Red fungus from the underground - why is it dangerous? We get rid of the fungus underground once and for all. Traditional methods for removing mold in the cellar

Mold appears very often in cellars and basements: it can be on walls, ceilings, floors, and on food products. How to get rid of mold in the cellar, because it shortens the shelf life of products and is dangerous to human health?

Let's take a closer look: why mold appears, how to get rid of mold in the cellar, effective ways to combat fungus.

A favorable place for mold to appear is a cellar or basement. This is due to the high humidity and poor ventilation of these rooms.

Mold is a health hazard

These fungi can live on almost any surface.

Mold control– an important hygiene measure. Mold spreads quickly and can cover an entire wall.

Mold spores especially dangerous to humans– they enter the lungs through the respiratory tract, and also enter the body through the skin and food.

Fungi provoke the development in humans asthma and other diseases, headaches, dry cough and various skin rashes.

Why does mold appear?

When mold finds a place with optimal conditions To exist, it quickly begins to develop, forming mycelium and forming spores.

Poor ventilation(or its complete absence), high humidity(condensation), no waterproofing, storage of rotten food, shelves made of contaminated wood - these are the main causes of mold in the basement.

How to get rid of mold?

To get rid of mold, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures - prepare the room, fight the fungus and create normal conditions in the room.

Preparing the premises

Completely empty the basement or cellar while dealing with mold, ensuring full access to mold growth areas.

Take out furniture and other objects - they can interfere with processing, and they also need to be inspected for the presence of fungi and treated with a disinfectant after drying.

The cellar needs to be cleaned; moldy wooden structures should be replaced. Clean all walls and affected structures with a metal brush.

If the floors are earthen, remove 10-20 cm of soil from the surface, it is most likely affected by fungus.

Before treating mold, it is necessary to dry the room.

Disinfection of the premises

Disinfection will help get rid of the fungus and carry out further work to improve ventilation.

Close everything before disinfecting ventilation holes and exits. For disinfection, it is best to use a sulfur bomb.

Set fire to a small piece of sulfur and leave the room, closing the doors behind you.

Leave the room for 10 hours, or overnight, then ventilate well. Then treat the walls and ceiling with whitewash (slaked lime).

Folk remedies for mold control

You can buy it in hardware stores special means to combat mold, but there are also folk remedies.

    Treat the affected surfaces with white, diluted 1:10 with water - the components included in its composition destroy mold and its spores.

    Using ammonia in the fight against mold brings excellent results. It copes with fungus hard surfaces. Mix ammonia 1:1 with water and spray on the affected area, leave for 2-3 hours and rinse the surface.

    Regular vinegar destroys many types of mold. Apply vinegar to the affected areas using a spray bottle or using a cloth soaked in vinegar. Leave for an hour, then rinse with water and ventilate the room.

    Using citric acid – dissolve 100 grams of citric acid powder in 1 liter of water and treat the affected area.

    Dissolve 2 kg of quicklime and 300 grams in 30 liters of water copper sulfate. Treat the ceiling and floor with the resulting mixture.

    Mold is afraid of elevated temperatures - it can be burned by treating the surface with a torch. But this method is not suitable for wooden structures.

    Boric acid helps fight fungus. Prepare a solution of boric acid, borax and vinegar in a ratio of 0.4:0.9:1.4. The solution quickly absorbs into the walls and destroys mold and spores.

After carrying out one of the procedures, be sure to ventilate the room.

Attention: Perform all work wearing protective gloves, goggles, and a respirator. Do not touch mold with your hands; inhaling it is dangerous!

Creating normal conditions in the cellar

To get rid of mold permanently, create conditions under which fungi cannot exist.

It is necessary to ensure sufficient air circulation in the cellar. Ventilate the cellar more often for 20 minutes a day. Move all objects and furniture slightly away from the walls to avoid condensation. Make holes for pipes in the ceiling and at floor level for constant air flow.

Provide waterproofing of the room– seal all cracks, moisture should not come from outside. If necessary, cover the floor, walls and ceiling with moisture-proof material.

For reducing air humidity You can use a heater in the cellar. Place containers with quicklime in the corners of the room; it will absorb moisture.

Video - How to get rid of mold in the basement

I hope now you will definitely get rid of mold and your products will remain of high quality throughout their shelf life.

Mold is formed during the life of a tiny fungus, whose spores float freely in the air and settle on all objects and surfaces. In order for mold to begin to grow rapidly, several conditions are necessary: ​​heat, humidity, lack of ventilation. Damp, musty basements and underground areas of houses often become desirable places for “living” for microorganisms. How to get rid of mold in a private basement apartment building?

The fight against fungus should begin at the first sign of its appearance.. Small plaque or minor mold stains can be removed yourself using various fungicidal (antifungal) agents. They are sold at any hardware or construction store. Folk remedies are also quite suitable for fighting mold..

Before sanitizing begins, the basement should be cleared of all food supplies and fresh air should be allowed into the storage area. Don't forget to wear rubber gloves and protect your airways from flying fungal spores and toxic fumes with a respirator.

Large spots of mold and visible plaque needs to be cleaned mechanically using a spatula, knife or damp cloth, and after that carry out further processing.

Copper sulfate

An effective product that will help remove mold and mildew from all basement surfaces. For cooking you need dissolve 100-150 gr. powder in a liter of water. The resulting solution should be applied with a brush to the affected areas (ceiling, metal constructions, boards), let it soak in and dry.

If the basement has earth foundation, then part of the solution must be poured directly onto the floor.

How to get rid of it using citric acid

An excellent disinfectant that is available in every home. Removing mold and mildew using citric acid is not at all difficult: to do this you need to prepare a concentrated solution (2-3 tablespoons of powder per liter of water) and treat all surfaces affected by fungus with this solution. Citric acid also works great with, inside, etc.

Chlorine bleaches and chlorine-containing disinfectants

Chlorine-containing products help quickly and reliably get rid of fungus and mold smell in the basement. “Whiteness”, “Domestos”, “Ace” and other similar products can be used in pure form without prior dilution with water. Using a sponge or rag soaked in chlorine bleach, go over any visible mold spots, trying to remove them. After 1-2 hours, rinse off the product with clean water.

Flammable bombs

Time-tested remedy for getting rid of mold in any type of basement. Sulfur smoke bombs can be purchased at hardware stores. For an accurate calculation required quantity checkers read the attached instructions. Usually 1 checker is required per 5-10 cubic meters of area. Disinfection should only be carried out in a sealed room: You should close the doors tightly and plug all the cracks.

The checker must be placed on a fireproof stand, the wick ignited and immediately leave the storage room. Don't forget to close the cellar door or hatch tightly. After treatment, keep the basement door or hatch closed for at least 24 hours.. Then the storage should be very well ventilated for 2 days and wet cleaned.

Please note that sulfur dioxide is a poisonous compound, therefore, the use of sulfur bombs requires compliance with certain rules:

  • When treating basements with smoke bomb vapors The use of a respirator, safety glasses and rubber gloves is mandatory.
  • Sulfur smoke bombs cannot be used in apartment buildings, since gas vapors have a high penetrating ability and can easily reach even the upper floors of a building.
  • Before processing, the basement or underground of a private house must be cleared of all products, and it must also be ensured that people and animals leave the living space. All Openings through which toxic gas can penetrate must be tightly sealed..

Video: How to treat a basement with a sulfur smoke bomb.

How to properly treat with iodine solution

Get rid of mold in the crawl space or basement Regular iodine will help. To prepare a disinfectant solution, dissolve 10 ml. iodine in 1.5 liters of water. Spray the resulting product onto the affected areas using a spray bottle. The surfaces must dry thoroughly, after which It is recommended to ventilate the room.

Vinegar

An ancient and well-proven folk remedy to combat fungus and rotten smell. Vinegar can be used in its pure form, but vinegar essence must be diluted in the recommended proportions, which the manufacturer usually indicates on the label.

It is best to treat surfaces with a spray bottle., and after 1-2 hours, remove all visible dirt with a damp cloth. After processing, the storage area should be well ventilated.

Slaked lime

You can buy slaked lime at large construction stores or markets. Most often you can find packaging of 2 kg. How to get rid of mold using this product? Lime apply in dry form, generously powdering all affected areas with it(walls, ceiling, floor, damp corners) using a scoop.

During processing, be sure to wear a respirator, safety glasses, rubber gloves and a change of clothes.

After the procedure, you need to wash your hands and face. Herself lime does not have a toxic effect, but can eat into the skin and irritate the mucous membranes.

Guide: how to remove mold in the basement and underground of a private house

Folk remedies and industrial fungicidal preparations work well against mold only initial stage its growth when the area affected by the fungus is small. What to do if black mold and rot attack large area storage?

Mold stains, plaque and dirty stains on basement surfaces - only the visible part of the problem. Mold has a mycelium that penetrates deep under the finishing materials and gradually destroys all storage structures: walls, foundation, floor, ceiling.

If the fungus begins to spoil wooden and brick elements, you won’t be able to get rid of mold in your crawl space using disinfectants alone. A thorough refurbishment of the premises is required, including replacement of materials and new finishing.

It makes sense to take care of high-quality insulation of the basement from the penetration of groundwater and melt water.

After the work done it is necessary to take care of proper air exchange in the vegetable store.

A well-established ventilation system in the basement is the key to excellent food safety and the absence of bacteria, mildew and mold in the room.

Cleaning (room preparation)

To start need to vacate the premises from vegetables and home-canned food, remove the shelves and remove all excess.

  • Use a metal scraper and wire brush to remove visible mildew from all surfaces. The plaster from the walls and ceiling must be completely removed.
  • It is better to replace wooden elements. If this cannot be done, then you need to cut down, cut down or cut down the rotten places, trying to capture entire areas.
  • Garbage must be collected in bags, taken out and burned.
  • If the floor is earthen, then 10-15 cm of the base should be removed and taken out along with the garbage.
Do not take the soil out of the basement garden plot! Fungal spores can spread to vegetable crops and fruit trees, you will have to later.

Treatment, waterproofing and wall covering

High-quality waterproofing will help protect the room from the penetration of dampness and moisture from the outside..

  • The walls should be thoroughly cleaned of small particles and dust.
  • Visible the cracks need to be widened, cleared of debris and covered with putty or cement plaster(depending on their size).
  • Next, you need to apply an antifungal primer to the walls and let the surfaces dry thoroughly.
  • Waterproofing coating(usually bituminous waterproofing mastic is used) is applied over a protective primer.
  • At the end of the work, the walls should be covered with two layers of plaster: coarse cement plaster and a finer cement-sand mixture.

Ventilation

To ensure that food does not rot and dampness does not stagnate in the room, it is necessary to arrange supply and exhaust ventilation. It is better to equip it at the stage of building the basement.

The simplest ventilation system consists of only two pipes: one is responsible for supplying fresh air to the room, the other for removing exhaust air.

  • The exhaust pipe outlet will help create a stable draft above the roof ridge level. The part of the pipe that is located within the basement is best located under the ceiling of the storage room. The part of the pipe located in the attic area should be insulated.
  • The supply pipe can also be brought to the roof, but its internal part should be located no higher than one meter from the floor.
  • Metal mesh and shutters, mounted in the inlet and outlet of the supply pipe, will help regulate heat exchange and humidity levels in the storage, and also protect the room from the penetration of rodents.
  • To improve air exchange in the exhaust duct you can install a fan, which will blow exhaust air out.

In a limited space (small subfield) it is difficult to equip a supply and exhaust ventilation system, and it does not make much sense.

For air exchange in small room you need to build at least two vents (small windows in the underground wall or foundation) with a diameter of 8 cm, located in different parts storage facilities.

In high conditions groundwater You can’t do without a well-equipped external basement waterproofing. It’s good when it is equipped at the stage of construction of the storage facility.

  • To construct a drainage system along the entire perimeter of the storage facility, it is necessary to dig grooves (trenches) 30-40 cm deep.
  • The ditch follows fill with crushed stone and install a special drainage pipe. Cover the structure with waterproofing material and fill it with soil on top.
  • It is necessary to equip a water collection point ( drainage well ). When natural outflow is difficult, use drainage pumps, which are installed at the bottom of the well.
  • A prerequisite for a properly equipped drainage system is slope towards the drainage well.

Video: How to equip drainage system plot with your own hands.

What to do with a small underground in a wooden house and the ground underneath it

Underground wooden house usually has very limited space, so It will not be possible to carry out major repair work here. You can get rid of mold in the basement of a wooden house in the following way:

  • All wooden elements (beams, ceiling, shelves) it is necessary to remove as much fungus as possible(cut down, cut down, cut down) and disinfect with an antiseptic. You can also use folk remedies to remove fungus. The surfaces should be thoroughly dried and coated with bitumen-containing protective mastic for wood.
  • If mold has “settled” in the underground on the ground, then first will need to be removed upper layer soil to a depth of 10-20 cm. Next, fill the floor with clay, lime and gravel. Tamp down well. Place logs on the resulting pillow and boards on top. The distance from the floor boards to the ground must be at least 30 cm.
  • Ensure ventilation of the room using small windows (vents) in the wall or foundation of the building.

How to eliminate mold and mildew in a garage basement

Mold and dampness in the garage basement appears as a result of mistakes made during the construction stage of the structure. Sometimes it happens that everything the necessary conditions constructions are observed (a dry place is chosen, waterproofing is installed, the level of groundwater is taken into account), but the fungus still appears.

It is difficult to carry out global repair work in the garage basement due to limited space premises. Therefore, to get rid of mold in the garage basement, Usually simple drying is used.

  • First you should empty the basement from all items contained in it: boxes, cans, equipment, shelving.
  • Then mechanically you need to clean all accessible places from fungus and mold stains. Garbage should be thoroughly swept up and burned.
  • All surfaces must be treated with a disinfectant solution(industrial or homemade).
  • The basement should be left open to dry naturally for several days. It is better to dry the storage in sunny, clear weather.

Drying with a roasting pan

For this basic type of drying, you will need an old metal bucket, which must be firmly installed in the center of the basement. A fire is started in a bucket and maintained for a long time..

The heated air will displace damp air from the basement, and the smoke generated during combustion will destroy fungus and mold.

Drying with a candle

For this method you will need to build ventilation pipe reaching almost to the floor. The candle must be secured to a stable metal base and placed under the pipe. You need to set fire to a sheet of paper right in the pipe to create an initial draft. After some time, the traction will be maintained due to the burning of the candle.

The process must be maintained until the room is completely dry, promptly replacing the burnt candle with a new one.

Instead of a candle, you can use dry fuel tablets. Dry fuel will burn no worse.

Drying with an iron stove

This method is suitable for those garage owners who own portable stove. The stove should be heated until the basement is completely dry.

If possible, and the area of ​​the basement allows, you can equip the simplest supply and exhaust ventilation, which will ensure air circulation inside the room. You can read more about the arrangement of such a system in the “Ventilation” section.

How to remove it from the basement of an apartment building

Dampness, mildew and the smell of mold in the basements of high-rise buildings are a common occurrence. Often It happens that the basement ventilation is either absent altogether or does not work properly. Condensation forms on the walls, floor and ceiling, and there are frequent cases of flooding of basements with groundwater and melt water.

In the basements of apartment buildings there are usually water supply and sewer pipes, which also adds dampness.

If you feel that the apartment smells of dampness, sewage and mold and suspect that the smell is coming from the basement, contact management company or utilities.

An organization engaged in servicing apartment buildings must ensure normal temperature and humidity conditions in the basement, and utility services must establish a ventilation system.

Mold on the foundation - what to do and how to fight it

Fungus on the foundation is a fairly common occurrence for buildings built in low-lying areas or in conditions of high groundwater levels. All disinfection measures applied to remove fungus will be only temporary.

  • You can clean the surface of the foundation from “vegetation” to pure concrete and treat it with hydrophobic impregnation (based on silicone or acrylic). This impregnation will protect the foundation from moisture penetration and freezing.
  • In conditions of high groundwater a drainage system should be installed(how to equip it is described in the section “What to do if groundwater passes nearby”).
In cases where the fungus has severely damaged the foundation, It is recommended to seek help from disinfection services. Companies specializing in the elimination of fungus and mold will thoroughly dry the foundation using professional equipment.

The microwave method is one of the most effective ways get rid of mold on the foundation of the house. Using a microwave emitter, section by section is heated to a temperature of 65˚ C. This is quite enough to completely remove not only mold on the foundation, but also the mycelium itself, settled deep inside the structure.

Prevention of basement fungus and mold

The main reason for the appearance of fungus in the basement or underground is excess humidity and lack of normal air circulation. In a dry storage facility with a properly functioning ventilation system, the risk of fungus developing is minimal.

  • To maintain a normal microclimate in the basement It is recommended not only to install a hood, but also to regularly ventilate the room.
  • All wooden surfaces and it is advisable to cover the structures antiseptic impregnation or regular paint.
  • Vegetables and canned food on which mold has appeared should be thrown away immediately.
  • Once or twice a year for preventive purposes It is recommended to treat the basement disinfectant solutions or fumigate with vapors of sulfur bombs.
  • From time to time you can dry the storage using an electric fireplace. The old fashioned method will also work: place a metal bucket with smoldering coals in the basement overnight. When the coals go out, you should replace them with new ones. This measure will not only help dry the air, but also disinfect the room.

Harm from mold

Mold is not only a dirty coating on various surfaces and objects, but also source of serious human diseases. A long stay in rooms contaminated with fungus is dangerous to health and sometimes to life.

In cellars, cellars and underground spaces where they are usually stored food products, the presence of fungus is extremely undesirable and should be destroyed immediately.

From damp basements, mold can spread deep into the living space, “consuming” everything in its path. That is why the fight against mold must begin as soon as it appears.

For man

Mold spores that enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion may cause whole line diseases: from allergic reactions and skin diseases to tuberculosis and cancer.

  • Aspergillosis- one of the diseases caused by fungi, which is characterized by a severe course and is difficult to treat. Cases of death among patients with aspergillosis are quite common.
  • Mold is especially dangerous for infants and the elderly, as well as people with weakened immune systems.

Video: Harm of mold to the human body.

Products contaminated with mold should be thrown away without regret.. Why is this necessary? A small layer of mold on the surface of fruit, bread or jam is only the visible part of the mycelium, which has penetrated deep into the food. A moldy product is poisonous at any degree of damage.

Mold spores can penetrate even under the skin, so all work on removing fungus and mold should be carried out with rubber gloves.

For building materials and structures

White house mushroom (a type of mold) - terrible enemy of wood, because it is capable of turning even the strongest tree into dust in a short time. In the old days, a wooden house infected with this type of fungus was burned to protect neighboring buildings from infection.

Long term exposure mold and mildew corrode all types of building materials: paint, plaster, brick and even concrete. Mold can destroy building materials almost to the ground, as a result of which major repairs and sometimes even reconstruction of the building or structure may be required.

The underground is the space under the house between the ceiling of the first floor and the surface of the ground. The entrance to it is usually carried out from the premises (unlike basements, which may have entrance doors from the street). In subfloors there are often no windows; the floors and walls remain earthen, reinforced with boards. The “ceiling” of the subfloor is the floors of the first floor of the house.

Another difference is the height (the distance between the ground surface and the ceiling of the first floor). For an underground it can be 130-170 cm or even less, while basements usually have more high ceilings(170-230 cm).

This space is used for laying communications, and less often - for storing something (usually food). It is characterized by stagnant air and constant dampness, which is an excellent habitat for mold fungus.

Why does mold appear in the underground?

The subfloor is separated from the living space only wooden floor. Therefore, the temperature difference in the house, outside and underground, especially in winter time- very noticeable: in the rooms it is warm, in the underground it is cold.

Due to temperature differences, condensation forms in the underground room, increasing the humidity level. Add to this the stagnation of air (homeowners rarely think about underground ventilation) - and it turns out perfect place for mold to appear.

In addition, the fungus develops under the following “additional” conditions:

  • lack of insulation and waterproofing (walls and floors of the underground, as well as floors of the first floor);
  • lack of anti-corrosion coatings on subfloor surfaces;
  • use of wooden materials.

All of these factors are common for any subfloor. When they are combined, it is very difficult to overcome mold: even if it can be eliminated for a while, under such conditions it will still appear again.

Where does it appear most often?

Most often, fungus occurs in the corners of walls bordering the street, as well as on cracks in surfaces. It is in these places that the most moisture accumulates, and it is here that it is most convenient for spores to “catch on.” Mold can also be found on other areas of walls, floors and ceilings where liquid accumulates or condensation forms. Also, the fungus spreads over time from the point of initial appearance.

The favorite places for mold to grow are wooden subfloor elements, since wood absorbs moisture very well. Mold may appear under floorboards, on wooden joists(on which the boards lie). Here it appears more often due to temperature changes: in the rooms on the first floor it is warm, but under the floor it is cold and damp, which is why moisture condenses on the lower sides of the boards.

Why is fungus dangerous underground?

Fungus in the underground is a common phenomenon: you can probably find it in every second house (if it has an underground). There is much more harm from it than it might seem at first glance:

  1. Mold accelerates the destruction of all structures under floors, especially in wooden houses(or at wooden elements structures: on boards, timber, finishing materials).
  2. Originating on the ground and on boards, the fungus quickly spreads to the ceiling, and from there it penetrates into the living quarters of the first floor. Then he can move to other rooms.

Remember: Mold spores harm not only the building, but also human health. Moreover, they can get into the air, even if the fungus has not yet reached the rooms on the first floor.

How can you tell if there is mold in your crawl space?

If your subfloor or basement is damp, expect mold to appear. The sooner it is noticed, the easier and faster it will be possible to destroy it.

Mold becomes visible much later than it appears. First, small colonies grow into surfaces. Even before they become visible to the naked eye, they begin to absorb oxygen and produce their own enzymes, which have an unpleasant musty damp smell. Therefore, if a persistent smell and feeling of dampness appears in the underground or in the rooms on the first floor, mold is probably already beginning to grow.

How to get rid of fungus underground: basic rules and methods

If you suspect that mold has appeared under the floor, do not rush to immediately tear off the floors (unless the height of the ceiling of the underground allows you to work in this space). Even if these rooms are not used for storing anything, they should still have an entrance for checking and maintaining communications. Open it and go downstairs.

The procedure is as follows:

  1. Assess the extent of distribution. Pay attention to which materials and in which places there is the most mold.
  2. All structures that cannot be dismantled (water and sewer pipes, floor boards, etc.), as well as affected areas of walls, floors and ceilings, must be carefully treated with special means.
  3. After treatment, the mold can be easily removed with a metal brush. More serious plaque can be removed with a spatula.
  4. If necessary, the steps specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 must be repeated.
  5. Then you need to remove the top layer of soil and throw it away - since spores could remain on it, which will again be transferred to the surface of the materials.
  6. To kill the fungus completely, you need to create a microclimate in which it cannot develop calmly and quickly. To do this, you need to open all possible ventilation openings: hatches, windows, take the corrugation outside, etc. To destroy mold, you also need to dry the room well. The easiest way is to use a fan heater: it will not only warm up the underground well, but also organize it forced circulation air masses
  7. A couple of days after all the procedures, go down into the underground again and evaluate the result. If not all of the material was destroyed the first time, repeat the treatment and ventilation again.

However, without eliminating the reasons why mold forms in the underground, it will not be possible to remove it forever.

What to do to prevent the fungus from reappearing:

  1. The most important thing is to provide high-quality ventilation to prevent dampness in the underground.
  2. If possible, install waterproofing and insulate the outside of the house.
  3. Make sure that moisture does not accumulate in the underground. If you still couldn’t keep track of it and dampness has formed, immediately ventilate and dry the room.

If the height between the ceiling and the ground is small and does not allow you to normally be in the underground for surface treatment, you will have to remove the floors to remove mold.

How to remove fungus in the underground: a list of special means and folk methods

There are many means to combat mold, both specialized and popular. For those who are looking for how to treat surfaces against mold, here are several options:

  1. From folk remedies To combat mold, lime, vinegar and copper sulfate are used, both individually and in combination.
  2. You can use any chlorine-containing product, for example, “Belizna”.
  3. If the underground is sealed and not connected to living quarters, you can use a sulfur or tobacco bomb or a special burner.
  4. Purchased products that contain: zinc chloride, sodium fluoride, sodium fluoride, ammonium will be effective.

Ways to combat mold in the underground (video)

Preventing the appearance of fungus in the underground

In order not to decide the question of how to get rid of mold, it is better to take all measures to prevent its occurrence. It is much easier to do this during the construction stage.

If the house is just being built, you need to do the following:

  1. Provide good ventilation for crawl spaces and basements. It is best to install supply and exhaust systems low power in different sides. As a last resort, ordinary hatches or small windows will do for ventilation.
  2. Make windows so that the sun's rays can penetrate into the underground. The method is not necessary and not very effective, since sunlight will still not fall on all surfaces, and mold can still appear on them. It should only be done from the sunny side.
  3. Waterproof the subfloor and insulate the foundation from the outside, along the entire perimeter.
  4. Cover all surfaces inside the underground protective equipment(especially if it's a tree).
  5. Run a small heating line to dry the room.

If the house has already been built, it will be more difficult to insulate and waterproof it.

Mold can be found in absolutely all rooms. The fungus can be on walls, floors or cabinets, as well as in food. However, most often it can be found in the cellar. Why does this happen and how to get rid of the fungus? We will try to sort out such questions in this article.

The appearance of mold in the cellar is a common problem, and it no longer surprises anyone. The occurrence of fungus in the cellar is due to several reasons that need to be identified and removed. Without eliminating the root causes, it will not be possible to destroy the fungus, but only remove mold for a short period of time using various antifungal agents.

How to get rid of fungus in the cellar

Having established the cause of the fungus and its variety, it is worth finding out how to fight it. Today there are 3 effective techniques, with which you can successfully remove mold from all contaminated premises. However, in addition to folk remedies and techniques, there are special chemicals for complete elimination.

Note: Most of the known techniques are based on major renovation premises and are needed in case of an advanced situation. However, in case of partial contamination of the premises, disinfectants can be used for preventive purposes.

A solution consisting of 10 liters of water and 250 ml of 40% formaldehyde is very popular. The surfaces must be treated with the solution, and after complete drying, the walls and ceiling must be plastered and whitewashed. The success of preventative treatment is based on the good functioning of the ventilation system.

Sulfur checker

A sulfur bomb is one of the old and proven methods that will help get rid of fungus in the house under the floor. However, it is worth clarifying about this method that during its operation you need to leave the living space for several days. The implementation of this procedure is not considered difficult.

Note: You need to start by calculating the volume of the underground or cellar area, since the packs with the sulfur bomb indicate the parameters for use in rooms of different sizes.

After establishing the required proportion of the sulfur bomb, it is lit and left in a smoking state at the bottom of a metal container or glass jar(picture 1). The bomb should smoke for several hours and during this time the whole room will be in smoke, but the smell will then quickly disappear.


Figure 1. Processing the storage facility with a sulfur bomb

The result of the action of the sulfur bomb is temporary or complete removal of the fungus. You can buy a sulfur bomb at any gardening store.

Lime

The use of disinfection in the basement or cellar will help get rid of the fungus and prepare for further work that will be aimed at improving ventilation and waterproofing.

All manipulations in the room must begin with clearing it of racks, cans and other things. Using a wire brush, clean all walls, focusing Special attention places where mold has occurred. The racks must be dried in fresh air and treated with disinfectants (Figure 2).

If there is a dirt floor in the cellar, you need to remove the top layer of soil and disinfect it with a sulfur bomb.


Figure 2. Using lime to treat underground storage facilities

The main feature of sulfur gas is its ability to penetrate into the most hard to reach places. However, before using a sulfur bomb, you should close all ventilation holes so that the gas does not leave the room. Upon completion of the procedure, it is necessary to ventilate the room for 10 hours, after which the ceiling and walls in the cellar can be treated with slaked lime.

Bleaching

Today, chlorine is included in the composition large quantity detergents, disinfectants and bleaches. One of the common products that contain chlorine is “Whiteness,” but at the same time, you can use any other detergent product with the active component of bleach.

The preparation of a highly concentrated chlorine solution is based on one bucket, but when working with this kind chemical It is imperative to follow safety precautions and wear gloves. Treating walls with chlorine solution must be done very carefully, paying special attention to the ceiling and other places where fungus appears.

Boric acid

In the fight against mold, you can use some traditional methods to effectively and quickly destroy the fungus. Mix water, copper sulfate and acetic acid in a ratio of 20:1:4, then mix thoroughly and begin surface treatment.

Boric acid is a good helper in the fight against mold. Mix it with borax and table vinegar in a ratio of 20:4:1. The given examples of folk solutions quickly penetrate walls and effectively remove spores.

Vodka

One of the folk remedies that helps get rid of fungus is the use of vodka. There is no need to prepare a special solution from vodka, but just pour it into a spray bottle and spray it in places where mold accumulates, which were previously cleaned with a metal brush.

What causes fungus to form?

Since ancient times, the cellar and basement have been places intended for storing food supplies. Cold and moisture contribute to a long shelf life of stocks, but at the same time they are excellent conditions for the rapid development and growth of fungi.

The main reasons for the appearance of mold in the cellar are the following factors:

  • High level temperature regime(more than +20);
  • Constant humidity above 90%;
  • Poor seam insulation;
  • High level of residual moisture of materials used in construction;
  • Lack or poor waterproofing.

Preventive measures and the fight against fungus should be aimed at installing a high-quality ventilation system and waterproofing of the room.

Poorly insulated walls

Mold is an organism that can live on all surfaces. Its spores are incredibly small and surround a person everywhere, since they are invisible to the human eye. When the spores find a suitable place for their growth, they settle there and begin to actively develop. During the settling of spores in a favorable place, the formation of mycelium occurs, which penetrates deep into the materials and begins to form new spores.


Figure 3. Scheme of external insulation of an underground storage facility
  • There is poor air flow into the room and there is no oxygen circulation.
  • High humidity levels contribute to the formation of condensation on the walls, which cannot evaporate.
  • In cellars there are always many sources for feeding fungi (food, wood, concrete), which contribute to the further spread of mold throughout the room.

Figure 3 shows how to properly insulate to prevent mold from appearing in an underground storage facility.

Violation of temperature and humidity conditions

The main reasons for the appearance of mold in the cellar are poor air ventilation and waterproofing, condensation and prolonged storage of spoiled products, as well as the use of shelves made of mold-infected wood.

However, it is customary to identify the following main causes of mold:

  • Moisture entering the cellar by capillary action through the walls.
  • Water leakage through cracks in walls (structures).
  • The presence of poor ventilation, which contributes to the formation of condensation on the walls of the room.

The first signs of mold can be observed when drops of water appear on the walls and structures in the room, in musty and stale air. To combat mold, you should establish a ventilation system and eliminate all sources of water entering the cellar or basement. With these actions you can establish an air exchange system in the room and the humidity level will come to a normal level. normal condition. After bringing the ventilation system back to normal, all that remains is to remove the resulting fungus from the walls.

Floors are not insulated enough

It is possible to get rid of mold in the cellar forever, but to do this it is necessary to eliminate not only visible accumulations, but also to create conditions in which the growth of mold and its existence will be impossible.

Important points:

  • Ensuring stable air circulation consists of regular ventilation (15-20 minutes per day) and the installation of a comprehensive ventilation system. To ensure air circulation, you can make a hole in the door and leave free space under the door. You can also remove two pipes from the cellar (from the ceiling and from the floor), which will allow oxygen to flow throughout the day and prevent the growth of mold.
  • To waterproof the cellar: to the complex waterproofing works includes sealing cracks that can allow moisture to enter the cellar. However, it is impossible to do without covering the walls and floors with moisture-proof materials.
  • Reducing air humidity levels in the cellar. To combat air humidity, you can use heaters or periodically place heated ceramic bricks. Reduce air humidity with white moss or containers of slaked lime.

Types of fungus and methods for detecting it

The fungus is one of the most ancient organisms on the planet and its main feature is the ability to absorb the substances it needs from the environment (Figure 4). During the processing of absorbed substances, it releases toxins, carbon dioxide and esters, which are responsible for the peculiar and unique smell of mold.

moldy

The appearance of mold organisms usually occurs on stone or concrete, as well as on all surfaces treated with poor quality paint. This type of mold has spots of black, blue, green or brown color. Mold fungus is capable of destroying materials and can completely destroy the finish, which leads to complete renovation premises.

Blue

Blue fungus is the most important danger for wooden houses. When a tree is damaged, spores penetrate into the structure of the tree, after which it changes color to a blue tint.

However, in addition to external changes in the tree, its humidity level increases. With constant penetration of moisture, new types of fungus will appear in the wood.

Rotting fungus

Only wooden surfaces are susceptible to decay fungi, and the microorganisms themselves come in several types. When a tree is damaged by bacterial rot, a color change occurs. gray shade and the strength of the material is lost.


Figure 4. Main types of fungus (from left to right): mold, blue, rot

Brown rot can cause even the strongest wood to split in a short period of time. However, we should not forget about white mold, which is the most dangerous for wood, which is known to quickly damage the material and make it unusable. Also white fungus tends to spread to adjacent rooms.

Get rid of fungus in the cellar with your own hands

The fight against fungus in a cellar or basement should be comprehensive and consist of several stages.

Preparing the room should include the following steps:

  1. The cellar must be emptied during the mold removal operation. IN empty room it is easier to reach any surface and possible habitats of microorganisms. Completely emptying the cellar will help protect the food stored in it from mold.
  2. Shelving, furniture and other items must be taken out to Fresh air, as they will need to be inspected and cleaned.
  3. Carrying out general cleaning in the cellar allows you to remove all accumulations of fungus. Also, if infected wooden structures are found, they need to be replaced with new ones.
  4. If there is an earthen floor in the cellar, it is necessary to remove the top layer (10-20 cm), since it may be affected by mold.
  5. Upon completion of cleaning, the room should be dry and it will be possible to begin further struggle.

Removing mold from the cellar is not easy, since it must be destroyed and exterminated. In domestic hardware stores you can purchase special antiseptics that have antifungal and antibacterial effects. The use of this kind of specialized products must be carried out strictly according to the instructions specified in them.

You can use the following folk methods of struggle:

  • Treat the affected surfaces with white (it contains components that destroy mold);
  • Use ammonia;
  • An effective remedy is citric acid, but it must be used in concentrated form. Citric acid (100 grams) is added to one liter of water and mixed thoroughly;
  • For 30-40 liters of water, you need to add 2 kg of quicklime and about 300 grams of copper sulfate. The resulting solution must be used to treat all surfaces in the cellar or basement (walls, ceiling and floor);
  • The use of sulfur bombs is a time-tested remedy that helps get rid of various pests;
  • For 5 liters of boiling water you need to dissolve about 1 kilogram of salt and 100 ml of boric acid;
  • Dissolve 50-100 grams of bleach and slaked lime in one liter of water;
  • The fungus does not tolerate elevated temperatures and you can simply burn it with a torch, while treating all surfaces. However, it is not recommended to process wood using this method;
  • You can prepare a solution of formaldehyde and bleach by dissolving 50 grams of each component in 2 liters of water.

Figure 5. Effective methods mold control

After treating the surfaces in the cellar with one of the listed compounds, you need to leave the room and ventilate the room after the product has completed its effect (Figure 5). However, the fight against fungus does not end there and it is worth creating conditions in which mold cannot reproduce and exist.

Important points:

  • Providing air circulation. Try to ventilate the cellar as often as possible and carry out this procedure at least once a day for 15-20 minutes. It is also necessary to equip a ventilation system. The simplest option is to make several holes in the door and provide free space under the door, and you can also install two pipes in the ceiling and take them out of the room (one from the floor, the other from the ceiling), which guarantees constant air circulation and will prevent the growth of fungus . Also in the cellar it is necessary to move all objects away from the walls, which will stop the formation of condensation.
  • Providing waterproofing. In the system for eliminating problems with water entering the cellar, the first priority is to seal all cracks. After this, a waterproofing layer is installed using a coating of moisture-proof material (floor, ceiling and walls).
  • Reducing air humidity levels. To reduce humidity in the cellar, you can use a heater or periodically place heated ceramic bricks around the perimeter of the room, which absorb moisture well.

White moss or containers with quicklime placed in the corners of the room also perfectly absorb liquid. However, to avoid an increase in air humidity, it is necessary to tightly close all open containers with liquid composition.

Harm to human health

The fungus tends to spread quickly, and the fact that indoor surfaces are contaminated is a minor problem when compared with the threat to human health. Mold spores can enter the human body through the respiratory tract and settle in the lungs, and can also be ingested through skin, hygiene items and food. For this reason, mold control is an important hygiene measure. Some types of fungus cause asthma, headaches, dry cough and skin rashes.

During its life in the basement, the fungus actively releases harmful toxins in the form of numerous spores that are dangerous to humans.

Doctors associate prolonged contact with such substances with the occurrence of such diseases:

  • Migraine;
  • Chronic respiratory diseases;
  • Increased irritability;
  • Allergies.

Mold is believed to be dangerous for young children because their respiratory systems are not fully developed. Children exposed to fungi may be at risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases and allergies. The danger of mold spores is explained by their invisibility to the human eye. In the first stages, mold development does not look scary. However, discoloration of the walls in the cellar, black formations on the ceiling and peeling of the walls require emergency intervention.

Preventing basement from fungus

In order to maintain the cellar in proper condition, it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance every year to prevent the development of fungus. To do this, the cellar must be completely removed (carry out general cleaning), and then dry the room thoroughly. Drying time depends on the condition of the room and lasts from several days to several weeks.

Note: Shelves and crossbars should be treated with soapy water and placed in the sun. Once the boards have dried, they must be treated with an antifungal solution.

The dried cellar should be treated with an antifungal solution and antibacterial agents, after which additional drying of the room is carried out.

If the cellar has an earthen floor, then you need to pour a solution of copper sulfate onto it and let it soak into the soil. And in places where vegetables are stored, it is necessary to pour a mixture of sand and lime.

Video: how to fight fungus in the cellar

Since eliminating mold in the basement involves a whole range of measures, we recommend that you watch the video, which shows the details in detail this process.

Any basements and cellars are favorable places for mold to form. Often, harmful organisms appear due to high humidity, due to poor ventilation, poor waterproofing. To avoid this, it is recommended to periodically carry out prophylaxis. But what to do if mold and mildew have already entered the basement and are actively multiplying there? There are many effective ways to combat these bacteria that are harmful to humans. Let's see how to remove fungus in a cellar or basement.

Fungal colonies are nothing more than mold. Initially, the fungus is spores. There are always spores in the air, but under conditions of high humidity and temperature, these organisms “wake up” and are able to multiply intensively.

Mold can develop on concrete surfaces, painted walls and floors, on wood and other materials. There are many types of these fungi - you can see black, white, green, brown spots. These formations resemble cotton wool in appearance. Also in nature there are luminous fungal colonies.

Black, white and brown fungal colonies can be distinguished. Color can tell not only about a specific class of organisms, but also about the degree of their development. Often the colors of the formations depend on the surfaces on which the colonies live.

Why do fungi and mold form?

Mold never grows in the basement without a reason. Here are some typical reasons:

  • Missing or clogged ventilation systems. If there is no fresh air entering the basement sufficient quantity, this promotes the formation of mold.
  • Increased air humidity, condensation. This factor is a consequence of the first reason.
  • Poor air circulation in the cellar.
  • Rotten vegetables, fruits and other products. Spoiled foods are the source of this scourge. Spores quickly spread in the basement along the walls, floors and ceilings.
  • The presence of wooden products infected with fungus.

Conditions for reproduction are flexible

Why does one owner have fungus in the basement, but not another? In order for such “life” to appear, several conditions must be met. This:

  • Spores in the air that can land on people, animals, and various products.
  • Availability of a nutritious organic environment.
  • Mold develops if the humidity level in the room is high and the air temperature is 20 degrees or higher.

Various types of mold can lose their ability to reproduce and develop when low temperatures air - from 0° and below. Separately, it is necessary to say about ventilation. Ventilation systems are designed to ensure normal air circulation. When there are movements of air currents, this prevents the spores from attaching to the surface.

In the corners of rooms often air currents They move weakly - it is in the corners that these colonies accumulate.

Also ventilation system deletes excess moisture from the air, which is formed due to high humidity outside the cellar or due to a large temperature difference between the outside of the house and the inside of the basement. If there are traces of a fungal colony on the wall, but there are no conditions for reproduction, then germination will not occur. It turns out that the cause of everything is poor ventilation.

On video: the reasons for the appearance of fungus on the walls.

Fungal colonies and human health

Fungus can not only significantly spoil the appearance of a room, even if it is in the basement. It is very dangerous for humans. In addition, food stored underground in most households can also spoil. Mold can move to Various types surfaces and objects. It tends to spread very quickly due to reproduction, which can greatly reduce the shelf life and usefulness of products.

If white mold is found in the basement, it must be removed immediately. Let's figure out how to destroy the fungus.

Effective ways to fight

Before treating the basement, the reasons for the appearance of “life” should be removed. A comprehensive approach is necessary - this way you can not only get rid of fungus and mold at home, but also prevent the re-production of spores in the basements. It is necessary to get rid of the misfortune in several stages. We will look at how to remove fungus in the cellar and what means are best suited for this.

Preparing the premises

During the entire disinfection period, the cellar must be emptied of all items and food products. This way you can ensure full access to all settlement locations. This will help protect the products. All furniture is removed from the cellar - it should also be treated to prevent colonies from re-populating. Carrying out general cleaning. Clean all formations on walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces.

If fungi have managed to penetrate into finishing material deep enough, it is better to replace the damaged structure with a new one.

Wood rots especially quickly under the influence of these bacteria. If the basement floor is made of soil, then it is necessary to remove about 20 cm of soil - the entire top layer is contaminated. Next, the room should be thoroughly dried. And only after this can we begin a real war using special drugs. So, let's get the mold out of the basement.

Disinfection

Now the real fight against mold in the basement begins. There are several effective means for cleaning the cellar from mold. Let's see how to treat the cellar against mold and mildew.

The destruction of fungus is effective with vapors of sulfur dioxide gases. This product is highly recommended by experts. It is worth using it at the beginning. Using a sulfur bomb is simple - after the air supply to the basement is blocked, the bomb is placed in a tin basin and set on fire.

Next, you should quickly leave the basement and close the door tightly. Sulfur smoke also poses a danger to humans and pets. After about 12 hours, the cellar is thoroughly ventilated and dried with slaked lime. One of its properties is excellent moisture absorption.

Lime

You can get rid of fungus in the basement inexpensively and quickly using lime. Lime is very effective in the war against fungal colonies. It is often used for prevention. Before starting work, the cellar is pre-treated with disinfectin. The material is dissolved in water, and then the mixture is applied to all painted surfaces. This procedure is best done in the fresh air.

There are different ways to clean basements using lime. There are two folk recipes:

  • Mixture with formaldehyde. So, for one bucket of water take 500 g of bleach and 200 g of formaldehyde. This composition must be coated with all surfaces in the cellar. Then the room is dried and ventilated.

  • Lime mixture with copper sulfate. Here, take 1 kg of slaked lime for two buckets of water and add 100 g of vitriol. This solution is distributed using a spray bottle.

Bleaching

For those who don’t know how to get rid of mold in the cellar using improvised means, there is another effective recipe. In this case, we will clear basements bleach. It will quickly and easily clear any colonies. In terms of efficiency, bleach is in no way inferior to a sulfur bomb. You can use Belizna from the store, but there are other drugs.

The surface is thoroughly cleaned wire brush. Then a solution is prepared - so, one part of “Whiteness” is dissolved in ten parts of water. To maximize the effect, you can add two tablespoons of salt to the solution. To destroy fungus in the cellar, the product is applied to all walls, ceilings and floors. For best result the solution is applied to cotton wool and left in places where mass spores are heated.

All metal and wooden shelving should also be treated. This way we get rid of mold completely and forever. These organisms do not live on treated surfaces.

These are not all recipes. You can also remove this scourge with vodka, but not everyone will do this. Can be applied boric acid. The main thing is that fighting mold at home is possible. Knowing how to get rid of fungus in cellars, you can save food and your own health.