How to Repair Basement Mold

Learn how to safely remove or repair basement mold and mildew following a flood or period of high humidity. Leaving basement mold there is not advisable because health issues can occur, such as asthma, eczema and sinus problems. Follow some specific tips to get rid of basement mold and mildew quickly without risking either your or your family's health.

Preparing Your Basement for Mold Removal

1. Turn on dehumidifiers in your basement to remove all water. If the water is due to flooding, use wet vacs and sump pumps to remove all standing water. If it is due to a leaking pipe or seeping basement foundation, you will also need to remove water.


2. Address the issue causing the water problem. You may need to hire a professional plumber to fix your pipe or call in a company to install a dry well and sump pump to keep water from building up along your basement foundation.


3. Put on a N95 respirator mask before starting any basement mold removal project in your basement. This mask keeps you from breathing in the mold spores that cause allergic reactions and other health problems. Do not attempt any basement mold cleaning job without having a mask. Find these masks in your local hardware or home supply store.

Tips for Removing Mold

1. Use a flashlight to find all mold and mildew on your basement walls, floors and wood framing. Spray these areas with a product designed to kill mold. Make your own mold and mildew spray by mixing one to two cups of bleach with one gallon of water. Spray the mixture on and allow it to soak in and then wipe away the mold with rags.


2. Remove and dispose of sheetrock, wood paneling and other wall materials affected by basement mold. Make sure the wood framing you remove is not supporting the upper floors of the house. For supportive framing, spray the boards thoroughly with a mold-killing agent and then paint over with a mold killing paint. If you have the money, hire a professional to replace the wood framing.


3. Use an electric jig saw to cut above the area where the mold appears and remove the entire mold-covered section. Remove insulation found behind the wall material and dispose of that too. Talk to your recycling and trash removal company to find out how to dispose of the moldy materials.


4. Remove basement carpeting to a deck or patio to clean it. Cleaning the carpeting within your basement adds extra humidity to the air. Padding is impossible to clean of mold and mildew so you must replace it.

Avoiding Future Mold Issues

• Run a dehumidifier throughout the summer when basement humidity levels are high. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider paying the money to have a basement dewatering system installed.


• Make sure you keep an eye on your basement throughout the year so that you catch problems before they worsen. Always check for leaking pipes, watch for water seepage and look for mildew or mold on basement walls or floors. By eliminating moisture problems, basement mold will not be an issue.