is to check all closets in your home once a week to ensure you do not have any growth happening. If you do, contact Mold Busters to inspect and remediate the affected areas.
Detecting Mold In Your Basement
You will need to detect mold so you can kill it and to ensure a thorough mold cleanup.
The easiest way to check for mold is to sniff around for a musty or smell. The limited ventilation in your basement will make it much easier for you to detect any strange odors.
Looking for visible signs of mold is not the best way to check for mold growth. This is because mold likes to grow in dank areas, where people usually dont go or look. Mold usually grows unnoticed until it has gotten pretty bad. A good rule of thumb is that if you can visibly see black spots on your wall, then the mold growth is quite severe .
Likewise, mold can grow in places hidden from sight, behind wallpaper, panelling, or drywall. It can also grow in vents and around pipes, or under your carpet. It can also grow in high areas or tight spaces which are usually not cleaned. Mold can also grow in heating ducts and air conditioning, as well as on or around furniture or storage boxes.
You can also opt for mold testing, which can be done either by a professional or by yourself, with a DIY mold test kit.
Long Term Moisture And Mold Prevention
Moisture management and temperature control are the two key factors for creating a mold free basement. More specifically, your goal is to create a warm and dry environment free of ground water moisture intrusions and excessive humidity. Though it may seem obvious, identifying the source of the moisture is not always straightforward. Humidity based moisture issues can look very similar to ground water intrusion .
Recommended Reading: Will Home Insurance Cover Mold
Eps Xps Mineral Wool:
SPUF is quite expensive so rigid insulation panels and a 2×4 wall with batt insulation can be a much more affordable option – but you need to know the right techniques for a succesful and mold-free wall assembly for a basement application – read on!
Rigid insulation board against concrete adds R value, breaks the thermal bridge and raises the temperature of the stud wall, which helps prevent moist air from condensing. The stud wall allows for the installation of wiring, additional insulation and drywall.
Drywall should be attached directly to studs, latex paint will act as a vapour retarder slowing any outward moisture migration while also allowing walls to dry inwards.
You may hear that EPS is somewhat moisture permeable this is true, but only slightly so and not enough to be a problem. According to Professor Straube, two inches of EPS has a perm rating in the range of 60-75 ng, or 1-1.25 US perms, which is right on the cusp of what is defined by building code as a suitable vapour barrier .
At that level of moisture permeability, an almost immeasurably small amount of moisture will be able to migrate into the wall, but with no interior vapour barrier it will pass through harmlessly. EPS, XPS and mineral wool are unharmed by moisture, and perhaps most importantly, EPS and XPS are unlikely to provide a breeding ground for mold.
How To Identify Mold In Your Basement
The first step to victory is knowing your enemy. Certain colonies of mold can be more hazardous to your health than others, and might best be left to the professionals.
As there are tens of thousands of fungi species that beget mold spores, weve narrowed it down to the most likely culprits . Compare your mold to these 12 common genera of fungi:
Also Check: How To Remove Mold And Mildew From Shower Caulking
What Can I Put In My Closet To Prevent Mold
To prevent mold inside your closet, you can install a low-wattage incandescent light bulb and leave it on at all times. This will create a dry heat source and keep the humidity and moisture low inside your closet. Also, a few desiccant packs placed around will help dry out the closet as well. Just remember to replace them periodically, so they continue working.
How Can I Remove The Moldy/musty Smell From My Closet
To remove the smell, you need to eliminate the source of the smell. Determining where the smell is being created is best left to the professionals at Mold Busters. They are trained professionals who know what to look for inside your home regarding mold and moldy smells. Contact Mold Busters today to book an appointment.
Get Special Gift: Industry-Standard Mold Removal Guidelines
Download the industry-standard guidelines that Mold Busters use in their own mold removal services, including news, tips and special offers:
Read Also: What To Do If You Find Mold In Your Bathroom
What Does Mold Inside Closets Look Like
Mold inside a closet can take on many forms. It can be of various colors and textures. Some could be black and circular in growth pattern, while others can be dark green and have a hairy look. White mold is another mold that frequently grows in residential closets. You should be aware of what these look like and have a basic knowledge of what to look for. Once identified, a Mold Busters professional should be contacted to inspect the area.
When To Remove Mold From Inside Walls
Unlike some other types of deterioration around the home, there is no acceptable level of mold in your walls and no waiting period. Once you discover mold, its best to open up the walls and remove the mold as soon as possible.
Mold can spread and affect other areas of the walls, insulation, ceiling, flooring, studs, and joists. The longer you wait to remove the mold, the longer mold has to grow.
Recommended Reading: What Does Black Mold Do
You May Like: Is There Any Paint That Will Kill Mold
Is This A Diy Project
In most cases, getting rid of mold in your basement can be done on your own. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you have serious mold allergies or notice that the mold is extremely pervasive, you might need to have professional mold remediation done. Moreover, if the root cause of the mold is something that involves a leaky foundation or a sump that keeps flooding your basement, you might want to call a plumber.
The guide below is primarily focused on light mold problems. If you have serious mold issues that managed to penetrate sheetrock, or a major flood, do not use this guide. Call your homeowners insurance for flood insurance purposes, then get professional mold remediation. Its far better to get the major stuff done via professionals, rather than to try to do it on your own.
Use Chlorine Bleach For Tough Mold Stains
If the mold is extremely heavy and has left stains after using vinegar, itâs time for a stronger solution. This should also be used on areas of unsealed wood such as outdoor decks. Mix a solution of one tablespoon dishwashing detergent, 1/2 cup chlorine bleach, and one cup warm water. Apply the mixture to the stained area with a soft-bristled brush and allow to air-dry. Finish by buffing with a soft cloth.
The Spruce / Georgia Lloyd
Recommended Reading: How Do You Kill Black Mold On Drywall
Keep Plants Out Of The Basement
If your basement is also your living room, there is a chance you have plants inside it to make it more cozy. Dont forget that plants are the perfect source of food for mold. Mold loves to feed on leaves and soil, so those are the places where you can find it often. The best solution is to limit the number of plants in your basement or eliminate them completely if possible.
In case you want to keep your plants there as part of your room decoration, ensure that they are mold free. Check their soil regularly and change it if you notice the first signs of mold or mildew. You can also use a special anti-fungal treatment for plants to prevent mold from growing. Do not overwater your plants. Find out how much water they need to stay healthy and stick to that amount. And, while you are checking your plants, check their leaves as well to ensure that there is no unusual discoloration, as it may be a sign of mildew.
In case you have already noticed some dark spots and you are not sure if it is mildew or mold, grab your phone and . Dont forget that its not mold until tested and that mold itself has to be treated with professional solutions to prevent it from coming back.
Use Exhaust Fans In Bathrooms
As stated earlier, an improperly ventilated bathroom can become a potential growth spot for mold. If you have any bathrooms in your basement, especially one with a shower, you should make sure that you have a ventilation system that will reroute humid air outside so you dont have to worry about the humid air creating excess moisture in your basement.
Don’t Miss: What Sickness Does Black Mold Cause
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.
Is Mushroom Mold Dangerous
Mushroom mold is dangerous to both humans and animals and could cause many health issues. One of the leading health issues that mold mushrooms could cause is respiratory problems, ranging from a simple cough, wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, or asthma-related symptoms.
For people who already have a compromised respiratory function, such as those with cystic fibrosis or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mold could cause much more severe symptoms, for example pneumonia-like inflammation of the lungs.
You should keep your animals and children away from the basement until the mold and mushrooms have been adequately removed.
It should go without saying, but never eat a mushroom that you find growing in your home. This goes for mushrooms growing outdoors in the wild as well.
Read Also: Will Ultraviolet Light Kill Mold
About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration
Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area . Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.
Follow us on , , , and .
What Kills Mold Instantly
In such cases, a solution of diluted bleach provides the fastest way to kill mold on walls or flooring. Prepare the solution by adding one cup of bleach into a bucket that contains about a gallon of warm water. Then proceed to scrub the mold vigorously with a stiff-bristled brush youve dipped in the bleach solution.
Also Check: How To Treat Mold In The Body
Which Respirator To Use
The type of respirator used should be dependent upon the amount of mold in the area you are cleaning. For example, if there is only a small amount of mold, a respirator that only covers the nose and mouth should be sufficient. This type of respirator can be found in most stores. However, if theres a heavier amount of mold, a half or full face respirator should be used. Again, depending on the amount of mold you are having to remove, disposable clothing may be worn to prevent mold spores from landing on your clothes.
When removing black mold, remember to use caution and follow all gathered tips for selecting the proper protective gear for your situation.
Why Mold Grows In The Winter
Mold is a type of spore-producing fungus that can grow in both indoors and outdoor environments. These spores spread by floating through the air, and begin to grow when they land on a damp surface or object.
So why does mold grow in our homes during the winter? Well, mold spores thrive in moist, warm environments. Winter brings lots of moisture with extra rain, melting snow, and ice. The colder months also mean higher temperatures in our homes due to indoor heating.
Mold spores exist in all indoor environments. While theres no way to prevent spores, theres a lot you can do to ensure your home is not a friendly environment for them to land and begin to grow.
Where is mold most likely to grow?
Mold spores can enter your home through open doors and windows or through your homes ventilation systems. They may also enter by attaching themselves to clothing, shoes, pets, or other vehicles. Mold spores can only begin to grow and thrive in conditions that contain sufficient moisture and a source of nutrients. Thats why dry, exposed areas of the home tend to be free of mold.
During the winter, mold is most likely to grow in basements , on windows where condensation has built up, and in areas with poor air circulation, such as behind walls or in closed closets or attic spaces. Mold spores also grow on objects with high cellulose content.
Here are the places and objects in your home where youre most likely to discover mold during winter:
- Walls and wallpaper
- Toys
Don’t Miss: What Can Black Mold Do
Bring The Humidity Down
Some of that moisture is migrating into the space and its not getting relieved by the HVAC system. I saw a humidity in this room of about 70%. Anytime we get above 60% in our houses, thats when molds going to have be more likely to grow. And the higher we get to 80% or above, its really going to be active. Now we put a dehumidifier in the room a couple of weeks ago, its been pulling water out of the space and now weve been able to get the humidity down to 41%. Were not going to have any activity at 41%. This situation has been totally taken care of. However, the house has a couple of other areas that are issues that may be contributing towards this mold problem. The next place we need to check is the attic upstairs.
This attic had some problems as well that were exacerbating the issue down in the basement. Number one, air leakiness. When I opened these attic stairs, I noticed right away, there was an uninsulated staircase. It would be as if we left our front door open on our house and expected our HVAC system to catch up. This is a terrible system in so many houses and needs to be insulated. It needs to be weather stripped and air sealed.
Can I Remove Black Mold Myself
If the black mold growth in your home is small enough for you to treat alone, a simple mixture of bleach and water can help. Add one cup of bleach to one gallon of water and apply it to the moldy spots. Apply the cleaner to the mold spot and scrub away the growth. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly when youre done.
Don’t Miss: How To Prevent Mold In Shower
Dont Put Plants In Your Basement
Plants are a great piece of decor, but they are also a source of moisture. While this is great in the other levels of your home where theres better ventilation, it can cause issues in your basement. Mold spores can flourish in a plants soil, and placing this in a closed-off environment like a basement can create the chance for mold to spread throughout your basement.
If you do choose to keep a plant or two in your basement, make sure that you arent overwatering them. Excess moisture in the plant can help contribute to excess moisture elsewhere in your basement, creating a good environment for mold to grow.
What Can You Do To Prevent Mold In A Basement
To prevent mold from reoccurring or growing at all, you can take the following steps:
Recommended Reading: How Expensive Is Mold Remediation
