I bought a house (nice rowhouse in a nice neighborhood) that had been abandoned by a woman who was running out of money after a divorce. I’ve started tearing up the basement, and I have some questions for y’all.
The previous owner negleted maintenance on the house, and let ice dams tear up the gutters. Naturally, this led to water in the basement. As I was ripping up the basement this week (ugly red carpet and dilapidated cabinets) and found mold on the walls behind the cabinets and under the carpet. I want to know how I should clean up this crud. I was considering bleach-water mix and a stiff brush, but I have seen some posts that say that’s ineffective. Some people recommend Borax. What do you think? And now that I have exposed this stuff to the open air, do I have to worry about spores spreading around the house and poisoning me and my family? Or is all that stuff about mold overblown?
Also, there once were old linoleum or vinyl tiles on the basement floors of these homes, but after taking up the carpet, I’ve discovered that a previous owner, maybe in the 70s or 80s, took them out. Do you think I have to worry about residual asbestos dust? I wear a mask or respirator when doing this work, but I’ve still developed a little cough. Probably just a regular old dust reaction, or hypochondria…. I’m concerned more for my kids than myself, as I plan to make this basement into a rumpus room.
Scott
Replies
Greetings Scott,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someones attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
SanchoRon the caballero bowed low as he waved his sombrero and said goodbye.
FREE SANCHO!!!
bump
SanchoRon the caballero bowed low as he waved his sombrero and said goodbye.
FREE SANCHO!!!
Stiff brush and warm bleach is enough to see if you have a temporary problem or a permanent one. clean things up and rinse 'em down then let her dry for a couple of days. once the basement is really dry tape a sheet of clean paper over the worst spot and get the paper slightly damp. let it dry completely and then take the sheet of paper off. If the paper comes off clean you're done if not got to use TSP and redo..
mold in my experience is no big deal. it's naturally all over and it's only when it gets to very high levels do most normals healthy people have problems.
regarding asbestos, if you have real fear buy one of those little test kits and take samples of whatever you suspect and mail them off. you'll have your answers shortly.. .
Edited 2/25/2005 5:17 pm ET by frenchy
I'd sure wear a respirator while I was working down there and put a good exhaust fan in the basement window to have some negative pressure in relation to the house.
Whether the fan would be illegal, I've got no clue. You're on your own there!
Steve