• Answers
  • Web
Personalize Yedda, (And make Danny Happy)
People ask & answer about almost everything. Tell us what you're interested in... So we can personalize Yedda especially for you
I'm interested in:
Originated from
GMC Trade Secrets

Standing water & mold/fungus/damage advice needed

I have a basement that was under water 6-8 inches for nearly 2 months. Many molds and fungus mushrooms grew. I had a great deal of stuff stored down there. Some fabrics, wood and metal thins had to be thrown out. I had a sprained ankle and wrist so I could only do a small portion. When the water table went down it dried. Now is the old dried mold and mildew still a problem? Healthwise? How do I clean up now? What do I have to throw? much of my shelving is wood and I have wooden pallets that have now dried but I still have boxes and rubbermaid containers on them. I also have an old oil tank in one corner and a washer that is now shot I think. Any advice? I can't afford any help, or it has to be very cheap. Thanks cutie. I wish you were my brother!


Share Send to a friend Watch Report
 
 

6 Posted Answers
Order by

 
19 helpful answers

Just a old Country Boy, would give you the shirt off my back, just don't try to take without asking first.....

as far as the washer, depending if everything in the inside is dry maybe take off the back and place a fan on the components, allowing them to dry for a few days, try it after say 3 days of the fan blowing on it.  If it is dry it may weel work.  I would take bleach to everything you can wood plastic concrete, even if you were to put it in a pump sprayer say dilute it 50/50 with water and spray the area liberally, that should kill the mold spores.  Wash everything that fits in the D/W with a lot of D/W detergent.  D/W detergent has chlorine in it, so it should almost sanitize everything.  Wear a mask, I would get a real painter's mask one that has the filters on it so u won't get any bad spores or fumes from the bleach in your lungs.  As far as the oil tank I would if it looks OK keep it if it has old oil maybe try to recover it if it's bad or just try to use it otherwise, it should be OK, remove the old pallets just because, they will become a fire hazard or attract bugs which you don't want anyway.  the shelving should do OK with bleach spray and wipe.  Be very careful as well using goggles & the air mask when you mix the bleach and water.  Taking your time is probably the best way to do this, then figure out why you had 6-8 inches of standing water and fix that problem either with a sump pump or something.  Good Luck

Posted 2008-09-15T19:23:10Z
Alan was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

 

The mold growing in your basement can be potentially dangerous for you and your family. If you are set on cleaning the mold yourself you need to take proper precautions.  The professionals would be going in there covered from head to toe with respirators on to ensure that they do not breathe in the harmful spores.

Make sure that you are completely covered..mold can cause skin irritations, breathing complications, headaches, and more. Cleaning with the wrong solutions will only make the problem reoccur in a month or so.

Honestly, you should not tackle this on your own. There are too many health risks associated with water damage and mold removal . Most household ingredients are NOT going to get rid of the mold in your basement including bleach.

You need air circulating through your basement. Add extra fans, open any windows that you can. Throw an air purifier/ filter in there to collect the disobedient mold spores. ....be careful. Don't spend too much time down there and take A LOT of breaks to get fresh air. A bottle of Lysol might do you some good as well, the alcohol helps the moisture to evaporate, it disinfects... and it smells nice =) 

Most of your possessions are going to be ruined, there is not too much you can do about this. I am sorry. Anything made of fabric or porous materials will be unable to clean. Anything metal will be ruined from the water damage. Yupperware containers are definitely the best answer. If it is very important to you..try to fit it into an above ground closet or attic.

 

 
2 helpful answers

I would suggest donot ignore it rather hire soem professional to get rid of these horrible molds. They can soemtimes be hazardous to health. If you can keepit clean regularly you can always use bleaching powder to keep these away.

Mold Removal

Sign in to participate

Got an answer for Cutie pie? Would you like to comment on the posted answers, or vote for the one which you think is the best?

Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).

Explore Related Questions

Other people asked questions on similar topics, check out the answers they received:


Q:

When u have this type of mold in a child with ...

when u have this type of mold in a child with cystic fibrosis can u get rid of it? is there any way to get itout of your ...
Submitted by kimkzn   2 years ago.
  • viewed 434 times
Last answer posted 2 months ago by Advanced Restoration Inc


Q:

Natural organic solution to kill mold

What is the natural organic solution to kill mold and where do I get it?
Submitted by tristara   2 years ago.
  • viewed 1687 times
Last answer posted 2 months ago by Vidya


Q:

Mold in ceiling or walls in historical district home

How do I remove mold in ceilings/walls of entryways of house? I have inherited a mid-1800s home, that I was born in, from my ...
Submitted by Cheryl   9 months ago.
  • viewed 312 times
Last answer posted 19 days ago by Simon Corn



» More...

More From GMC Trade Secrets

How to Sharpen a Knife

Keep your knife sharp with Curtis Stone's simple tips.

Stuffing 101

Learn to make Curtis Stone's savory stuffing.

Perfect Pie Crust

Learn to make perfect pie crust with Curtis Stone.

Folding Clothes

Can't get your kids to fold clothes correctly? Just give them some cardboard! Find out how.

Kids Party

It's all about activities, food and party favors! Get tons of ideas here.

Road-Trip Management

Find out some important tools and tricks to slip in your purse. You never know when you'll need something!

Picnicking

What's the secret to having a great picnic with your family? Believe it or not, a tent!

Everyday Car Management

Traveling with the kids to and from extracurriculars means a lot of time spent in the car. Learn how to bring the comforts of home on the road.

Cozy New Years Eve Celebration

Now that you have children, it may be less stressful to just spend New Years Eve at home. Find out great New Years ideas that incorporate family members of all ages!

Purse Essentials

Find out some important tools and tricks to slip in your purse. You never know when you'll need something!

Decorative Pillows

Kelly Edwards has a few easy ways that you can make your decorative pillows really pop.

Use Fabric Without Sewing

You don't have to sew to use fabrics around the house! Kelly Edwards shows you a few tricks to brighten up your home.
» More...
Powered by
Feed - Subscribe to changes to this Q&A Blog
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Answers
  • Web
Copyright © 2006-2009, Yedda Inc. and respective copyright owners · CC License