OT: Basement Mold

loco_engr

I have mold in an unfinished basement.
Received a quote from Rainbow International Restoration for 5 grand + an invoice of $175 for the quote 
Looking for recommendations on a spray on product that doesn't require any scrubbing.
Thank You

Markarm4119

Hydrogen peroxide 

stv8r

Give this a try.  We sell this (I'm an HVAC wholesaler).  You can probably find it local.

https://nucalgon.com/products/indoor-air-quality/bio-fresh-cd/

Legume

10% bleach solution.

Spend your money fixing what caused it and getting it tested afterward.

Mattman3969

Just a curious question but are you sure it’s mold and not effervescent?  I only ask because I’ve had customers think it was mold when it wasn’t. The treatments are way different

loco_engr

Mattman3969 said:

Just a curious question but are you sure it’s mold and not effervescent?  I only ask because I’ve had customers think it was mold when it wasn’t. The treatments are way different

It's a 105 yr old house 

Mattman3969

What treatment is on the walls?

pgprescott

it’s my understanding that most mold is not a big deal. Sure you want to get rid of it, but not all mold is toxic. I would try to find someone local who is an expert and isn’t looking to remediate. I know people use bleach to kill mold on surfaces all the time like mentioned above. Mold cannot live without a water source. Must be humid down there? Good luck. 

loco_engr

Mattman3969 said:

What treatment is on the walls?

some are painted, some are bare limestone blocks

Mattman3969

I agree that the moisture needs to be stopped. Once that is done check into a product called Fiberlock. They have a cleaner (not sure of its name)and a coating called Aftershock that is rubbery and has mold inhibitors in it.  It is used around here a bunch for crawl space foundations and basement walls.  

nolaegghead

flexfusion

You might also consider a very good dehumidifier that pumps the water outside.  My brother has one in his basement and it does an amazing job.  

loco_engr

flexfusion said:

You might also consider a very good dehumidifier that pumps the water outside.  My brother has one in his basement and it does an amazing job.  

I have open drain in basement floor that has the water softener and the ac water tubing piped into it

alaskanassasin

Perfect spot to drain +1 on the dehumidifier.

PigBeanUs

Mattman3969 said:

Just a curious question but are you sure it’s mold and not effervescent?  I only ask because I’ve had customers think it was mold when it wasn’t. The treatments are way different

see: Efflorescence

Mattman3969

I totally misspelled that and instead was asking he he had bubbling walls. Lol. 

PigBeanUs

i always spell it wrong.  thanks jeebus for spellcheck, though.

poster

air movement is another big thing to prevent it from re-occurring along with the dehumidifier. It would be worth looking into some kind of HRV or other depending on where you are

PigBeanUs

Some fruitcake flagged me for “jeebus”

hahaha

religious nuts sure are hilarious

GrateEggspectations

nolaegghead said:

I like the Orange. I was gifted a ‘72 head years ago and still have it. 

Mark_B_Good

I used some special spray that a buddy gave me ... made for professionals who treat mold, it had I believe tea tree oil in it ... smelled like it. It definitely didn't cost $5k, lol ... but he said the container wasn't cheap (my guess like $80 to $100 .... looked like the 1 gallon weed killer containers that you air pump and spray with a wand).  Anyhow, I used that ... then dried with a block heater, and it seemed to have done the job, although my walls are covered now.

AprèsSki

loco_engr said:

I have mold in an unfinished basement.

Looking for recommendations on a spray on product that doesn't require any scrubbing.

1st you need to find where the mold 'food' is coming from, mold needs water so stop the water intrusion first. Basement moisture can come from many sources including; pipe, foundation, roof or wall leaks, poorly vented driers, and/or condensation from below the flooring/slab.

After you've found the source of water and fixed it clean surfaces with a simple detergent and then let dry completely. You probably do not need any bleach or disinfectants, mold spores won't grow without moisture and an unfinished basement should be mostly impermeable (typical studs are considered impermable). 

Do not just cover the existing mold with paint or any other product you must remove the mold and that mill require some scrubbing.

Good advice here - https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home 

This is the 'bible' of mold remediation - https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/epi/epi-mold-guidelines.pdf 

I am a CIH with 30ish years of indoor air quality experience, glad to talk if you'd like.