How to remove mold from concrete

Author: Sara Rhodes
Date Of Creation: 10 February 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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How-To Clean Mold from Concrete | SealGreen.com | 800-997-3873
Video: How-To Clean Mold from Concrete | SealGreen.com | 800-997-3873

Content

Mold can be removed from concrete with special cleaning agents. Apply a small amount of cleaner to concrete to test its effect. Put on protective gear and thoroughly wipe down the moldy areas. Then, if the concrete surface is outside the building, high pressure wash it. If it is indoors, it can be wiped dry. Simply removing the mold is not enough, as it can come back again if you don't understand the cause of it first.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Removing mold

  1. 1 Choose a cleaner to remove mold. Use a cleaner that can remove mildew, diluted bleach, or a cleaner specifically designed to remove mildew and mildew. Do not dilute chlorine bleach with anything other than water, as some cleaning agents release toxic fumes when mixed with bleach.
    • To make a diluted chlorine bleach solution, mix three parts water with one part liquid bleach in a bucket.
    • You can also remove mold with white vinegar.
    • Remember to test the product first on a small, inconspicuous area. Bleach and other chemicals can discolor concrete if painted.
  2. 2 Remove all mold-affected items. Any organic material close to mold can be contaminated with it. Throw away all disposable items like cardboard boxes.Remove all mobile items, be they furniture or rugs.
  3. 3 Apply the cleaner. Take a hard sponge or brush and apply your chosen cleaner to any moldy areas. Wipe everything thoroughly. If you have used an anti-mildew cleaner, apply it directly to the mold stains and scrub them with a bristle brush.
    • Do not use a wire brush, which can scratch the concrete.
    • Put on old clothes, rubber gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
  4. 4 Wait until the surface is saturated with the cleaning agent. If the stains persist, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the stain with the cleaner until the mold is gone.
  5. 5 Clean up the concrete if it is an outside wall or other outdoor surface. The fastest and most efficient way is to use a jet of hot water from a pressure washer. The pressure rating must be at least 3000 psi (20 MPa) with a water capacity of at least 240 liters per hour. This will remove any organic matter that has seeped into the pores of the concrete. If you don't want to use a sink, try flushing the concrete with a hose.
    • The pressure washer can be rented from a hardware store. To transport it, you will need a van, pickup truck, or SUV, and a friend to help load and unload it.
    • Ask the salesperson how to use the sink and ask them for safety information. Also find out if the attachments are included with the sink. Do not use the nozzle less than 15 degrees. Never use the 0 degree nozzle.
  6. 6 Dry the indoor area with a towel. When the concrete is dry, carefully inspect for any mold left that could not be removed. If you find mold, rinse the area and use a stronger cleaner that you haven't used (diluted bleach or a special mildew remover).
  7. 7 Clean items that were on the concrete before putting them back. Furniture made from leather, wood or inorganic materials must be thoroughly cleaned. Upholstered furniture with visible traces of mold must either be thrown away or taken to a workshop for a change of upholstery. Carpets that are clearly showing signs of mold growth or that are completely wet should be removed.

Part 2 of 2: Eliminate the source of moisture

  1. 1 Check the area for slopes and debris. The land should run at a slight slope from the house so that water can drain away and not collect under the walls. Do not let wet leaves and other debris collect near the outside walls of your home.
    • Standing water can enter the home and cause mold to grow inside the home.
    • If you notice mold marks in your driveway, consider removing trees or bushes that block the sun. Mold grows best in humid and shaded areas.
  2. 2 Watch how the water goes out on the street. The drain pump should drain water at least six meters from the house. Drains must divert water at least two meters from the outer walls of the house. If the gutters drain water too close to the house, make the gutter longer.
  3. 3 Check for leaks outside. Make sure there are no faucets in the garden area. Walk around the perimeter of the house and make sure there are no signs of water seepage anywhere.
  4. 4 Eliminate water leaks and condensation in the room. For example, if you find a pipe or roof leak, fix it. Insulate the roof, outer walls, windows, and pipes to minimize the amount of moisture that can cause condensation.
  5. 5 Reduce indoor moisture. If you are experiencing a problem with mold inside your home, increase ventilation to remove warm and stale air in areas where mold can grow. Large appliances such as washers or tumble dryers should be well ventilated.Make sure the kitchen and bathroom are well ventilated. Install air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
  6. 6 Treat the concrete with a water-repellent compound. Treat the concrete with water-repellent chemicals. Seal any cracks in the concrete walkway around the house with cement, sealant or resin. If you want to paint concrete walls, treat them with a waterproof sealant, then apply an anti-stain primer and paint.
    • The exterior walls of the house can be treated with a quality acrylic sealant specially designed for outdoor use. If you live in warm and humid climates, seal the walls with a silicone-based sealant. Do this on a dry, sunny day and wait 2-3 days for the sealant to cure.

Tips

  • It is important not only to clean the concrete from mold, but first of all to find out the reasons for its appearance so that it does not form again.
  • Mold is mainly caused by the presence of water or moisture.

Warnings

  • If you find a very large mold spot (more than three square meters), it is better to have a professional take care of it.
  • Do not wash chemicals onto plants.
  • If you notice mold on your concrete kitchen countertop, check with the manufacturer for the best way to clean it up.