What is the fuzzy white stuff on concrete?

The white, fluffy substance is efflorescence and the black spotting on the wall is mold growth. Efflorescence occurs when moisture moves through the concrete and deposits minerals/salts on the surface.

How do you remove white fuzzy mold from concrete?

The best solution is to scrub and clean the affected areas with a mold-killing detergent, like RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover, or a simple solution of household bleach and water. Be sure to scrub aggressively to get down into the pores of the concrete.

Is efflorescence harmful to health?

Unlike mold, efflorescence isn't normally harmful to human health, but it can cause mild irritation if inhaled or if it comes in contact with the eyes. Even so, efflorescence doesn't usually float freely in the air as dust. Pressurized water can dissolve efflorescence and clean away the mineral deposits.

How do you remove efflorescence from concrete?

Why is my concrete fuzzy?

It can be just a white powder on your concrete, salt-like crystals, white fuzzy stuff, or what looks like white stalactites growing on your concrete wall. These white deposits happen when water is drawn out of a cementious material: it is called efflorescence. It is a scientific reaction.

Efflorescence Tips and Tricks

Is efflorescence a serious problem?

Efflorescence itself isn't dangerous or harmful. It can lead to potential moisture problems that can cause structural damage to building materials. So it is important to take action when you notice efflorescence in your basement, on your paving stones, or on other structures.

Does efflorescence go away?

Just as it appears naturally, efflorescence will eventual- ly disappear. Over time, rainwater can wash and wear it away. In urban areas with acidic rainfall, efflores- cence may go away faster than in rural areas.

How do you stop efflorescence from coming back?

The way to stop efflorescence from coming back is to interfere with its three necessary conditions: water soluble salts in the wall; a path for water to get into the wall and dissolve those salts; and a path for that water to reach the wall's surface and deposit the dissolved salts.

Will vinegar get rid of efflorescence?

Vinegar and water solution—Efflorescence can be removed by using a dilute solution of household white vinegar and water. A vinegar and water solution is relatively inexpensive, non-toxic, and easy to obtain, mix and apply. Dilution ratio is 20–50% vinegar in water by volume.

What happens if you seal over efflorescence?

Here's the deal with efflorescence and sealing … you do NOT want to seal before your pavers have had the chance to “breathe” and go through their normal efflorescence cycle. By sealing too soon, you'll run the risk of trapping migrating salts beneath the coating of sealer.

Can efflorescence turn into mold?

Efflorescence itself is not a health problem. However, it is an indication of the building's failure to properly manage water. Therefore, if efflorescence is present, there is a significant chance of mold growth or other moisture issues may be present.

What is the white fuzzy stuff on my basement walls?

Efflorescence is actually a harmless crystallized mineral salt that has formed on your basement walls over time. It will generally look like a white, powdery substance. It's also commonly found on floors. In cases where moisture bubbles up from your basement floor, it may even resemble a white "foam" on your floors.

Is efflorescence a mold?

A few major differences between efflorescence and mold growth: Mold grows, efflorescence doesn't. Mold can grow on just about any surface, whereas efflorescence doesn't spread. Mold is a fungus, whereas efflorescence is moisture that evaporates into salt deposits.

Is white mold harmful?

Like most mold types, white mold ruins the structural integrity of a home or building by eating away its foundation—like fungal termites. Like black mold, white mold can cause many health problems, such as respiratory infections, dizziness, allergic reactions, headaches, and eye and skin irritations.

What causes white fluffy mold?

What causes white mold? Like other molds, white mold grows due to high moisture levels combined with the presence of a food source, and the right temperature. Common food sources for white mold include wood, drywall, carpeting, laminate, insulation and any other organic, carbon-rich material.

What causes white mold on concrete?

It often looks like mold, but really it's caused by salt deposits. When water seeps through concrete, brick, or stone, it can leave behind salt deposits. When the water evaporates, what remains is a white crystalline substance that resembles mold.

Can you pressure wash efflorescence?

Pressure washing can work to remove white efflorescence once the surface has thoroughly dried. The surface must be thoroughly rinsed to ensure that no residue remains. We also use a safe detergent to ensure a thorough clean.

Will baking soda remove efflorescence?

Dilution of these acids before using them is a must and be sure to always wear the required personal protection equipment (PPE). If this option is used to remove the efflorescence, baking soda or any other similar alkaline product needs to be applied to the area, to neutralise the acidity on the concrete surface.

Does concrete sealer stop efflorescence?

Simply sealing concrete from water penetration (using a penetrating sealer) will help prevent efflorescence. V-SEAL creates an incredible water barrier for brick, mortar, and all forms of concrete. To help prevent efflorescence, V-SEAL should be sprayed anywhere brick, mortar or cement will be exposed to water.

Can I paint over efflorescence?

Any efflorescence on the surface must be removed prior to painting as it is regarded as a poor and friable base that prevents paints and coating systems from adhering effectively.

Does efflorescence mean the basement leaks?

Does Efflorescence Mean the Basement Has a Leak? Efflorescence requires the appearance of water from somewhere in the basement. Most commonly, this water does come from a leak, typically through cracks in the walls or floor. However, you might also have an internal leak through your plumbing system.

How much does it cost to remove efflorescence?

A handyman or house cleaning service will charge $143 to remove efflorescence from a 150-square-foot area, which includes the labor and material. You can remove the substance for $20, the cost of a clear water sealer, and save 86 percent.

Does efflorescence go away when wet?

This is known as efflorescence. It may appear randomly or in certain areas, and will be more pronounced on dark colour pavers. The white haze may give the impression that the colour is fading. When wet, the white disappears and the colour of the pavers is enhanced.

Is efflorescence caused by moisture?

Primary efflorescence is due to moisture captured by the material when it is first installed: for example, the water used for a cement or mortar mix evaporates. In such cases, the problem will not recur once evaporation is complete and the surface has been cleaned.