Mould in homes can be harmful because it can lead to health problems for the occupants. This issue is most likely to occur in basements due to the high humidity levels and poor air circulation.
No matter the room you discover mould in, it is essential that you take steps to eradicate it. So, what products should you use to remove it when it appears on concrete?
Planning
Before you undertake the task at hand, remove any items that have suffered mould damage, like cardboard boxes or the carpeting. Throw out anything that cannot be cleaned. Then choose a product that will help you get rid of those nasty mould stains. Make sure the area is completely dry before bringing back in any fabric or paper objects.
1. Liquid Laundry Detergent
Bleach is usually the first product that comes to mind for major clean-up work. However, what you really need to eliminate mould from your basement’s concrete effectively is laundry detergent in its liquid form. It penetrates the concrete’s pores, ensuring a deep clean. The recipe: one cup of detergent for every three litres of water. Scour the mould stains thoroughly with this solution to make every mould spot disappear at the root. Use a sponge or brush for this task, pouring the cleaning solution directly onto the concrete. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the surface with clean water.
2. White Vinegar
As the ultimate natural cleaning product, white vinegar is an efficacious stain remover. In this case, acid is what kills the mould. The recipe: three parts water for one part vinegar. For example, you could prepare a container of cleaning solution by combining one litre of vinegar with three litres of water. Again, the idea is for the mixture to seep into the concrete’s pores to destroy the mould down to the root. Allow the liquid to penetrate the area to be treated, then scrub the stains vigorously with a brush dipped in this same solution.
3. A Specially Formulated Product
You will easily find products in stores specially formulated to clean mould on concrete. Always test cleaners, even natural one, on a small section of the area to be treated. Chemicals can discolour or stain concrete. Unless you plan on covering the concrete surface with some type of flooring, you probably want to avoid ruining it!
Furthermore, remember to wear a mask and protective gloves, even if you decide to use a natural solution. The acid and stain removing agents that these products contain may trigger a skin reaction, especially if yours is sensitive.
Prevention Is Your Best Ally
The key to successfully overcoming a mould issue is to treat the source. Our basements are generally ideal environments for mould as they provide the number one thing it needs to grow: humidity. To stop it from occurring in the first place, make sure you carry out necessary repairs, like fixing a leaking pipe and patching cracks in the concrete. Using a dehumidifier is a great way of reducing moisture in the air and the likelihood of mould appearing. Finally, never leave damp materials (fabric, paper, etc.) in the basement.
By implementing these cleaning solutions, you are certain to improve the air quality for all the home’s occupants. If this becomes a recurring problem, contact a specialist company that can find the source as well as offer corrective measures.