There are several different cleaning agents to choose from to remove mold from concrete. Test the cleaning agent on a small area first to make sure the product doesn't cause damage. You will also need to wear protective gear and scrub the moldy area vigorously. Rinse the concrete or outdoor walls afterwards using a power washer. For concrete or indoor walls, you can wipe them dry. However, eradicating the fungus alone is not enough to prevent the problem from returning. Therefore, make sure you treat any water sources around the concrete or walls that promote mold development.
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Part 1 of 2: Lifting Mushrooms
Step 1. Choose a cleaning product to deal with mildew
You can use mildew-killing detergent, diluted bleach, or a commercial cleaning product specially formulated to kill mold. Do not mix bleach with anything other than water because when mixed with some cleaning products, bleach can produce a very toxic gas.
- To dilute bleach, mix water with bleach in a 3:1 ratio in a bucket.
- Don't forget to test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous piece of concrete first. Bleach and other chemicals can discolor painted or varnished concrete.
Step 2. Get rid of the objects affected by the fungus
Organic material attached to the moldy part can also be affected by fungal disorders. Get rid of disposable items such as cardboard boxes. Meanwhile, move other possible items such as furniture or rugs.
Step 3. Use a cleaner or mixture on moldy concrete parts
Use a sponge or a hard brush to evenly distribute the cleaning mixture over any areas of the concrete that look moldy. Brush the part firmly. If you use a mildew-killing detergent, apply the product directly to the mold and scrub with a palm fiber brush.
- Do not use a wire brush as it can scratch the concrete surface.
- Wear old clothes, rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and a respirator or dust-proof mask.
Step 4. Let the concrete coat the mixture
If the mushrooms don't lift right away, let the mixture sit for a few minutes. After that, brush the concrete again until the fungus is gone or lifted.
Step 5. Rinse the concrete or outdoor walls
Use a high pressure power washer and hot water as the fastest and most effective rinsing method. Wear protective eyewear, covered footwear, and long pants. Set the pressure to a level of at least 3 206 bar (3,000 psi), with a flow rate of at least 1 cubic meter per hour (or 4 gpm). This strength can lift organic residues that enter the pores of the concrete. If you don't want to use a power washer or pressure washer, just use a regular water hose.
- You can rent a power washer from a home and building supply store. Maybe you need a van, open truck, or SUV to carry the tools, as well as the help of a friend to set up the tools and remove them.
- Ask the tenant to tell you how to use the tool and provide safety measures. Ask if the tool comes with a nozzle. Do not use a nozzle setting finer than 15 degrees. Also, never use a zero-degree nozzle for a power washer or pressure washer.
Step 6. Dry the concrete or indoor walls with a towel
Once dry, check carefully for any part of the wall that is still moldy and hasn't been cleaned. If mold is still visible, rinse the area thoroughly and use one of the stronger or more potent cleaning agents, such as bleach or a commercial cleaning product.
Step 7. Clean the items that were previously removed or moved before putting them back in their place
Leather, wood, or inorganic furniture can be cleaned thoroughly. However, furniture with moldy upholstery or upholstery may need to be removed (or the existing upholstery replaced by a professional). In addition, carpets that have signs of mildew development or are wet also need to be removed.
Part 2 of 2: Eliminating Moisture Sources
Step 1. Check the level of soil and dirt
The soil needs to be tilted away from the house so that the water can drain and not pool around the outer walls. Also, don't allow wet leaves or other debris to accumulate near the exterior walls of your home.
- Stagnant water can seep into the walls and trigger the development of mold in the house.
- If mold begins to develop in the garage area, try cutting down trees or shrubs that block sunlight from entering the area. Fungus thrives in damp, shady areas.
Step 2. Check the drainage system outside the house
The sump pump should discharge water within about 6 meters of the house (if you use one). The gutters in the area of your house also need to drain water and keep it within about 2 meters from the outside walls of the house. If the sewer overflows or is too close to the house, try building or installing additional pipes to allow the water to flow further.
Step 3. Check for water seepage
Make sure there are no leaking hoses outside the house. Check the area around the house for any leaking or leaking hoses (or faucets).
Step 4. Prevent leaks and condensation inside the house
If a pipe or roof leak occurs, treat the leak immediately. Insulate roofs, exterior walls, windows, and pipes to reduce moisture that can condense.
Step 5. Reduce humidity in the house
If mold nuisance occurs in your home, increase the ventilation of the room to prevent the accumulation of warm, stagnant air that promotes mold growth. Make sure you're getting airflow over large appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers. Arrange proper ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom. Turn on the temperature control and dehumidifier as needed.
Step 6. Make the concrete in the house watertight
Coat the concrete with a waterproof coating. Cover cracks in concrete walkways around the house with cement, putty, or asphalt. If you want to paint a concrete wall, coat the wall with a waterproof coating first, then apply a stain-resistant primer and finally paint.
For concrete or exterior walls, choose a high-quality acrylic coating designed for outdoor use. If the weather in your area tends to be hot and humid, choose a solvent-based low-sediment coating product. Wait for the weather to dry and clear, then allow the coating to dry for two to three days
Warning
- If the moldy concrete is large enough (more than 0.9 square meters), it's a good idea to have the mold removed by a professional.
- Be careful when rinsing the concrete so that the chemical products used do not get on the plants.
- If you have a countertop or kitchen cabinet with a concrete top, check with the furniture manufacturer about the stain removal technique to follow.
