I just moved in and the basement STINKS. how do i test for mold?
Question:thanks
the basement is disgusting, crumbling concrete walls and debris everywhere. i plan on sweeping, vacuuming, and spraying clorox everywhere i can. the windows do not open. perhaps i will get a dehumidifier.
Answers:
Did you not look at the basement before you moved you?
Call the state.. they will some test it for you.. but if there is mold they will make you move out..
umm look on the walls
Look for black stuff growing on the walls. Yes, get a dehumidifier. There are companies that specialize in finding and treating mold. You may also want to notify the dept. of health.
i don't know how to test from mold, but after you do all that, spray some vinegar. Vinegar eats all the bacteria from the air so it gets rid of bad odors. Kindda like febreeze but better!
Pionair has petry dishes that you buy, set out, and then send back to them and they will tell you what kind of yuck you have in your basement.
One thing I can tell you for certain, is you have mold in your basement, you have mold in your hair, you have mold in your carpet, mold is everywhere. If you have an excessive amount of mold growth, it is because you have a water leak or infiltration problem. If you have excessive growth, it will be visible. What I suggest you do, is install a humidifier, it will improve the comfort of your home and improve the odor in the basement.
Did you buy the place or are you renting? If it is a rental, inform the landlord. If you just bought the place, there may be a way to get the former owners to pay for the cleanup and mold removal.
You definitely need to provide better ventilation down there and I think your idea of a dehumidifier is a good one. Do yourself a favor and wear a head covering, like a bandana, and a dust mask if you tackle the cleanup yourself. The previous answer that referred to the mold getting in your hair and clothing is right.
Good Luck!
Clean it thoroughly. I like the dehumidifier idea. There's mold and there's mildew and they both smell. Wash down all surfaces with a strong Pine Sol solution. That should kill any mildew and help alleviate the smell. The windows may have been sealed due to flooding issues but if you don't circulate air down there somehow the problem will probably reoccur.
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