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Mold on cellar walls

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Steve-Maine

08-07-2004 13:58:07




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We have a mold problem on lower part of cellar walls in a house which we are going to move into. We didn't open cellar windows last summer and now have the mold problem. I can't use anything that smells like bleach as my wife has asthma quite bad. Thanks in advance




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Kendall

08-10-2004 15:45:22




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 Re: Mold on cellar walls in reply to Steve-Maine, 08-07-2004 13:58:07  
Everyone is suggesting a dehumidifier and Im right there with them. My brohter-in-law had same problem in AL. Clean everything with bleach solution. The bleach fumes/smell will go away with ventelation. The dehumidifier will keep it from comming back. He put a hose on the dehumidifier so that it would drain into the basement bathtub and not have to worry about the catch bucket filling up. It would have shut off, but this way, its not stop action. Also, boric acid (AKA "Roach Proof", roach powder", etc) will kill mold.

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Dave in GA

08-09-2004 07:48:27




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 Re: Mold on cellar walls in reply to Steve-Maine, 08-07-2004 13:58:07  
I strongly recommend a dehumidifier for your basement. Within the first year after moving into our house (in Georgia), a serious mold problem began in the basement. The previous owner apparently used a dehumidifier because the problem didn't exist when we bought the house. We installed a small unit and the mold problem has been gone since. The dehumidifier fills a 5-gallon container about every 5 days. I pour the water in the rhubarb patch and the rhubarb loves it.

My parents in Michigan have always run a dehumidifier in their basement also.

A word of caution about the mold. I have asthma also and most asthmatics are allergic to molds. The mold in your basement could trigger asthma and sinus problems more than any bleach or vinegar solution.

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paul

08-09-2004 07:38:40




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 Re: Mold on cellar walls in reply to Steve-Maine, 08-07-2004 13:58:07  
Dehumidifier. Depending on your climate, a cool basement in a high humidity will make the problem worse even with windows open - warm moist air hitting cool basement walls. This will solve the problem for the future.

You gotta kill off the mold that is there, and that pretty much means bleach in some form. Perhaps some of the pro-grade ($$$) mold removers will not have an aroma, but not sure you will get away from that?

As someone else said, if bleach is bad, mold could be really really bad for her.

--->Paul

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Dean Minnesota

08-08-2004 07:43:31




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 Re: Mold on cellar walls in reply to Steve-Maine, 08-07-2004 13:58:07  
I am guessing that your cellar walls are made of concrete, which is the most common type of material for that purpose. Simply put, warm walls are dry walls and mold doesn't grow where it is dry. If you are willing to do the work and spend some money, dig down to the footing on the outside of the walls and install 2 inch polystyrene insulation from your local lumber store. As long as your at it, you might aw well install a 4 inch drain tile around your footing too and backfill with select granular sand which is a clean sand that lets the water seep through to your tile.

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TheRealRon

08-08-2004 04:15:33




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 Re: Mold on cellar walls in reply to Steve-Maine, 08-07-2004 13:58:07  
I'm far from being an MD but if you wife has an asthmatic reaction to bleach the mold may put her over the edge.

You have two problems;

1) Don't let your wife near that house until you get a pro to remove the walls or the mold from the walls. There are experts who do "mold removal"; see your big city phone book.

2) All mold will return unless the cause for it is eliminated. Ventilation may be enough, dehumidification may be required. Any water entry must be eliminated which usually involves regrading the house peremiter, at a minimum.

If a real estate broker was involved in the transaction, you might want to see an attorney to learn your rights. In many states you can get them to pay for mold remediation.

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MAC,IL

08-07-2004 16:52:13




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 Re: Mold on cellar walls in reply to Steve-Maine, 08-07-2004 13:58:07  
Steve: Since you can not use bleach, try doing a google search for mold removers, there are several different kinds on the market. Also you may end up buying a de-humifier to prevent further cases. Not sure, but seems you can buy scented bleach. Don't know if that would help or not.



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VaTom

08-07-2004 16:46:18




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 Re: Mold on cellar walls in reply to Steve-Maine, 08-07-2004 13:58:07  
You have a problem Steve. Vinegar is a weak substitute for bleach. Or alcohol? Bear in mind that mold needs food, humidity (exceding 50%rh), and moderate temp. to grow. Remove any of those 3 and it won't thrive. You might start with a dehumidifier, if it's warm enough down there.

Alternatively, bleach with lots of ventilation? Good luck.



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