how do i prevent mold in my basement from flooding

How Do I Prevent Mould In My Basement From Flooding?

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    Mould is a major problem in basements that frequently flood. Because mould can grow in even a seemingly dry area, it's important to take precautions against water seeping into your basement. This is because mould may thrive in damp environments. Here are some things you can do to keep mould from growing in your basement after it floods.

    What To Do About Basement Flooding Mould?

    After a basement flood, the first order of business is to check for the presence of fungus and mould. In addition to the serious health dangers it could cause to you and your family if left uncontrolled, mould would be very difficult to get rid of once it has taken hold of your home if you let it expand unchecked.

    It is possible to prevent mould growth by avoiding water leaks and flooding, both of which create humid and musty environments conducive to mould's growth. Understanding what mildew and mould are, where it grows, why it grows, and how you can stop it from forming in your home and basement is essential. It is easy to spot mould and mildew because of their fuzzy, fuzzy appearance.

    However, if you do discover mould in your house, you'll want to be prepared to eliminate the problem, clean up the area thoroughly, and prevent future mould growth. To help you learn more about mildew and mould, as well as what you can do to prevent them from invading your house, we have put up a comprehensive reference.

    Learning About Mould

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    What Is Mould?

    Mildew and mould fall into the category of fungi. There are an estimated 100,000 unique kinds of fungi around the planet. Fungi are non-vascular organisms that can't be classified as plants or animals. It's important to note that the mould you find in your damp basement is different from the biological mould you could find in the great outdoors. Even organic materials are not immune to mould.

    Even though they are both fungi that spread their spores through the air, mould and mildew are not the same thing. Mildew is more likely to be white or grey in colour, while mould can be any shade from black to green to brown. Mildew can also appear as a multicolour blend of these tones.

    Why Is Mould Bad?

    Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, and as it multiplies, it spreads its spores through the air. Inhaling these spores can cause serious illness in humans. Toxic mould in your basement can cause irritation to your eyes and respiratory system, in addition to producing pungent odours. Those who are allergic to mould may have a variety of symptoms after being exposed to it, including but not limited to: runny nose, skin irritations, sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Asthma episodes can be triggered by mould, and persons with compromised immune systems can experience serious consequences as a result. Both the mould and the things it grows on will suffer damage over time.

    How Does Mould Get Started?

    Ventilation systems, cooling ducts, doorways, windows, heating and other openings provide easy access for mould spores to infiltrate a property. Spores can cling to many different things, such as shoes, clothing, and even animals. These spores, once settled in a humid area like a wet basement, will germinate and rapidly multiply once the moisture levels rise above their dormancy point.

    Mold is a fungus that grows rapidly in humid conditions and can be found on a wide range of organic substrates, including ceiling tiles, paper, wood, and cardboard. If there is enough moisture and humidity, mould can even grow on dry materials like wallpaper, paint, insulation, drywall, carpet, and upholstery. Extra resources can be found in the following. Some of the most common moulds found indoors are as follows:

    • Penicillium
    • Alternaria
    • Cladosporium
    • Aspergillus

    Fighting Mold Growth

    Where Can I Find Advice on Removing Mold?

    If you find mould in your basement, you must move quickly to clean the area and prevent the spread of the infection. If mould is found in carpets or on furniture, it is best to get rid of the items totally and replace them with new ones rather than trying to clean them. Several commercial brands and natural solutions are available for removing mould from hard surfaces.

    One of the most efficient ways to eliminate mould in your basement is to remove the afflicted sections and replace them with brand new ones. Vinegar, bleach and borax will be just as effective in getting rid of the illness if you are unable to do that. Bleach can be used to kill harmful bacteria and reduce the amount of mold, but it won't get rid of it entirely. Alternative cleaning solutions include vinegar and borax.

    After you've scoured your basement for mould and eradicated it from every nook and corner, you should sanitise the area as often as you feel is required until you're satisfied that it's fully clean and free of the fungus. It is essential to ensure complete drying after completing any basement cleaning. If that happens, you may have to deal with mould growth again sooner than you thought.

    Stop The Spread Of Mould

    Relative humidity levels in the home should be kept below 50% with the help of dehumidifiers to keep the basement dry and mould-free. For properties that have had basement flooding in the past, basement waterproofing services may be a worthwhile investment.

    How to Prevent Mould Growth After a Flooded Basement?

    In the event of a heavy rainstorm or a burst pipe, the basement is usually the first region to become flooded. Here are some steps to do after a basement flood to reduce the likelihood of mould.

    Precautions To Take And Actions To Take When Removing Mold

    The Institute of Medicine (IOM) "said in 2004 that there was substantial evidence to associate indoor exposure to mould with symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, cough, and wheeze in adults who were otherwise healthy," as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    There is a lot of damage that can be done to your basement due to the quantity of moisture it stores during the wet spring and sticky summer months. One of the most damaging effects of moisture is mould, a fungus that grows well in damp environments.

    Spores released by mould are among the most potent allergens because of their ability to irritate the airways in the nose and throat. Symptoms of this ailment can include skin irritations, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and itchiness in the nasal passages and throat. To one's great relief, there are methods that have been shown to work in the past to stop this pesky fungus from spreading and to get rid of its spores in the air.

    Within forty-eight hours of a flood or burst pipe, walls and furnishings should be dried out to avoid the growth and spread of mould. Most importantly, the 48-hour guideline should be followed to prevent mould formation.

    In a perfect world, you wouldn't want water to seep into your walls or ruin your belongings. As the rainy season approaches, this becomes even more crucial in a basement. Are you interested in finding out how to prevent water from seeping into your basement? Follow these steps to ensure that water doesn't collect in your basement. Next, instal a text message alert system, like the one provided by Pit Boss, on your sump pump. This is your final notice that something is wrong with your sump pump before it stops working completely. With a dependable alarm, you may place a sensor inside your sump pit, and when the pit gets too full, you'll get a warning. Due to this, you won't have to worry about being rushed when responding to the warning. The following procedures should be taken if water has already penetrated your basement's walls and furnishings:

    • Electrification should be discontinued immediately. We ask that you refrain from going down to the basement and that you turn off the electricity to your home before going down because human skin, water, and electricity do not get along. A battery-operated flashlight with a strong beam and spare batteries is recommended, as it will be dark underground. The most recent iterations of LED lighting systems produce a lot of light for the money.
    • Pump out the water in your basement so it doesn't cause any damage. Remove the water from your basement with a gas-powered water pump. There's too much water now. There will still be some water on the floor after the water pump is done, but at least you'll be able to get back into your basement. After that, you can either try to fix your sump pump so that it can pump the remaining water out, or you can use a wet/dry vac to do the same job. If your vacuum contains a filter, remove it before attempting to wash it, as water damage will break the filter's waterproof construction.
    • Get out of your soggy clothes. This may be a bad idea, but it must be done. You need to get everything out of your damp basement and into a safer, higher location. If you have a garage or even just a driveway, that's the best place to dry it out. A considerable amount of clutter-free area is required for the next steps to be carried out. At this stage, it's a good idea to enlist the help of friends and family because you'll be moving furniture and a lot of boxes. Regardless, you'll likely have a lot to transport, so having some extra hands will speed things up.
    • Clean the walls and floor thoroughly. Use warm soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any dirt or grime from the walls and floors. If your carpet is drenched all the way through, you should take it out and let it dry somewhere else, such the garage or outside. To top it all off, the padding acts like a huge sponge and soaks up a lot of water, so you'll have to remove it. Make a tent with the carpets and cushions, making sure to leave space on either side for ventilation.
    • Put some wind in the sails and get rid of the extra humidity. After the basement's water has been removed by pumping, the air must be circulated to remove any remaining moisture. In the absence of industrial blowers and due to a lack of funds, fans can be used instead; however, the fans will need to be powerful and placed relatively close to the ground to be effective. In addition, you need to start up a dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture in the air. Because of the excessive air moisture created by a flooded basement, the dehumidifier's collection pan will fill up quickly and need to be changed on a regular basis.
    • You should inspect your items for mould before storing them underground again. You'll be able to determine if you have mould by the scent or appearance after two days. You will want to apply a bleach solution to kill any mould spores that you detect in any places that have mould. When you reach this point, you can have your carpets re-installed, and you can also rent a carpet cleaner to get them clean. Following that, please move your furniture and other belongings to the basement.
    • The basement requires a dehumidifier and air purifier at all times. By keeping the air dry with the help of a dehumidifier, you can prevent mould from growing in your home naturally. For the final step in cleaning, a HEPA air cleaner will remove any remaining spores or allergens from the air. With these two appliances, you can transform your basement into a comfortable living space for the whole family.

    The easiest method to avoid having to clean up after a basement flood is to instal a sump pump system that is both reliable and efficient. This system should also contain a backup pump and a pump alert. If your basement has flooded and you need to dry it out, you can keep your home's air quality excellent by following the steps mentioned above.

    Do not discount the potential of a high level of mould growth. Mould growth is typically minimal and hidden behind the walls. You can prevent further mould growth in the basement by keeping it dry. Mould only causes problems for humans because of the spores it releases into the air, which can be a problem for those who are allergic to or sensitive to mould.

    If the mould is dormant and no longer growing, it will not release any spores. There is little reason to worry about the health effects of the vast majority of moulds. If mould is clearly growing on the product, further testing would be futile. Once mould has been detected, it can be removed without further investigation into the species, as all moulds are treated in the same way.

    In the event that mould growth does occur, bleach shouldn't be used to remove it. Because of its hazardous fumes and ineffectiveness as a fungicide, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that bleach should not be used to treat mould development on drywall and wood. Fungicides that are not only more effective but also safer for people and their animals can be found at many of the most well-known home improvement stores.

    Spray them on the affected areas right away (making sure to follow the label's instructions), and then wait for the mould to disappear. The goal of these treatments is to eradicate all traces of mould by penetrating the wood and drywall to get to the fungus where it is growing. As soon as the wood in the walls is completely dry, paint it with a mold-resistant coating. In addition to sealing the area, this will stop the mould from spreading.

    Your best bet is to hire a licenced and certified home inspector who is also properly trained and certified to undertake mould testing once everything has dried (to make sure everything is dry, keep the basement windows closed and run the dehumidifiers for approximately a week or two). If there is a mould issue, this will assist you identify it. It will be considerably easier to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the basement is dry if you can find an inspector who is also highly trained in thermal imaging.

    Mold clearance testing, also known as an air sample that certifies the absence of mould spores in the environment, can be requested from the assessor. If you're going to engage a mould inspector, make sure they don't double as a mould removal specialist, and if you're going to hire a mould removal firm, make sure they don't handle the testing themselves. This creates a dilemma of opposing priorities. If mould is discovered, it's best to get in touch with a professional mould removal company that has the proper training, certification, and licensing to handle the situation.

    After they are finished, have an independent mould inspector recheck the area. If the waste is large or has been sitting for a long time, it is also a good idea to employ a licenced, certified, and professional industrial hygienist to analyse the situation and create a plan for the cleanup (for example, you were flooded while you were on vacation). Mold remediation businesses are experts in their field, thus they need to hire industrial hygienists to ensure a safe environment is restored.

    Homeowner Waterproofing Mistakes

    A dry basement is the first step towards a healthy basement, which in turn leads to a contented homeowner. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a new homeowner looking to avoid major difficulties, it's important to be aware of these common waterproofing mistakes to avoid. Read on to find out a few of the most frequent mistakes people make when trying to waterproof their homes, and what you can do to prevent the resulting moisture problems.

    In Other Words, Diy Solutions Address Symptoms And Not Causes

    Most homeowners make the mistake of attempting to treat symptoms of water intrusion and mould growth rather than locating and eliminating the underlying causes of these problems. One or more of the following scenarios is possible:

    Eliminating Mould

    Even if you find mould in your basement, it will not be eliminated by simply cleaning it. No matter how hard you try, that mould will only spread to an area with a steady supply of moisture. There is simply no escaping it. It won't be long before the mould returns no matter how thoroughly you scrub the surface now.

    It's a common mistake to think that mould is the main issue with waterproofing. It's important to remember that mould problems are actually caused by moisture problems. To begin, you must locate the source of the moisture. There could be a leak, a crack, or just too much moisture in the basement causing the problem. If you fix these problems, mould will never be an issue again!

    Homemade Caulks

    Finding a crack in your basement through which water is coming in may prompt you to immediately run out and buy sealant. While it's not a bad idea to try to keep water out of your home, it would be a mistake to assume that doing so would resolve any and all water issues.

    Once water gets in through a break in your house, it will almost certainly find other ways in. Although it may take longer for the full force of hydrostatic pressure to become apparent, this does not diminish its persistence and force. The time has come to have a professional look over your home after you have discovered a crack and repaired it. Finding major water leaks in the waterproofing before they cause a disaster is a great way to save money, time and stress.

    Paying No Attention To Your Gutters

    To prevent flooding and other problems associated with rainwater, you should have a good gutter system. Most of the water pressure that houses experience originates from the wet earth around their foundations, which is caused by persistent precipitation. When the moisture content of the ground increases to a certain point, the ground's moisture will seek a way to escape, and it will usually do so through the foundation of your home.

    It may be impossible to entirely eliminate water from the area around your house, but gutters and downspouts can significantly reduce the amount of water that would otherwise splash up against it. A well-functioning gutter system is thus not just recommended for preventing water damage to your home's foundation; it is absolutely vital.

    Ignoring gutter maintenance can lead to clogged or broken gutters, which can then overflow and pool water against the foundation of your home. Equally important is making sure your downspouts are in good repair and pointing far enough away from your home that water will drain away from, rather than towards, your foundation.

    If Waterproofing Isn't Needed.

    You are extremely fortunate to be living in an area that is not susceptible to flooding. No one in your neighbourhood has ever experienced water damage in their basement, and you can't think of a time when it happened in yours either. But don't think for a second that you're immune to water damage or intrusion because of this.

    Every home is different, from the way the earth is graded to the design of the basement and any existing waterproofing systems. This means that even if water damage is rare in your area, your home may still be at more risk than you think.

    It is a fact that many residential constructions do not require a waterproofing system that is as extensive as others. But that doesn't imply you can ignore one entirely! Consider the possibility that you live in a location that often has above-average or extreme levels of precipitation, such as snowfall or rainfall. In this case, it is crucial to bear in mind that all it takes is one major storm to cause irreparable damage to your foundation in the form of fractures that widen over time.

    It's better to be safe than sorry, so take precautions against water damage even if it seems unlikely. Making an appointment for a professional inspection is free, and it might either reassure you that your family's safety is not in danger or provide you with the knowledge you need to protect your home from the threat of foundation damage.

    The Patiently Awaited Failure of the Sump Pump

    Not knowing the upkeep needs of a sump pump, if one is installed to safeguard your basement, is a major overlook in terms of waterproofing. As with any machine, your sump pump won't run forever, and there are a number of signs that indicate it may soon fail. The resulting flood in the basement could be several inches deep if you don't fix it in time. Some things to check when performing sump pump maintenance are as follows:

    Strange Sounds If the motor is having technical problems in the pump or is clogged, it may make some unusual noises. In the event that your sump pump begins producing sounds it normally wouldn't, you should either get it checked out or think about replacing it. Sump pumps rarely run continuously for long periods of time. The pump could be broken, but more likely it's just not strong enough to remove all the moisture from your house. In that case, you'll want to go ahead and get a new one.

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    Conclusion

    Regular basement flooding is a key source of mould growth. Even in a seemingly dry environment, mould can form, so it's best to be safe than sorry. The growth of mould in a flooded basement is avoidable with these measures. Mold can be avoided if water leaks and flooding are avoided. Moist and humid conditions are ideal for mould growth, and as it flourishes, it releases spores into the air.

    Exposure to these spores through the respiratory system can result in life-threatening disease in humans. As a type of fungus, mould thrives in damp environments and colonises a wide variety of organic materials. In the wet spring and hot summer months, the basement collects a lot of moisture, which may cause a lot of damage to your home. Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp areas and causes a lot of damage. Here are some things you may do after a flood in your basement to prevent the growth of mould.

    This is especially important in a basement as the rainy season approaches. You should equip your sump pump with an alarm system that sends you text messages, like the one offered by Pit Boss. Since it will be dark underground, a battery-powered flashlight with a powerful beam and spare batteries is advised. It's time to scrub the walls and the floor. Scrub the area down with some warm soapy water and a brush to get rid of any grit or dirt.

    Use the carpets and pillows to create a tent and keep the room cool. Turn on the dehumidifier and the moisture in the air will evaporate. A dehumidifier and air purifier should be left on in the basement at all times. Behind the walls, mould tends to spread slowly and undetected. The basement must be kept dry to stop the spread of mould.

    You may maintain pristine air quality in your home even if water has entered the basement by adhering to the procedures outlined above. Mold growth on walls and wood should not be treated with bleach, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Safer for humans and animals, fungicides have improved efficiency. Apply them to the mouldy spots with a spray and watch it evaporate. You will not be able to clean your way out of a mould problem in the basement.

    In order to guarantee a risk-free workplace, mould removal companies use industrial hygienists, who are professionals in the subject of mould treatment. It's vital to keep in mind that excess moisture is the root cause of most mould issues. The damp soil around a home's foundation is the source of the water pressure felt inside. If you want to protect your home's foundation from water damage, you need a gutter system that works properly. Reduce the amount of water that would otherwise splash up against it by installing gutters and downspouts.

    There is no need for a comprehensive waterproofing system in many types of residential buildings. We rarely leave our sump pumps on for extended periods of time. It's possible that the pump is faulty, but it's more likely that it just isn't powerful enough to extract all the moisture from your home.

    Content Summary

    1. Regular basement flooding is a key source of mould growth.
    2. Although mould can grow in what appears to be a dry environment, preventing water from getting into your basement is crucial.
    3. Checking for mould and fungus after a basement flood is a top priority.
    4. Water leaks and flooding both generate damp and musty environments, perfect for mould growth, and should be avoided if at all feasible.
    5. It's crucial that you know what mould and mildew are, where they thrive, why they thrive, and what you can do to prevent them from forming in your house and basement.
    6. But if you do find mould in your home, you should be ready to get rid of it, clean the area properly, and prevent further mould growth.
    7. We have included a detailed resource to teach you all about the dangers of mould and mildew and how to keep them out of your home.
    8. Exposure to these spores through the respiratory system can result in life-threatening disease in humans.
    9. Dangerous mould in the basement can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in addition to making a terrible stench.
    10. Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist environments and can colonise a broad variety of organic materials, such as drywall, wallpaper, paper, wood, and cardboard.
    11. The good news is that mould may be removed from hard surfaces with a number of commercial brands and natural remedies.
    12. If you have mould in your basement, one solution is to remove the affected areas and replace them with fresh ones.
    13. You should sanitise your basement as often as you believe is necessary until you are certain that you have removed all traces of mould and that the area is completely clean.
    14. After finishing a cleaning project in the basement, you must make sure it dries completely.
    15. Dehumidifiers should be used to maintain relative humidity levels in the home at or below 50% in order to prevent the growth of mould in the basement.
    16. Investment in basement waterproofing services may be warranted for homes that have experienced flooding in the basement in the past.
    17. When a pipe bursts or there is a severe downpour, the basement is frequently the first area to become flooded.
    18. Mold spores are extremely allergenic because of their tendency to promote inflammation of the nasal and pharyngeal airways.
    19. After a flood or burst pipe, drying out the walls and furniture within 48 hours is essential to prevent the formation and spread of mould.
    20. Keeping to the 48-hour rule is crucial for avoiding mould growth.
    21. This is especially important in a basement as the rainy season approaches.
    22. If you want to prevent water from pooling in your basement, use these measures.
    23. Now, have your sump pump outfitted with a text message alert system, such as that offered by Pit Boss.
    24. This is the last warning that anything is amiss with your sump pump before it entirely gives out.
    25. Remove the pooling water in your basement by pumping it out.
    26. An electric or gas-powered water pump might help you get rid of the water in your basement.
    27. It's time to shed your wet garments.
    28. Move everything up out of the damp basement and into a more secure, upper area of your home.
    29. A garage or, at the very least, a driveway, is ideal for this purpose.
    30. In order to proceed, a sizable, clutter-free area must be created, so sweep the floor and wipe down the walls.
    31. Scrub the floors and walls with a brush and some warm soapy water to get rid of grime.
    32. The sails need to be blown and the extra moisture must be removed.
    33. Once the water has been pumped out of the basement, the air should be blown around to dry it out completely.
    34. Furthermore, a dehumidifier must be turned on to remove the stale moisture from the air.
    35. The collection pan of the dehumidifier will fill up fast due to the high levels of air moisture produced by a flooded basement, requiring frequent emptying and cleaning.
    36. Before placing your belongings beneath once again, make sure they are mold-free.
    37. Then, take your items down to the cellar.
    38. A dehumidifier and air purifier should be left on in the basement at all times.
    39. Mold can be avoided without resorting to chemical treatments if you use a dehumidifier to maintain dry air in your house.
    40. Installing a reliable and efficient sump pump system is the simplest way to avoid having to clean up after a basement flood.
    41. In the event of a flooded basement, the aforementioned measures can be taken to ensure that the air quality in the house is maintained at a high level while the area is being dried out.
    42. Remember that a lot of mould could grow there.
    43. The basement must be kept dry to stop the spread of mould.
    44. Bleach shouldn't be used to get rid of mould even if it grows.
    45. Bleach should not be used to treat mould growth on drywall and wood, as stated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), due to its potentially harmful fumes and ineffectiveness as a fungicide.
    46. These treatments are designed to penetrate wood and drywall to kill any mould that may be hiding there.
    47. Apply a mold-resistant paint to the wallboard as soon as it's dry.
    48. This won't just seal the area; it'll also prevent the mould from spreading.
    49. Make sure the mould inspector you choose isn't also a remediation expert, and the remediation company you select isn't also in charge of the testing.
    50. If mould is found, it's better to contact a professional mould removal service with the right equipment, expertise, and certifications to get rid of the problem.
    51. Get a second opinion from a mould expert after they are done.
    52. An unflooded basement is the first requirement for a safe and sound living space below ground.
    53. It's crucial to be aware of these frequent waterproofing blunders to avoid whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a new homeowner hoping to prevent severe troubles.
    54. A typical misconception about waterproofing centres on the presence of mould.
    55. Bear in mind that moisture issues are the true source of your mould troubles.
    56. Locating the origin of the dampness is the first order of business.
    57. The issue could be due to a leak, a crack, or excessive basement humidity.
    58. When water enters your home through one crack, it will almost definitely find more openings through which to do so.
    59. Saving money, time, and stress by detecting big water leaks in the waterproofing before they cause a crisis is possible.
    60. A good gutter system can help you avoid water damage, flooding, and other issues caused by rain.
    61. Preventing water damage to your home's foundation is crucial, therefore having a properly working gutter system is not only a good idea.
    62. If you don't keep up with gutter cleaning and repair, water can back up against your house's structure.
    63. Yet you shouldn't assume for a second that you're safe from flooding or water damage as a result of this.
    64. This means that your home may be at greater risk than you realise, even if water damage is uncommon in your neighbourhood.
    65. Most homes do not necessitate the same level of waterproofing as commercial buildings.
    66. An inspection by an expert costs you nothing, and it could either reassure you that your family is safe from harm or provide you the information you need to take precautions against foundation problems.
    67. One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to waterproof their basement is to ignore the sump pump's maintenance requirements, even if a sump pump has been installed for protection.
    68. Your sump pump will eventually break down, just like any other piece of machinery, and there are a few telltale signals that its time has come.
    69. If you don't take care of it, the basement might get flooded to the depth of a few inches.
    70. If your sump pump is making noises it shouldn't be, you may want to have it checked out or consider getting a new one.
    71. That being the case, you should go ahead and replace it.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Prevent Moulding

    Remove all debris and wet items—clean exposed surfaces with disinfectants or sanitisers. Get rid of any soaked porous or absorbent material that you can (like ceiling tiles, papers If you can't get rid of saturated carpeting right away, remove water from it with a carpet extractor or wet/dry vacuum.

    Flooding in Basement & Mould Growth. Depending on where you live, basement flooding can be a common source of basement mould and indoor air quality problems.

    Although a dehumidifier significantly reduces humidity levels in the space, it does not address the source of the problem. So if dampness and floods in your basement are more episodic, like after a rain or the dampness appears along wall and floor cracks, a dehumidifier will not help fix the issue.

    Most household cleaners will be effective for flood cleanup. After cleaning walls and nonporous surfaces with a household cleaner or detergent, follow up with a disinfectant to prevent future mould or mildew growth. A diluted bleach solution (½ cup liquid chlorine bleach to a gallon of water) can work for this as well.

    A dehumidifier is designed to reduce the moisture level in the air by extracting excess water. By doing so, dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew and improve the indoor air quality of your space.

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