Mold is a problem that may often be lurking in homes, but it can also affect garages and other outdoor structures. It is only when it is out in the open that most homeowners try to find ways to remove it.
One of the main reasons why mold is so commonly found in garages is because they are more exposed to the weather elements, as compared to homes. That is why there is a higher moisture content in the walls of garages after heavy precipitation. This makes the ideal situation for the growth of mold.
You need to keep in mind that when the first signs of mold are visible, you have to eliminate it completely from your garage. There are, however, a few steps that you can follow in order to detect mold at an early stage. Another option of cleaning your air is to check out the EnviroKlenz Air Purifier.
We will go into the details of those steps below.
Steps On How To Detect Mold In Your Garage
Step 1: Check The Concrete Floors
Even though mold does not usually grow on solid concrete floors, it can grow underneath, due to water drainage. That is why you should check the concrete floors here and there, especially if you live in an area where there are flooding situations.
Step 2: Check The Walls
The most susceptible part of the wall, for mold growth, is the area behind garage furniture (racks, shelves, cabinets, etc.). Mold grows well in dark, damp spots, such as those that are shadowed by furniture.
Step 3: Check For Dark Spots
Dark spots will not always be visible, or you might think it’s just dirt. You will need to have a closer look, or use a blacklight to figure out if it is indeed mold. These spots are the early indicators of the presence of mold. With these 3 simple steps, detecting mold at an early stage will become easier.
How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Garage
These are the things you will need:
• A mold cleansing agent (BenzaRid/Complete Mold Killer by RMR solutions, bleach (Diluted), or vinegar (Diluted))
• Gloves
• Hot water
• A brush
Before you begin with the procedure, it is a good idea to wear gloves in order to ensure that you do not come into direct contact with any of the cleaning agents. Also, it is a good idea to remove the furniture from your garage before you start the procedure.
Apply The Cleaning Agent
The first thing that you have to do is apply the cleaning agent to the wall/concrete where the mold is present. You should choose between the cleaning agents which we have mentioned above. You can use chemical-based ones or more natural ones, like vinegar. The choice is up to you.
Allow The Area To Dry
After you have applied cleaning agents to the wall, you have to let it dry for at least 30 minutes. Similarly, if you have applied it to a concrete floor, you have to let it dry for at least 1 hour before moving to the next step.
The reason for this is that as it dries, it kills the mold on the surface. Owing to this very reason, it is important to let the cleaner stay on the surface for a longer period of time.
Cleaning The Surface
After that, you have to start cleaning the surface. Before you use water, you have to use a brush in order to remove the dead mold from the concrete surface. If you have applied it on the walls, you can directly use water.
Once you have brushed off the mold, you can wash the concrete floor surface with hot water. If you’re treating the walls, you have to use lukewarm water in order to wash off the mold.
Pro Tip
In case the mold was not entirely removed, you have to repeat the whole procedure. Depending on the severity of the problem, you might have to repeat the procedure at least twice or thrice.
Apply A Mold Control Solution
It is also important to apply a solution that can help you to prevent mold after cleaning it off. This will ensure that the frequency of the mold occurrence goes down significantly.
As a result, you will not have to undertake this treatment again and again. In total, it will just take you a couple of hours to complete the entire procedure.
How To Prevent A Future Mold Infestation In Your Garage
Apart from applying a mold control solution, there are a few tips you can consider in order to help prevent an accumulation of mold in the future. Although these things aren’t a guarantee of not having to deal with mold ever again, they include:
• Using mold resistant drywall
• Having a good drainage system in the garage
• Installing a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity
• Removing plant/vegetation growth in the garage, if any
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get rid of mold in your garage, these are the steps that are suggested to prevent and remove it. This will make it much easier for you to free your garage of mold entirely.
