How To Get Rid of Mold on Concrete Block Walls

Concrete is one common material used in various spaces around the house, including walls, flaws, patios, etc. And even though it is rock solid, it can succumb to mold infestation. Concrete is a material with porous surfaces and is easily capable of trapping moisture in it.

This can lead to mold growth. And once the mold problem starts, it grows and spreads very quickly. Soon, you may notice black and green stains across the concrete block walls. And this not only ruins the entire look of the space but is harmful to health too.

If you are facing the same issue in your house, it is time to work towards improving the overall aesthetic of the place by getting rid of mold. But how to get rid of mold on concrete block walls?

That is precisely what this article is all about. It will cover everything related to mold on concrete walls, including its causes and strategies to eliminate it. So keep reading till the end!

Is it possible for mold to grow on concrete?

Before finding out how to get rid of mold on concrete block walls, let’s look at whether mold can grow on concrete.

If you have concrete block walls indoors, mold can grow there too. There can be various reasons, like leaky pipes, dripping rainwater on the foundation walls, excess humidity, etc.

As mentioned above, concrete has porous surfaces, and when it collects moisture, it is the perfect material for promoting mold growth. You can typically identify mold from its black or green stains.

However, sometimes it is easy to get confused between mold and efflorescence. When its efflorescence, it can look like white mold. But that is the build-up of salt and minerals due to water evaporation on the concrete surface. And when that water evaporates away, it leaves the salt behind.

Can all types of mold grow on concrete?

If you try to identify mold on concrete block walls, black mold is the most common type you will come across. These microorganisms prefer damp areas with high moisture.

Let us assume your concrete wall has accumulated a lot of moisture. If you keep it like that for long durations, you may wake up the next day and see mold spores developing on it.

But at the same time, it also needs to be mentioned that the mold growing on your concrete wall may not be black. And it is not easy to identify it if you do not have experience in this field. The best bet we will suggest in this scenario is to reach out to a professional who can help you identify the type.

These inspection services charge different costs for this process based on multiple factors. When you talk to them, ask questions about everything you need to know so that you can choose the price range that is best suitable for you.

Reasons behind mold growth on concrete block walls

We have already discussed above the role moisture plays in promoting mold growth. But that’s not all. Even dust particles and organic materials accumulated in concrete walls lead to mold generation. Here are some reasons you come across mold growth on concrete block walls.

Water penetration in concrete walls

It is not uncommon to have cracks and holes in concrete walls. And sometimes, the water in the drainage system can penetrate these cracks and holds if you do not fix them properly.

You must seal the gaps and paint them to create a blockage and prevent water from passing through. When this happens regularly, the concrete wall always stays wet, which is an excellent environment for growing mold.

High moisture content

Any material which is not a good insulator can attract moisture at a higher rate. Concrete is one such example. Sometimes you may notice tiny beads of condensation on your concrete block walls.

But those are formed when the cold surface of the concrete meets warm and humid air. This process is also termed concrete sweating. If you observe any wet spots like these, getting them fixed as soon as possible is essential to prevent mold growth.

Materials used in concrete walls

Do you know what composes concrete walls? Most contain gravel, rocks, sand, water, and cement. The cement is suitable for binding the materials together, and the ingredients are primarily anti-fungal.

Even if you choose cinder blocks instead of concrete blocks, almost the same ingredients are used in both. The primary disadvantage of using it is that concrete absorbs water. On one hand, this feature strengthens the bond between the molecules in the blocks. But on the other hand, this porous nature supports mold growth.

How to get rid of mold on concrete block walls?

You can avoid most of the problems if you clean your concrete walls regularly and check for any damp spots.

But once you notice mold taking over a concrete wall, it is time to implement specific tips and strategies to solve this mold problem. Here are some tips on how to get rid of mold on concrete block walls.

Use a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is one of the best and the most effective solutions against mold. This device can help reduce excess moisture in the air and maintain a healthy humidity level.

When this moisture content is reduced, it becomes difficult for the mold to grow or survive, and they find it challenging to multiply. Eventually, you will notice a reduction in mold growth and an overall improvement in the air quality around you.

Even though a dehumidifier is somewhat more expensive than most other solutions on this list, it is undoubtedly a worthy investment. And if you have not used it before, it is time to jump on the wagon and choose a better life for yourself, your house, and your family.

Use a vacuum cleaner

You can use a vacuum cleaner as a solution regarding how to get rid of mold on concrete block walls. It can eliminate excess mold on the surface of concrete block walls. The vacuum cleaner will suck up all the impurities and bacteria and significantly eliminate the mold.

However, while implementing this process, there will be a lot of mold spores flying around and floating in the air. Hence it is recommended to take the required safety precautions beforehand.

Always use rubber gloves when dealing with allergens like these. A mask and goggles can be pretty practical additions too.

Maintain proper ventilation

Every space in the house requires adequate ventilation, so a healthy airflow is going on. Sunlight can also decrease the dampness and excess moisture in the house. Open the doors and windows whenever possible to let fresh and polluted air in.

You can also turn on the fans and switch them to the highest speed while doing this process. After a few minutes, you will notice the room feeling much fresher, which will also help inhibit mold growth.

Bleach is a great mold eliminator

Bleach is an excellent option to use to kill mold. If you want to know how to get rid of mold on concrete block walls, you’ll also need a few other pieces of equipments, like a sponge, a bristle brush, disposable rags or paper towels, and water. Also, always wear gloves and goggles as safety equipment, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

Make a solution by mixing one cup of bleach and one gallon of water. Stir this up and store the solution in a spray bottle.

Once done, spray this solution on the affected, moldy areas and let it be for at least 10 minutes. Later, you can use the bristle brush to scrub off the mold and rinse the area with warm water. Dab it with a towel to soak up excess liquid.

If you have a black mold infestation in the house, this solution will not be effective against it.

Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a simple cleaning solution and is easily accessible. You do not even have to make any solution with it. All you need to do is take a spray bottle and pour some 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Spray this all over the moldy surface, and let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Just like the previous step, you can scrub off the mold. Use warm water to rinse the area and remove the excess liquid using a dry towel.

White vinegar can solve mold issues

Before explaining this solution, here is a fair warning that white vinegar is only effective against some particular mold. The best idea is to try white vinegar on a spot and check if it’s working.

Once you confirm that white vinegar can remove the mold in your scenario, you can use a high-strength one. It is better to pour some in a spray bottle, making it easy e to apply to the mold-infected areas.

You need a generous quantity of white vinegar; leave it alone for at least 1 hour after applying it. The scrub brush and warm water can help you finish the job.

Try a mixture of water and liquid dish soap

This is one of the most straightforward solutions you can try out with something already present in your home. Get some liquid dish soap and mix it with water.

Now take some warm water and mix in this soap solution generously. Using a scrub brush will help you clean the area effectively. It requires effort, but it will help you eliminate something harmful.

A pressure washer is highly effective

A pressure washer is a more convenient solution regarding how to get rid of mold on concrete block walls if you have a concrete wall outdoors or a mold issue in your basement. The trick is to go slow with this device if you do not have any prior experience with this.

You can increase the pressure gradually to check the level where the mold is getting removed most efficiently. Once you find that perfect level, it is smooth sailing after that.

This way, you will get help removing mold, but your concrete walls will stay in good condition.

Reach out to professionals

This is the ultimate step you can take if none of the methods work for you. Professionals already have years of experience in this industry, and they will be able to offer better solutions according to your requirements. Yes, you might have to spend a few extra bucks, but there will be no risk of future mold growth as the professionals will take care of it permanently in most cases.

Moreover, it is essential to do your research before reaching out to professionals. Do not select a company just for the sake of it. Make sure it is reputable, and you can even look for recommendations online or offline for the best services to do the job.

Why is mold on concrete walls problematic?

Mold is never a welcome guest in any space. If there is mold on the concrete walls outdoors, it can grow in the overall exterior of the house and the complete vibe. When indoors, it is even more dangerous and problematic as you and your family will be breathing the air containing mold spores.

Black mold is incredibly toxic. It releases mycotoxins which can further make your health worse with prolonged exposure. Getting rid of mold quickly is essential as soon as you see any mold in your house.

Apart from black mold, the others also threaten your health. People with asthma and allergies will suffer the most, and it can even cause breathing problems. Even if you do not have allergic reactions, mold is still harmful and can cause other symptoms like irritation in the eyes and throat, skin rashes, etc.

There will also be damage to the structures due to mold. It will gradually start spreading towards other surfaces and can decay wooden constructions.

And since mold exposure harms health, it is vital to wear protective gear while implementing strategies for mold removal.

Conclusion.

Watching mold grow on concrete block walls is never a pleasant sight. But now you know the reasons behind it and the steps you can take towards eliminating it. Hopefully, this article has helped to understand how to get rid of mold on concrete block walls.

Even simple cleaners like dish soap and bleach do their job well. Investing in a dehumidifier can be a good option if your house is prone to high moisture and humidity. But if you notice a severe infestation scenario, we will always suggest reaching out to professionals to get the best solutions.

FAQs

What kills black mold on concrete blocks?

You can take the simple route and test out liquid dish soap and water, bleach, or even vinegar to check which one works most effectively. Irrespective of what you apply, give it time to sit and scrub it off later.

How do you remove mold from concrete walls?

Bleach is one of the most preferred solutions in these scenarios. You can make a solution using 1 part bleach and 3 parts water. After spraying the solution on the infected areas, let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a stiff, bristle brush.

How do you prevent mold on cinder block walls?

Concrete walls need regular cleaning and investigation for mold. You can regularly clean the wall with a mild detergent, soap, and water. When you keep the cinder block wall clean, the mold does not get the needed nutrients, and they do not try to come again.

Does vinegar kill mold on concrete?

Vinegar can work towards mold removal but can damage the concrete and the cement around it. Hence, it is essential to do a small test before applying it to a larger area.