Codes, Regulations, and Permits  

Most communities do not have laws that monitor mold or enforce mold removal. However, always check with your local permitting office to see if permits are required for mold removal.

When to Treat Mold in the Basement  

Remove mold in the basement as soon as possible to prevent its further growth. If the basement has recently been flooded, first remove all of the water and wait until the basement is completely dry before you begin removing the mold.

Safety Considerations  

Because some strains of mold can be hazardous, wear the full range of personal protective equipment and seal off the work area. The personal protective equipment includes: HEPA N95 mask at a minimum, but ideally a P100 mask; hooded disposable coveralls; latex or latex-substitute gloves; shoe covers; and safety glasses.

One of the first indicators that your basement has mold is its smell. Mold is variously described as smelling musty, dusty, or earthy. If you know the smell of wet wood or dirty socks, this is similar to the smell of basement mold. 

Add one part of bleach to ten parts of water in the glass container. Mix. Daub the cotton swab in the mixture. Run the swab across the area suspected of mold. If the surface is dirty, the mixture will not cause it to change colors. If it is mold or mildew, the swabbed area will lighten.

With the screwdriver, gently push into drywall or wood areas of suspected mold. If it is mold, the screwdriver will easily push into the surface, flaking it away. Sometimes, the material will fall apart.

1) Prepare the Work Area  

Ventilate the room with a box fan with the airflow moving toward the exterior. Tape up plastic around the work area. Turn off the HVAC system or furnace to avoid carrying mold spores throughout the rest of the house. 

2) Dry the Work Area  

Use the wet/dry vacuum to vacuum up water. For other latent moisture, increase the heat in the room, turn on dehumidifiers, and leave the fan running until the area is completely dry.

3) Spray the Mold With Mold Remover  

Spray down the areas of basement mold with the mold remover. Wipe the mold remover across the surface with the sponge, thoroughly working it in.

4) Clean or Encapsulate the Mold  

After the mold remover has dried, the mold spores are dead but the mold physically remains. You may choose to paint over the mold with latex paint or remove the mold with dish detergent and hot water.

5) Prevent the Mold From Growing Again  

A good system of gutters and downspouts is one step toward reducing basement moisture. Grade soil around the home downward. Dehumidifiers in the basement can reduce the moisture content in the air. Seal around dryer vents with metal tape. Check pipes for leaks and fix, as needed. 

Mold remediation companies can treat basement mold, especially if you have large, pervasive sections of mold. If you are proceeding with a real estate sale, you may be contractually required to have a professional mold remediation company remove the mold rather than you treating it by yourself.