Mold in the home is extremely hazardous to one’s health, and black mold in particular is the most dangerous mold. Being exposed to black mold can cause asthma, severe coughing, and other breathing difficulties along with allergy symptoms such as a rash. It is therefore imperative to keep the home free of mold. Concrete in the home, most often in the basement, can be cleaned of black mold easily and inexpensively.
The first step to ridding concrete of black mold is to ensure that the room is dry and has fresh air circulating. Damp air creates an environment in which black mold thrives, and even if the wall is cleaned it may return depending on the moisture conditions of the surrounding area. Windows can be opened or installed, or a dehumidifier should be kept on for several days at a time in the basement. Even a basement that has moisture barriers installed may still be prone to black mold.
Once the area is dry and fresh air is circulating, the next step is to take a number of precautions before beginning the black mold removal: make sure children or asthma sufferers are not present in the room, close the door that leads from the basement to the home as mold spores can travel, open windows and run an exhaust fan in the basement. In addition, one should clear the area of upholstered fabric or rugs as the mold spores may stick to the fibers.
Put on protective gear before beginning to clean. A shirt with long sleeves, rubber gloves, pants that cover the legs fully, goggles and a protective mask are worth wearing to ensure full protection from the black mold’s toxic fumes. Be sure to properly dispose of these items upon finishing to clean.
The actual cleaning involves either using a professional mold remover solution, or using a homemade solution of bleach and water. Mix four parts water to one part bleach and apply with a cleaning brush or sponge. Scrub at the mold until it is not visible. Allow the area to air dry. It is advisable to apply more bleach or solution again at this point, to be certain leftover mold spores are killed.
If the black mold returns to the basement after a thorough cleaning, it is a sure sign of the presence of moisture in the room. It may be from the air, or it may be a structural problem such as a leaky pipe within the wall. Because the mold cleaning can be done practically for free by the homeowner himself, it may be worth the effort to clean first before calling for professional help to inspect the wall or pipes.
It is fairly simple to remove toxic black mold from concrete and it is essential to maintaining a healthy, toxin-free home. The underlying cause must also be dealt with to ensure that the mold will never return.