How to Clean a Flooded Basement Mold

Summer and spring showers can increase the humidity level in your basement that can potentially cause mold. Mold is a potent allergen that can cause a lot of health complications in healthy people. Mold exposure can cause throat irritation, itchy eyes, skin irritations, nasal congestion, and headache. Therefore, it is important to clean the mold from your basement to avoid such a possibility. If you want to know how to clean a flooded basement mold, below will some steps to help you remove the mold. To prevent the mold buildup, you will have to first dry up the furniture and walls.

1. Turn off Your Electricity

Before planning your next step, you should first turn off the electricity to your basement. Yes, do not forget to take a high powered battery operated flashlight. These are affordable and can give ample light.

2. Pump Out Water

Use a gas-powered pump to pump out water from your basement. It will not remove all the water. However, it will enable you to get inside and then you can pump out the remaining water.

3. Remove Wet Items

You need to remove all the wet items from your basement, which can demand some time and effort. Make sure to keep all the items in a dry area. If necessary, ask some friends to help you move the items to get them out sooner.

4. Clean Walls and Floor

After removing all the items from your basement, the next step is to clean your walls and floor. Before you start cleaning, be sure to put on protective cleaning gear. Use soapy water and give a good scrub to remove all the grime and dirt. You can remove your soaking wet carpet to a dry place and allow it to dry up completely. The padding may need to be pulled up as it holds a lot of water.

5. Allow Ventilation

Once the water and wet items are removed, you will need some airflow in your basement to dry up the excess moisture. You can use an industrial blower for less drying time. If you want something affordable, then use your fans as well as a dehumidifier.

Find the Source of Mold

You can find out the source by smelling or seeing. The area can be treated with the bleach solution because it will kill the spores. After this, you can reinstall your carpets. It is suggested to clean the carpets before re-installation to ensure everything is removed. After re-installing your carpets, bring furniture and other items back to your basement.

Keep a Dehumidifier & Air Cleaner

You should keep a dehumidifier in the basement. It will check moisture levels and will keep the environment dry and that will ultimately prevent mold buildup. Also, use an air cleaner to clean residues and allergens. Both these devices will maintain the dryness of your basement while keeping it cozy and comfortable for your family.

Bottom Line

From the above, you might have an idea about how to clean a flooded basement mold. The most important thing is to prevent moisture and to maintain the dryness that will automatically prevent mold buildup. If your basement does encounter moisture, it’s better to eliminate the moisture before any damage occurs.