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How do I Remove Basement Mold?

Anna T.
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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You can remove basement mold by using an anti-fungal cleaner on all surfaces with signs of mold growth and running a dehumidifier in your basement. If you have carpet in your basement that contains mold, you have the option of either attempting to steam clean it with a mold removal cleaning solution or discard it completely. Getting mold out of carpet can be very difficult, so even if you try to clean it you may not be able to get the mold out. It's also important to take steps to prevent mold from growing if you do not want to continually have a problem with basement mold.

There are many products on the market that are designed to kill mold. You can use these products on the walls and floors of your basement that show signs of mold growth. It may also be a good idea to clean areas that do not show signs of mold growth because mold is typically microscopic when it first starts spreading. Keep in mind that you need to thoroughly clean all areas, because if you leave even a tiny bit of mold it will probably spread and you will still have basement mold in your home. If you have insulation in your basement that contains mold, you will most likely have to tear it out and replace it with new insulation.

When you are in the process of removing basement mold, you'll want to check not only the walls and floors, but also the items in your basement for mold growth. You should try to clean the mold off of anything you want to keep that you intend to store in your basement; otherwise the problem will most likely return. If your basement has carpet, you can purchase an anti-fungal carpet cleaning solution to use in a steam cleaner. This is not guaranteed to work because mold is very hard to remove from carpets completely. If you want to be sure that your basement mold problem is gone for good, you might have to replace your carpet.

Humidity is one of the main reasons that basement mold is a problem for so many people. Basements are typically damp and warm, which creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Regular use of a dehumidifier in your basement might help to keep mold at bay, particularly on days when it is unusually rainy and warm. It might also be a good idea to improve your basement ventilation because good air circulation can prevent the growth of mold. Basements that have leaks are also much more likely to develop mold, so you should stay on the lookout for leaks and patch them up as soon as you notice them.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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Discussion Comments

By literally45 — On Jul 18, 2014

@fBoyle-- Yes, actually many people use a mixture of half bleach and half water to remove mold. It's very effective and it does help prevent mold from growing back. I have used it in the past. The only caveat is that you have to ventilate the basement very well, or the fumes from the bleach will be harmful.

Poor ventilation is usually the case with moldy basements anyway. So set up a ventilation system. This will prevent mold. If you can't do that, then you have to use a dehumidifier.

By fBoyle — On Jul 17, 2014

Is it a good idea to use water with bleach to remove mold in the basement? I read that bleach might prevent mold from coming back. I'm not fond of bleach because it's so strong and toxic. But I want to get rid of mold for good. Does anyone here have an opinion on this?

By SteamLouis — On Jul 17, 2014

First of all, cleaning and removing basement mold doesn't mean anything if the source of the humidity and dampness is not removed. Although basements can have mold in humid climate, there is usually another cause like a leaky pipe. If the cause is not found and taken care of, the mold will return regardless of how many times it is removed.

So unless the mold is due to climate in general, I suggest searching for the root of the problem. Otherwise, dehumidifiers and mold removing sprays are just temporary solutions.

Anna T.

Anna T.

Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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