There is one issue with basements - they tend to get very humid and moldy.
Getting rid of mold in a basement can be tedious, and many homeowners give up and decide to simply ignore the issue. Still, the mold remains, and it can cause some more serious issues down the road.
Too much humidity in your basement is problematic for other reasons as well. It can cause corrosion and structural damage to your home. If you are storing some things in your basement, they can also get ruined by too much moisture.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Basement - Using A Dehumidifier
Let’s get straight to the point: the best way to get rid of mold in your basement is to use a dehumidifier. This will prevent the mold from occurring in the first place, as mold thrives in damp and poorly ventilated places.
Using a dehumidifier will also help reduce the existing mold. By dehumidifying the air in your basement, you are creating conditions that are no longer suitable for mold growth. As a result, the mold starts to dry and die out.
Also, let’s not forget about that musty smell in humid places. If you want to spend more time in your basement, that smell certainly isn’t helping. With a dehumidifier, you aren’t addressing one issue only (the mold). You are addressing multiple issues stemming from increased humidity, including property damage and unpleasant smells.
How To Use A Dehumidifier For Your Basement
Using a dehumidifier is much easier than you might think. Simply follow these steps:
- Choose a suitable dehumidifier - for your basement, it would be ideal if you chose a large and powerful dehumidifier, with a high pint capacity.
- Find the best spot - place your dehumidifier at least 5-10 inches away from the basement’s walls, and preferably near the dampest part of your basement.
- Set the desired humidity level - you don’t need to choose the driest level, but make sure that the air humidity doesn’t go above 50%.
- Turn it on - start your dehumidifier and let it run continuously. Check on it once a week to see if it is working properly and if it needs maintenance.
Best Dehumidifier For Basement From CO-Z Palace
Now that you know how to get rid of mold in the basement by using a dehumidifier, it is time to buy one. Here are our top picks:
1. CO–Z Commercial Dehumidifier 145 PPD with Water Pump for Basement, Garage & More
This 145 PPD commercial dehumidifier removes up to 145 pints of moisture per day (ppd). It is ideal for large spaces, such as basements and crawl spaces. It has a built-in water pump, auto-defrost, and a detachable control panel.
2. CO-Z 180 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier with Built-in Pump & Hose for Drainage
If you need something even more powerful, get this 180 PPD dehumidifier. It is ideal for basements, garages, and warehouses. This dehumidifier has an automatic humidity control, a built-in pump for hassle-free drainage, and easy mobility features.
Other Practical Ways Of Getting Rid Of Mold In Your Basement
Apart from using a dehumidifier, there are also other ways you can get rid of mold in your basement. The best part is, you don’t have to choose between using a dehumidifier and any of these methods. Instead, you can combine them to get rid of mold in the fastest and most efficient way possible:
1. Improve Air Ventilation
Are there any doors or windows in your basement that could stay open and allow the fresh air to come in? If yes, keep them open. This will provide a much-needed air circulation, and it will significantly reduce the chances of mold growth.
If you can keep these windows or doors open all the time, you can open them for shorter periods. That will still help and make a positive difference. Some homeowners even invest in an exhaust fan, a device that promotes air circulation, even in places with poor ventilation.
2. Use Chemicals and Cleaning Solutions
Waiting for the mold to dry out and die on its own can waste too much of your time. Fortunately, there are many specialized chemicals and cleaning solutions that you can buy and use in your basement. Make sure to follow the user guidelines, as these chemicals can be dangerous when not used properly.
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals but you still need something that will effectively remove the mold, you can make your own cleaning solution. Simply sprinkle mold spots with baking soda, and then spray them with undiluted vinegar. Wait for a few hours, and then scrub with a brush or abrasive sponge. The mold should be gone.
3. Fix Leaks and Waterproofing
If your basement is moldy, even if it is properly ventilated, there might be some other issues causing this. For example, there might be some leaks in your walls. They are small enough to stay undetected, yet large enough to cause issues.
Check the plumbing of your home. Look for any other signs of water leaks, such as water stains or unusually high water bills. If your basement isn’t waterproofed, check your options for waterproofing it now.
Conclusion
In this article, you learned how to get rid of mold and excess moisture in your basement. The easiest and most efficient method is by using a dehumidifier, but there are also other methods you should try.
The combination of several methods has proven to give the best results. Protect your basement against excess moisture and mold - check out CO-Z dehumidifiers!
Here's a guide on what size dehumidifier is best for a basement.
