Many people do not think about mold and mildew growing on foundations made from concrete or cement; however, if the conditions are just right, this type of growth can occur. Not only can mold, mildew, and fungus grow within the pores and on the surfaces of concrete foundations, staining is a probable result as well.

Mold and mildew can cause health problems, respiratory complications, and slippery surfaces. This can be dangerous to residents, guests, customers, visitors, and all other persons inhabiting the infected area. These reasons and more are why mold on baseboard for concrete is so vital. Getting rid of mold growth encourages a healthier environment and a more durable foundation. Continue reading to learn how mold grows on concrete and how to remove it, effectively.

Removing Mold on Concrete

Mold, mildew, and fungus grow in the presence of two chief variables, moisture and a food source. In most cases, these food sources are dirt and dust. Concrete is not capable of fungal growth on its own, but in the perfect conditions of humidity, moisture, and a present food source, mold can quickly grow and thrive for quite some time. Prolonged weather conditions, water leaks, flooding, and poor insulation can create an environment for concrete mold growth. The combination of moisture and humidity, along with a viable food source, is the perfect formula to house mold and mildew.

Also, concrete is a porous pavement, meaning it has several pores and channels running within it. These pores and microscopic crevices are perfect incubators for fungal growth too. So as mentioned before, given the right conditions, mold can easily grow within and on concrete. Some conditions are created on a temporary basis, like humid and wet weather mixed with dirt and dust, while others may be an interior issue that requires some extensive renovation or repair. Finding the root of mold growth is the first step in removing it. If the fungus is a result of a larger underlying problem like interior water leaks, then it is vital to correct this issue first, in order to acquire long-term mold removal and control.

Since concrete is very durable, removing mold is fairly simple and the process is quite easy. Once the mold is removed, it is helpful to keep concrete surfaces that are more susceptible to fungal growth, clean and dust-free. Here's how to combat mold and mildew on concrete foundations:

Purchase a Store-Bought Fungicide or Mold-Killing Detergent

These products can be purchased at any local hardware or home improvement center. You may even find them at your local grocer or superstore. Be sure to choose a higher-end product for optimal results. For a homemade solution, simply mix household bleach and water together, using equal parts.

Allow the Solution to Set In

Apply the solution liberally to the infected areas and allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the extent of fungal growth. The next step involves scrubbing, but should then be followed with a second application, setting, and scrubbing once again.

Use Elbow-Grease to Scrub the Fungus Away

It really takes a lot of scrubbing and elbow grease to scrub the mold away. This job is great for the man of the house. Once the solution is applied liberally to the infected areas, use abundant force to scrub and rub away the fungal growth and stains. Rinse the area thoroughly, and repeat the last two steps until you achieve desirable results.

Important Facts About Mold Removal

If you have mold in your home, now is the time for you to get rid of it for good! Mold can grow almost anywhere that moisture accumulates. This includes high-humidity areas, places where water has accumulated and anywhere that condensation is a problem. Mold removal doesn't have to be a difficult task if you know what to do and when to do it.

If you have detected water behind your walls, you will need to open them up immediately and get them completely dried out. If you let the water set for any length of time, mold is likely to start growing. Water stains on walls are a sure indication that moisture is present inside your wall. You can also get mold buildup in your carpeting, under your cabinets, behind vinyl wall coverings and in your baseboards. So, take a close look at these areas and keep them well maintained and moisture free.

Older homes often have appliances with inadequate ventilation systems. The warm and humid environment promotes the growth of mold around these appliances. You can also find mold in poorly ventilated closets that have damp clothing hung in them. Even your furniture is susceptible to mold buildup so it should be checked often also.

Many people have allergic reactions to mold. Mold removal must be done immediately to prevent serious health problems in some people. Be advised, however, that it is important for you to wear protective face gear when removing the mold. Wear a mask or a respirator that will keep mold spores from entering your air passages. Also keep your eyes protected by wearing goggles. And, mold cleaning solutions are powerful so be sure to wear some type of covering on your hands and any other areas of exposed skin.

Before you actually begin removing the mold, be sure to take a few minutes to dampen it a bit. This helps keep some mold spores from becoming airborne. For smooth & hard surfaces, you might be able to get rid of the mold by using a simple solution of non-ammonia detergent. In most cases, you will find it impossible to remove mold from porous surfaces. Things like carpeting and sheetrock that are infested with mold will probably have to be discarded and replaced.

Once you have completed the mold removal task, it's time go into the prevention mode. Do this by completely cleaning and disinfecting the entire area by using a bleach plus water solution. Let it set for a few minutes before removing it. Once this is done, dry the area thoroughly by using fans or other types of ventilation devices. As you can see, mold removal isn't as difficult as it seems. All it takes is a little effort on your part.