Mold Remediation in Basement

Kito J
by Kito J
Excessive rains caused moisture levels to rise in unfinished basement. The moisture caused mold to grow on wood structures. I washed the wood structures with chemical and used a dehumidifier to bring down moisture levels.
* Cost Comments:
Total cost was approximately $60. This cost is inclusive of the dehumidifier rental of $32 for a 24
Advice:
Make sure you wear a facial/nose mask and goggles due to the odor of the solution used. I used goggles that I already had which are not represented in the materials section. You can purchase a pair for about $5.
You may consider purchasing a dehumidifier to guard against the moisture levels elevating again and the mold returning.
In exchange for about 5 hours of work, I saved myself hundreds of dollars by taking care of this issue myself. The final outcome was positive.
I used the outdoor version of Clorox because it is stronger than the regular. I followed the dilution instructions mixing it with water in the spray bottle. I sprayed all the areas where mold was present and washed it down with the sponges. I kept a bucket of water nearby which also contained some Clorox to constantly clean the sponge I was using. I washed virtually all of the exposed wood in the area that was affected. After cleaning the area, I connected the dehumidifier which came with a drainage hose on it. I elevated the dehumidifier and ran the hose out of the window into a 5 gallon bucket so that I could see how much water was removed from the air. When it was all said and done, after running the dehu for approximately 22 hours, it sucked about 10 gallons of water out of the air.
Materials:
Dehumidifier Rented - $0.00
Latex Paint Respirator - $0.00
3M Scrub Sponge - $0.00
Clorox Outdoor Bleach 180 oz - $0.00
Pro Sprayer Bottle 32 oz - $0.00
Goggles - $0.00
Bucket - $0.00
View 1 of Unfinished area in basement to be cleaned.
View 2 of Unfinished area in basement to be cleaned (ceilings).
View of Unfinished wall framing area in basement to be cleaned.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 9 comments
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Oct 18, 2010
    If you fdo more finish work in this space in the future use "paperless" dry wall and put in a vent fan. constant monitoring is the best route to keep mold at bay
  • Ayanna George Ayanna George on Oct 21, 2010
    Once you clean it up make sure to use a mold retardant agent other than clorox outdoor. Keeping an eye on it will help but once it is under control you should finish the ceiling.
Next