Question
I live in a basement flat built in about 1910, with no central heating system. Half my flat is below ground and I was told that the damp coursing had been completed. My main problem is in hidden and now open areas all over my flat I have black mould growing and a damp smell through the flat. I regularly wash the walls in bleach to inhibit it but always find more, the paint is peeling off my walls in the worse affected areas. My shoes I don’t regularly use, which I stored at the end of my hall all have white mould growing on tham and smell damp and now my Sofa and curtains smell damp too. I have a dehumidifer and try to ventilate, but I am aware that ventilation is not too good due to window placement. What else can I do to inhibit this or stop it? I spend most of my time at home sniffing trying to find the next patch.
Answer
You’re definitely in a difficult situation. To begin, I’d like to recommend you read the following post that I did regarding mold remediation and prevention:
You’ve done well in trying to increase ventilation. Your most difficult problem is that half the flat is underground, which makes sunlight and airflow extremely difficult or impossible to get down there. If there is anything you can do, even if that means putting more windows in, to create better airflow or increased sunlight – definitely do it. You could also try putting an industrial strength fan in to aid in overall ventilation. The dehumidifier that you’re using is good as well.
Bleach is a good “extra” additive to do when trying to perform home mold remediation, but should not be used as the sole fighting ingredient. I would recommend getting a product that specifically deals with mold removal, like Concrobium, etc.
Another option you might want to look into is hiring a professional mold remediator. Also try to figure out the reason for mold growth. Is it the overall weather in your area? Is it because of a chronic leak? Or is it because the house is underground and away from immediate sunlight?
Depending on the reason, remediation can cost a significant amount of money to complete. Have you considered moving? Is that even possible? You need to evaluate your overall health and well-being as well as prioritize your options.
If you have any questions about what I’ve said, feel free to e-mail me back.
I wish you the best as you fight your personal battle with mold.
Joslyn Wold
MoldBlogger.com
Jasper, IN
5 comments
We have an air purifier that kills bacteria, Mold/Mildew and eliminates odors. Yes it even kills the worst Black Mold, usually in 72 hours after turning on the machine. This is NOT an Ozone machine but produces high allotropes of Oxygen, O4 through O15. It also does not produce any harmful effects where Ozone machines many times produces Oxides of Nitrogen. Our machine is completely safe. In your situation you would run this machine 24/7 and all your mold will be killed, odors will be oxidized and as long as you run the machine no mold will grow back. You will not need to use bleach again. This machine will take care of your problem. Go to http://www.EPT-LLC.com ; The machines carry a 4 year warranty with an option for a 25 year warranty
We have an air purifier that kills bacteria, Mold/Mildew and eliminates odors. Yes it even kills the worst Black Mold, usually in 72 hours after turning on the machine. This is NOT an Ozone machine but produces high allotropes of Oxygen, O4 through O15. It also does not produce any harmful effects where Ozone machines many times produce Oxides of Nitrogen. Our machine is completely safe. In your situation you would run this machine 24/7 and all your mold will be killed, odors will be oxidized and as long as you run the machine no mold will grow back. You will not need to use bleach again. This machine will take care of your problem. Go to http://www.EPT-LLC.com ; The machines carry a 4 year warranty with an option for a 25 year warranty.
I can speak to the prevention of future mold quite easily. If you have not yet received a comprehensive answer- or need more help- please contact me by email- or read my book- “Water-Resistant design and construction- an illustrated guide to preventing water intrusion, condensation and mold, by McGraw Hill, Nov, 2007
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