If you don’t have a basement, it’s likely that you have a crawlspace. In the U.S., roughly 27 million homes have one. They’re an alternative to a traditional basement as they create a barrier between the ground and the floor of your home. But with a high amount of humidity and moisture, it’s common for mold to grow there.
When mold grows in your crawlspace, it can impact your health and cause issues with the support beams in your home. If you have a major mold outbreak, it’s best to call a professional that can safely remove it. But if it’s smaller traces, there are a few things you can do to remove it.
Here are some steps you can follow to remove mold from your crawlspace:
- Clean with a Foaming Spray
- Soak with a Mold-Killing Mixture
- Scrub or Rinse Off Any Residue
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Before starting this process, be sure to be fully protected to prevent any mold from getting in contact with your skin. This includes wearing a moisture-proof suit, rubber gloves, and a full-face respirator. There are various types of foaming sprays sold in stores that are specifically designed for killing and breaking down mold.
Clean with a Foaming Spray
There are various types of foaming sprays sold in stores that are specifically designed for killing and breaking down mold. It works by creating an air seal that starves mold of its food source – moisture and oxygen – and prevents any future growth.
Soak with a Mold-Killing Mixture
Next, you can soak the mold with a variety of household chemicals that will help you remove it from the area. Two common ways are with vinegar and baking soda. With vinegar, you’ll just need to mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. After spraying it and letting it sit for a few minutes, you can scrub the area and then rise it. With baking soda, you won’t need to mix it with anything else. You can spread it directly on the affected area and wipe it off after.
Scrub or Rinse Off Any Residue
If there is still mold present, you can complete these steps again and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush or household sponge to clear up any stubborn areas. From there, you can rise it off with water.
Once these steps are completed, you’ll need to get rid of anything you’ve used to prevent any mold or chemicals that are on your clothing or tools from getting into the rest of your house.
Preventing Mold in The Future
After removing the mold, there’s still a possibility that it will grow again if the proper steps aren’t taken. Here are a few ways to prevent mold in the future:
Install A Dehumidifier: Having a dehumidifier in your crawlspaces makes sure that any humid air is removed once it gets to a certain level. You’ll need to find one that is the correct size for your space and pick the right location for it. To do so, you’ll need to place it in an area where the airflow isn’t blocked so that it can be easily drained.
Remove Stagnant Water: If you have stagnant water in your crawlspace, the moisture and humidity will cause the mold to continue growing. To remove small amounts of water, you can use a wet/dry vacuum. If there’s a large amount of standing water, you can use a submersible pump to get it out. But calling in a professional may be your best option to make sure it is fully removed.
Seal Your Crawlspace: To seal your crawlspace, you’ll need to start by adding a plastic vapor barrier and attaching it to foundation walls, piers, and equipment. Next, you’ll need to seal off all vents and openings from the outdoors to prevent any humid air from entering. Adding a thermal barrier, such as foam installation, will also prevent outdoor air from entering your crawlspace. Lastly, any gaps and cracks such as drain lines will need to be sealed off. As this is a complicated, multi-step process, a professional will be able to ensure that it gets done correctly.
Let Crawlspace Doctor Help You
If you’re dealing with mold in your crawlspace, our dedicated team is here to remove it safely. We’ll also take all the steps necessary to prevent it from growing in the future to create a healthier, happier environment for your home.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.