Come summer, come winter, molds can grow any time of the year. They are a type of fungus that grows in damp places and can cause health issues when they form inside the home. Molds thrive in dark and moist areas, and the basement is where you will find conditions ideal for them to thrive.
But, with the best mold remover for the basement, they’ll just be problems of the past! These mold removers will work to clean those dirty stains and leave your basement smelling fresh and clean always.
So, let’s look at some of the best mold removers available in the market today!
Best Mold Removers
RMR-86 Instant Stain Remover Spray
Pros
- Removes stains in a few seconds without the need for scrubbing
- Safely works on any kind of surfaces
Cons
- The smell can be powerful for some
The RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain remover spray will vanish any molds or stains in 15 seconds! The unique formula of the remover is ideal for any kind of surface. You can spray it on your toilet, kitchen or bathroom tiles, vinyl siding, fiberglass or even wood.
The spray has a super penetration ability to seep into porous surfaces such as wood, concrete or tile. It restores the original condition of the wood, so there’s no need to replace any furniture. Just spray the remover on the stain and wait for a few seconds-no scrubbing or sanding required.
Product Details:
| Specific Uses For Product | Floor, Bathroom, Shower |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Special Ingredients | Surfactant |
| Brand | RMR Brands |
| Surface Recommendation | Tile |
Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover Spray
Pros
- No scrubbing or sanding is required.
- Refills are readily available and can be done quickly
Cons
- The product may not be readily available
Clean the grout in your tub or shower with the help of the powerful Tilex Mold and Mildew remover spray. The spray comes with a powerful formula that removes ugly mold or mildew stains on bathtubs, shower curtains, shower doors, and walls. It is also great for ceramic tiles, countertops, and sinks.
The best part about using this spray is that you don’t need to scrub the surface. Just spray once, and the stain disappears automatically. This product kills 99.9% of household mold and mildew.
Product Details:
| Specific Uses For Product | Sink, Toilet, Tile, Shower, Bathtub, Countertop |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Special Ingredients | Sodium Chloride |
| Brand | Tilex |
| Surface Recommendation | Ceramic |
Concobrium Mold Control Household Cleaners
Pros
- EPA registered formula devoid of any harsh chemicals
- Leaves an anti-bacterial barrier on surfaces to stop mold regrowth
Cons
- It can be slightly more expensive than other cleaners
The Concrobium household cleaner is an EPA-registered formula that eliminates molds and prevents their regrowth. The cleanser leaves an anti-bacterial barrier on top of any surface it is sprayed on. It is free from bleach or any harsh chemicals, thus making it safe for use on any kind of surface.
Simply pour the cleaner in a spray bottle or a piece of cloth and spray or wipe on the surface with mold or mildew. There is no scrubbing or rinsing required, and the porous liquid penetrates deep into the surface to kill any roots of mold spores that may remain intact.
It is an odorless one-step solution that will not discolor any of your items. A gallon of Concorbium will clean about 800-1,600 sq. ft of surface area.
Product Details:
| Manufacturer | Rust-Oleum |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5.3 x 5.7 x 11 inches |
| Volume | 1 Gallons |
| Coverage | 800-1,600 sq. ft. per gallon |
| Usage | Inside; Amateur, Inside; Professional |
| Included Components | Mold Cleaner Solution |
RMR-86 Pro Instant Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover
Pros
- Contractor grade mold stain remover
- Five times stronger than other stain removers
- Fast-acting and safe to use on any surface
Cons
- The cleaner is corrosive to metals
- It has a strong chlorine odor
The RMR-86 is specially formulated for professionals. It is 5x stronger than any other cleaner in the market. It uses a unique mixture of sodium hypochlorite and removes the most stubborn stains in just a few seconds.
And the best part? No scrubbing, sanding or rinsing is required at all. The stain remover smoothly works on any kind of surface like the basement walls and eliminates stains. The clean deep penetrates surfaces and attacks those deep-seated stains in dark and damp places.
This fast-acting formula is safe to use on any kind of surface and lasts longer than other cleaners.
Product Details:
| Specific Uses For Product | Mold and Mildew Removal |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Special Ingredients | Sodium Hypochlorite |
| Brand | RMR Brands |
| Surface Recommendation | Porous Surfaces: Wood, Plastic, Tile, Concrete, Walls |
Mold Bomb Particulate Fogger
Pros
- Both pre and post-treatment for mold spores
- Easy to use and highly portable
- Safe to use anywhere
Cons
- The product can leave stains
The Mold Bomb fogger is the easiest and cleanest method to get rid of the mold and mildew in your basement. The fogger is a pre and post-treatment for kidding mold spores that may form in your house.
The fogger kills even the finest particulate debris that may carry mycotoxin in your house. It is a one-of-a-kind treatment that kills mycotoxin spores in just one treatment.
You can safely spray the fogger in both residential and commercial places. From schools to food manufacturing units, you can spray them all.
It will reach the hardest of places and ensure that no molds grow in the area. One can of the mold bomb fogger covers about 125 sq. ft of surface area.
Product Details:
| Item Form | Spray |
| Brand | Bio Cide Laboratories |
| Surface Recommendation | Wall |
| Item Volume | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Star Brite Professional Grade Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
Pros
- The triple-action formula for better performance
- No heavy scrubbing is necessary
Cons
- Not recommended to use on wooden surfaces
- May need a second application for stubborn stains
This professional-grade mold and mildew stain remover by Star Brite quickly removes mold stains in seconds. You can use it on vinyl, fiberglass, plastic, concrete on painted surfaces. The high-alkaline, triple-action formula contains:
- Surfactants- to cut grime and grease
- Chelating agents- to remove any ground-in dirt
- Buffered-bleach- to remove any mildew and mold stains
Just spray on the affected site and wait a few seconds. It does not need any heavy scrubbing but a simple rinse after some time. It is specially formulated for use in boats, RVs, residential and commercial places.
Product Details:
| Specific Uses For Product | Mildew stain remover, Mold stain remover, Fabric stain remover |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Brand | STAR BRITE |
| Surface Recommendation | Upholstery |
| Item Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
CLR Mold Mildew Cleaner Gel
Pros
- Powerful gel for easier removal of mold and mildew
- Eco-friendly and free from any harsh chemicals
Cons
- Not suitable for use on every surface
The CLR Mold and Mildew cleaner gel is a powerful concentrated spray formula that removes any form of mold or mildew in joints. It is an eco-friendly, bleach-free, low-odor, and non-acidic sealant that can be used in ceramic tiles, kitchen sinks, toilet joints, and more.
Just apply the gel evenly, wait for 3-5 hours and then rinse or wipe the area. The gel adds a bacteriostatic agent that gives continuous protection thereafter. The clean bottle comes with a 0.2-inch tip design that easily accesses gaps.
It penetrates the mold roots and undergoes rapid decomposition of the spores. There is no need for any scrubbing.
Product Details:
| Specific Uses For Product | Floor, Tile, Shower, Furniture, Countertop, Bathtub, Grout |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | CLR |
| Surface Recommendation | Floor, Painted Surface, Wall, Sink, Tile, Shower, Countertop, Fabric, Stone |
| Scent | Lemon |
How to Remove Mold in the Basement
Once you have noticed mold formation on your basement walls or anywhere else, it is best to take care of it. Molds can spread like wildfire, so you should remove them ASAP!
There are many ways to remove molds. You can use either the natural way or the synthetic way. It is best if you use proper mold removers since they give the best results. You can use any of the mold removers above since they are some of the best in the market.
There are other options available too. You can also use a steamer, bleach, borax or hydrogen peroxide. However, mold removers are recommended as you don’t need special equipment and don’t bleach fabrics or carpets.
The process is pretty simple, and you can do it yourself without calling a professional.
Study the area
Before you decide to take on the task, make sure that it is doable. Mold growth that is less than 10 sq. ft can be removed at home; otherwise, you may need to call a professional. You must also check if the mold spores have reached great depths.
Depending on how severe the growth is, you can choose any of the mold removers mentioned above.
Ventilate the basement
The removal process will require you to use harsh chemicals or agents that may be harmful if you inhale. Therefore, open even the tiniest of windows or doors in the basement and let air circulate.
Clear the surroundings
You may need to spray solutions that can harm other items in the basement. Make sure that the surrounding area around the mold growth is clear.
Spray the mold remover
- Apply: Spray the mold cleaner evenly on the surface and wait for a few seconds or minutes. If you are using any of the removers above, then you have to wait for a few seconds for the spores to die.
The stains will disappear, and if they are stubborn, then you may need to do some light scrubbing.
- Wipe: After waiting for some time, grab a few paper towels or a cloth and wipe the area.
- Repeat: Repeat the process if you can still see stains or mold growth. In the case of molds that have penetrated deeper, you will need to repeat the steps many times.
After you have removed all molds from the basement, it is best if you could find the underlying cause of mold and fix it.
Common Causes of Basement Mold
The ideal condition required for mold thriving in the basement is moisture. Some of the common causes that cause this issue are:
Water leaks
Water leakage from pipes contribute to raising the moisture levels in the air and providing the necessary moisture for mold to survive.
Excessive moisture
Excessive moisture in the basement due to condensation leads to the formation of mold. Appliances stored in the basement often cause excess moisture buildup in the area.
Lack of Ventilation
Lack of ventilation means air circulation is poor. When air circulation is poor, condensation is more likely to occur. Any form of condensation in a room will give more time for molds to form.
Previous flood
Floods that have occurred before causes high levels of water to build up in the soil underneath in the basement foundation. A porous basement surface can hold moisture and be another source of molds.
A leak from water heater
Water leakage from water heaters causes a pool of water to form and gives additional moisture for molds to form in the area.
Types of Basement Mold
There are many types of fungi that can grow in basements. Here are the most likely ones to form in your basement.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a big fungi family that grows rapidly. It has a powdery look and can be black, white, green, or yellow in color. These fungi can cause Aspergillosis, which is an infection that affects your respiratory system. It is best to call for professional help if you notice this fungus in your basement.
Acremonium
Acremonium is commonly found in concrete walls, drain pans, or window sills. It has a velvety appearance, and its color can range from whitish-grey to pink. Acremonium can cause infections in both humans and animals.
Chaetomium
This fungus commonly grows in places that have suffered water damage. The appearance and color change from whitish to brown or black later. It is a cottony mold that can cause eye, skin or even nail infections in humans.
Aureobasidium
You will find this fungus mostly on damp or wet wood, on damp carpets, walls, cushions or window frames. It has a smooth texture and changes color from cream or pink to dark brown or black.
Ulocladium
Ulocladium grows very well on wet walls and indoors. So, you will most likely see this in your basement. These dark-colored fungi pose a risk for allergic reactions in some individuals.
Mucor
Mucor likes to grow in cold places and is most seen in buildings with water damage or leaks. The mold can be white, yellow or greyish-brown in color. Some strains can cause skin infections in humans.
How to Prevent Mold From Forming in the Basement
Preventing mold from forming is relatively straightforward, and the key is controlling the humidity and moisture levels.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a device that uses air conditioning to maintain a level of humidity in the air. Molds need moisture in the air to grow. Controlling the level of humidity ensures that molds have a harder time taking root in the basement. A right dehumidifier can suck the moisture out from the air, create the right climate to retard mold growth.
Dehumidifiers do not actually kill the mold spores. They will still remain dormant, waiting for an ideal condition to sprout. But it does help in denying the conditions for them to thrive. Ideally, a humidity level of below 60% is enough to prevent molds from forming in the basement.
Identify and fix leaks
A dehumidifier will be ineffective if there is a leak. You can identify leaks by a close inspection of the basement. Look for stains on floors, ceilings and walls. Wet spots or wet walls can be an indication of a leaky pipe. Cracks in the foundations could lead to stress in the water pipes, which could mean they are leaking.
A dead giveaway sign would be visible mold or mildew in such places. Some subtle signs are musty odors, a sudden increase in water usage or slight sounds of water running when it isn’t being used.
Clear Clutter
Clutter lying around your basement can trap moisture and cause molds to form. Clutter prevents air circulation. It can also collect moisture depending on where its located. Clutter on a cement floor can sap up the moisture. Clutter can also contain food sources such as crumbs leftover on a plate, and mold can form there.
Molds thrive in anything that collects dust and holds moisture—items such as fabric, paper or wood. Refrain from hoarding such items in the basement.
Ventilate area well
Good Ventilation will ensure that air is always in circulation and minimize mold growth by wicking away moisture for molds to form. It also helps in keeping the basement dry by allowing moisture to escape. Improper Ventilation may cause mold to grow.
Install an exhaust fan or open windows, if any, to let fresh air circulate. If there is any furniture, make sure they are placed 4-6 inches away from the walls so that air flows between them.
Insulate pipes
Insulate as many pipes and hoses as you can to prevent them from leaking. Exposed pipes, if not insulated, can freeze, burst and flood the area. Pipes carrying cold water can have condensation develop on the outside, also known as sweating, and this can increase humidity levels.
Clean frequently
Cleaning frequently will remove mold spores that enter your basement. When cleaning, look for nooks and crannies and areas that are exposed to moisture. Wipe spills or leaks immediately. In case flooding has occurred, ensure the affected area has been dried for 2 days before using it again.
Considerations When Looking For Basement Mold Removers
According to the products mentioned above, there are different types of mold removal best suited for the surface and the kind of mold. There are certain factors that you must consider when choosing a mold remover for your basement.
For starters, is it a wall or floor mold? In the case of wall molds, you need to go for products that can deeply penetrate through the porous concrete and attack the mold roots. If it is on the floor, then you can use a remover that works well on hard surfaces.
Another factor is to consider the extent of the mold. If the mold growth is heavy, then you will need super strong mold removers. Go for removers that have a powerful formula that directly attacks the mold roots. Also, you may need to repeat the process a number of times if there’s too much mold.
Lastly, study the type of mold. As seen earlier, some types of molds are dangerous to humans. If you notice such mold, then contact the professionals directly.
FAQ
How to test for mold?
Testing for mold basically means-testing for fungal spores. Some fungal spores may be harmful and toxic; hence it is better than it is tested in a lab so that professionals can study and understand its potency. There are two methods of testing molds.
Air Test
In the air test, you install a device that allows you to measure the number of mold spores floating in the air. It is better if the device is the same as the ones used by professionals since they are more accurate. You can even use an indoor air quality monitoring device. There is no specific number of mold spores that are considered a threat to human health.
Surface Test
In the surface test, you scrape off a small sample of the mold, pack it correctly and send it to a laboratory for testing. If you want to do it yourself, then you can buy a surface test kit online. In cases when you are not sure how to do it, always call for professional help.
As mentioned earlier, some fungal spores may be toxic, so you have to be very careful. Always choose laboratories that are approved by reputed organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
How much does it cost to hire a professional to remove basement mold?
Hiring a professional will cost between $600 to $3000. It largely depends on how severe the mold growth is and the size of the basement.
Can you remove mold without chemicals?
Yes, there are many natural ways to kill molds. For example, steam is a popular method used for killing mold spores. Even heat-resistant fungi will die out with well-applied steam. Just adjust the heat to maximum heat setting on the steamer, and spray on the molds.
Is there a quick DIY chemical mix to remove mold?
No, this is not recommended as some mixes can create very toxic fumes.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Molds are a pain if not taken care of in time. They can spread and cause permanent structural damages to your basement. When buying mold removers for the basement, it is imperative that you choose the right one to get rid of them for good.
The RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray is one of the most popular ones in the market right now. Its unique and strong formula kills any mold spores from its roots. It is best for any type of surface, and you don’t have to worry about scrubbing or rinsing thereafter. This product gives you the best combination of quality, price and performance.