Mold on Foundation Block

[RML]

Need suggestions on how to remove florescense (sp?) and mold from painted foundation block in basement, short of using Kilz and repainting.

Thanks

[Joseph Meehan]

You need more than Kilz. You need to physically remove the efflorescence. The mold you can kill with a dilute bleach solution, but if you want the wall to look good, you will need to remove it physically as well. Depending on the situation a good power washer might be the tool.

Yea, repainting if you want it to look good will be needed.

Note. There is no use in killing the mold or removing it and the efflorescence unless you have addressed the reason you got it to begin with and 98.42% of the time that problem is outside not in the basement.

[Charles Schuler]

Go to a pool supply store and buy a gallon of chlorine. Lowe's has inexpensive hand sprayers that you can use to apply the chlorine (do not dilute it). Try a small test area first (if it is going to work it will do so in a matter of minutes) and wear eye and skin protection! That stuff is nasty.

[Joe]

The source of the efflorescence is slowly migrating water containing dissolved minerals. Should be removable by simple washing. Blocking the water will stop the deposits, so check the market for known good products of that type. HTH

Joe

[hallerb]

If its that moist add ventilation to area and a interior french drain.

If its still moist mold will return:(

[Joseph Meehan]

Best bet is to get the water away from the foundation to begin with. Work from the outside.

[Goedjn]

A stiff bristle broom, Vinegar, rinse, chlorine rinse. Dry.