Molds can cause a lot of health risks especially for those prone to asthma and respiratory issues like asthma. But aside from that, they can also cause headaches, inflammatory rashes, and other flu-like signs.
With this in mind, any time you see mold developing onto the surface of your concrete, Markham Services highly recommend that you take immediate action.
To help you in keeping your concrete free from mold we’ve compiled some of the most effective ways that you may want to take into consideration.
Ways on How To Keep Your Concrete Mold Free
1. Use bleach
For this method, you will need to prepare bleach, water, a bucket, rubbing gloves, and a scrubbing brush.
To start, put on your rubber gloves and already-stained or old clothing. After that, mix the bleach and water thoroughly.
Then dip the brush to the cleaner and thoroughly brush it to the moldy surfaces. Lastly, let the area dry.
On the other hand, if you are planning to paint the concrete make sure that you follow up the scrubbing with coats of sealant in order to keep the moisture away.
But, if the bleach mixture is not working, try using a commercial-grade mold remover that is readily available in the stores.
2. Use a pressure washer
Most of the time, this method is effective in getting rid of mold and even algae from concrete, pavers, and bricks.
However, if you don’t have a pressure washer consider buying one, after all, it is not as expensive as you might think.
But if you are unable to, simply rent one or hire a person to wash the surfaces of the concrete for you.
Nevertheless, if it doesn’t work, there are other methods that you can try out as well.
3. Use vinegar
When you begin seeing molds on your concrete, consider using vinegar. First, you will need to mix water and vinegar. After that, spray down the affected area and remove the mold.
Once you have sprayed the vinegar mixture let it stay for a couple of minutes. But for stubborn parts, you will need to use a scrub brush or a deck brush. You’ll then want to wash the area with water properly.
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
1. Improve the flow of air in your home
As the temperature drops, air tends to hold more moisture, says the EPA. Without decent airflow, the excess moisture will appear on your concrete including floors, walls, and windows.
To improve the circulation of air, make sure to open doors and windows between rooms and move your furniture away from the walls. By letting fresh air come into your home, you will be able to keep mold at bay and lessen moisture.
2. Equip your house with products that are resistant to mold
When you are renovating an old house and building a new one, make sure to utilize drywalls that are mold-resistant as well as mold inhibitors for the paint. Doing so will keep your concrete mold-free.
3. Make sure there’s no standing water accumulating in your concrete walkway, patio, or driveway
Keep in mind that standing water is the number one breeding ground for mold. Having said that, do your best to get rid of any standing water and most importantly, keep the concrete dry using a mop.
On the other hand, if there’s something that’s triggering the standing water to pool, track it down and, if possible, put a stop if you can.
It is worth noting that downspouts and gutters are the two main culprits, thus make sure they’re pointing in the correct direction.
4. Keep your concrete walkway and patio clear of dirt and debris
Just like any other living organism, mold also needs food in order to survive. Unfortunately, though, mold can also thrive on dirt and debris alone.
That is why, if you want to save your concrete free from mold, make sure to clear out dirt and debris on a regular basis.
5. Perform regular maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance must be part and parcel of your regular home maintenance routine. Cracks and even chips should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent mold development. Surfaces on the concrete must be cleaned on a regular basis as well to avoid major problems that may cause you hundreds of dollars to repair.
As you can see, keeping your concrete free from mold is not as difficult as you might think. As long as you know what you are doing you will be able to prevent mold development in your home.
Simply follow these simple tips and you will not only be able to save your concrete, but your entire home as well from getting damaged.