HELP! My basement is starting to mildew!

[Pugdog007]

It has been raining for virtually 2 months here in B'ham. I just returned from a business trip to find a portion of the inside of my basement wall wet, and mold is starting to develop. It was dry before I left. The wall is concrete block, and is below ground.

Anyone know what I should do???

 

[Wagamama]

buy a dehumidifier...it worked when our basement got wet and moldy...

 

[Mermaid02]

Another thing you can do- mold/mildew need dark conditions to grow. My allergy doctor suggested having a 25 watt light going in our basement 24/7. I'm highly allergic to mold and our basement is damp.

 

[Otimon]

Yes, a dehumidifier is the answer. In the meantime, you might try washing the mildew off the walls with a mixture of water and clorox. Had this problem in our basement back in Chicago. Mildew disappeared in no time! The dehumidifier will help keep it from coming back.

Good luck.

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

Definately a de-humidafier. Wash the walls down and let them dry and maybe look into having someone come in and treat the concrete to make it more resistant to water seepage. I know there is a product out there that allows you to do it yourself, but I'm not sure what its called (maybe Drylock) or if it works. Maybe a home-improvement store like Home Depot could have some answers.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I always run a dehumidifier.. actually two of them in my basement... it just prevents that kind of problem.. Good luck with the clean up..