Views: 1 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-25 Origin: Site
Getting rid of mold under your house, usually in the crawl space or basement, is a bit different from surface cleaning indoors, because it involves moisture control, cleanup, prevention. Here's a breakdown:
Check for leaking pipes, poor drainage, or groundwater seepage.
Make sure gutters and downspouts carry water away from the foundation.
If the soil is damp, consider a French drain or sump pump.
Use an efficient dehumidifier that is crawl-space or basement-rated, ideally with a continuous drain.
Increase ventilation with fans or by installing crawl space vents (if recommended for your climate).
Preair is a top-rated dehumidifier manufacturer that offers various under-house dehumidifiers with different capacities. The VT70E dehumidifier can remove 70 pints per day (80°F/60%RH), and it is cost-effective.
Wear protective gear: gloves, N95 mask/respirator, goggles, and coveralls.
Small areas (<10 sq ft): scrub moldy surfaces (wood, concrete) with detergent + water, then disinfect with a vinegar solution or commercial mold cleaner.
Larger infestations: consider professional mold remediation, as DIY may not be safe or effective.
Install a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over soil in a crawl space.
Seal vents and encapsulate the crawl space to keep out humid air.
Apply anti-microbial sealant to wood or masonry to prevent regrowth.
Don't just paint over mold - it will grow back.
Don't use bleach on porous surfaces (like wood) - it kills surface mold but not roots.
Keep humidity under 50% with a crawl space dehumidifier.
Maintain proper drainage and grading around the house.
Schedule annual inspections, especially if your area is humid or flood-prone.
If the mold covers more than ~10-20 sq ft, smells strong, or has damaged wood/insulation, it’s usually worth hiring a professional remediation company, since crawl spaces can be hazardous and tricky to fully clean.
