How do you remove white 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 does white mold look like on concrete?
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.
What causes white mold on concrete?
Efflorescence. Efflorescence can look very similar to white mold growth. It occurs when moisture moves through concrete (or other types of masonry) and pulls minerals along with the water. As the water evaporates at the surface, the salts and minerals are left behind, leaving a crystalline growth.
What is the white stuff on my concrete?
Efflorescence is the white powdery substance often seen on the surface of concrete or brick. Efflorescence is caused by water vapor migrating through the slab bringing soluble salts to the surface of the concrete. Many people mistake the white powdery substance with mold or mildew.
Should I worry about efflorescence?
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.
Is white mold harmful?
As is the case with all species and types of mold, white mold is hazardous, because exposure to it can result in various health problems. Among the health issues white mold can cause include allergies, eye irritation, skin irritation, headaches, respiratory infections, nausea, and dizziness.
What kills white mold?
How can you get rid of white mold?Bleach it away with a mixture of bleach and water applied with a brush to the affected areas. ... Duct tape over the area affected, then peel it off to remove all traces of white mold after one or two days.More items...•
What do white mold spores look like?
When white molds are first developing they are very hard to detect since the spores are minsicule. Once the colonies form, white molds will appear as white spots on a surface. The spots can be powdery, fuzzy and filmy in nature.
What kind of mold is white?
White mold is not a specific type of mold – many species of mold may appear white. The species commonly found in homes are aspergillus, Cladosporium, and penicillium. All these molds may also appear gray, green, black, or other tints. Moreover, all molds thrive in moist areas where a food source like wood is present.
How can you tell the difference between white mold and efflorescence?
How Do You Know Which It Is?Efflorescence dissolves in water, while mold does not.If rubbed between your fingers, efflorescence turns powdery. Mold does not.Mold can be any color, but is often black or gray. ... Efflorescence develops on inorganic building materials, like concrete and brick.
Does efflorescence go away?
In many cases, efflorescence will disappear on its own over time (usually after the first year of a paver or retaining wall installation). Efflorescence can also be removed with special cleaners like the Gator Efflorescence Cleaner. On average, you should wait about 60 days before applying an efflorescence cleaner.
Is efflorescence on concrete a problem?
Efflorescence alone does not pose a major problem, but it can be an indication of moisture intrusion, which may compromise the structural material. Building materials, such as concrete, wood, brick and stone, are porous materials. Porous materials can absorb or wick water by a process called capillary action.
How can you tell the difference between white mold and efflorescence?
How Do You Know Which It Is?Efflorescence dissolves in water, while mold does not.If rubbed between your fingers, efflorescence turns powdery. Mold does not.Mold can be any color, but is often black or gray. ... Efflorescence develops on inorganic building materials, like concrete and brick.
What do white mold spores look like?
When white molds are first developing they are very hard to detect since the spores are minsicule. Once the colonies form, white molds will appear as white spots on a surface. The spots can be powdery, fuzzy and filmy in nature.
What kind of mold is white?
White mold is not a specific type of mold – many species of mold may appear white. The species commonly found in homes are aspergillus, Cladosporium, and penicillium. All these molds may also appear gray, green, black, or other tints. Moreover, all molds thrive in moist areas where a food source like wood is present.
What kills white mold?
How can you get rid of white mold?Bleach it away with a mixture of bleach and water applied with a brush to the affected areas. ... Duct tape over the area affected, then peel it off to remove all traces of white mold after one or two days.More items...•