What is the white fluffy stuff on my basement floor?

The growth you could find in damp basements may not be mold; it could be mineral deposits. White, fluffy-looking mineral deposits are left behind as water evaporates from basement floors and walls.

Is efflorescence in basement a problem?

Efflorescence is a common problem in concrete and masonry block foundations. The white fuzzy stuff you see along the inside and outside of your basement wall is efflorescence.

How do I remove efflorescence from my basement floor?

What is the white fuzzy stuff on my basement floors?

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.

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.

What is the White Stuff On My Wall?

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.

What does mold look like on basement floor?

Some mold is: Furry growths, like on food. Typically, mold colonies will grow in round patterns. They come in many different colors, other than just black; mold can also be green, white, brown, or yellow. A good identifier of basement mold or mold in your home is a yellow or pink stain on wallpaper or drywall or wood.

Will a dehumidifier help with efflorescence?

The truth is that a dehumidifier does nothing to counter or reverse the effects of efflorescence on your crawl space walls. This device will only help you dry out the crawl space air so moisture won't build up and cause condensation, mold growth, rust, and other problems.

How can you tell the difference between white mold and efflorescence?

Efflorescence forms on inorganic building materials, while mold forms on organic substances. However, it is possible for mold to consume dirt on brick or cement. Efflorescence will dissolve in water, while mold will not. Efflorescence is almost always white, yellow or brown, while mold can be any color imaginable.

What is white fuzz on concrete?

Efflorescence is the white powdery substance on the surfaces of unsealed concrete and the white blush seen with sealed floors. Efflorescence is caused by vapor migrating through the slab bringing soluble salts to the surface of the concrete.

How do you stop efflorescence on concrete floors?

Clear water repellents, silicone and acrylic coatings also may help you remove efflorescence as well. The coating will absorb water across a masonry surface and prevent efflorescence from recurring. Plus, the combination of warm water and white wine vinegar has been shown to eliminate efflorescence.

How long does it take for efflorescence to disappear?

Over time, efflorescence will eventually wear away or disappear, usually within 3-6 months, although it can take much longer depending on the circumstances.

How do you prevent efflorescence?

To help prevent efflorescence, V-SEAL should be sprayed anywhere brick, mortar or cement will be exposed to water. For example, applying V-SEAL before any exterior below grade coating or elastomeric membrane, will aid and greatly retard any chance of efflorescence in the future.

How do you fix foundation efflorescence?

You can remove the chalky buildup with a stiff brush, but the only way to get rid of efflorescence for good is to remove the source of the water. To do that, you need to talk to a basement waterproofing expert from JES, who will address your concerns at the root.

What type of mold is white and fuzzy?

What is white fuzzy mold? This is a type of mold with a white, fuzzy appearance caused by the airborne spores of the fungus. The mold is also known as powdery mildew due to its powdery look and texture. White fuzzy mold usually affects established plants and vegetation.

What does white mold look like in a basement?

Once the colonies form, white molds will appear as white spots on a surface. The spots can be powdery, fuzzy and filmy in nature. Although it can look similar to mildew at first, white mold is more harmful since it can grow within organic materials, not just at the surface.

Does 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.

Will a dehumidifier dry out my basement?

Another solution is to use a dehumidifier in your basement. These are affordable, easy to use and can help you dry out moist air with minimal effort on your part.

How do you treat plaster efflorescence?

Treating efflorescence

You can treat efflorescence on internal walls using a special product called salt neutraliser. This product is designed to stop the salts reacting with water and can be used on bare plaster, stone, brick or render – not over paint or wallpaper.

Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity? Yes. Dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity. While the wattage (483.24W is average) and the hourly electricity usage (0.427 kWh is average) are not substantial, the long duration of use results in dehumidifiers consuming a considerable amount of electricity.

Should I worry about mold in basement?

The first thing you need to check for after a flooded basement is mold and fungus growth. Not only can mold cause serious health issues for you and your entire family, but if you let it get out of control and invade your home it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of.

How do you tell if there's mold in your basement?

What causes efflorescence on basement floor?

What Causes Efflorescence in a Basement? Efflorescence forms on basement walls and floors because moisture is traveling through them, and is carrying dissolved minerals to the surface. Brick and cement are porous, so some moisture is naturally moving through them at all times unless special sealants are applied.

Does white vinegar remove 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.

How do you clean efflorescence?