Helping You Deal With Storm Damage

What You Should Know About Efflorescence & Mold

20 July 2022 by Sarah Morgan

Have you ever noticed a white residue on or near the wet ground? Perhaps the dirt outside your home looked chalky, or maybe you even noticed the concrete looked like it was coated in powder. This could be something called efflorescence—and it's not good for your home.

Efflorescence can be found in your home as well. In fact, it's most often found in the basement. This could be indicative of water sitting in the area, leading to constant moisture. If this is the case, you might also have mold.

How Can You Tell If Your Basement Has Efflorescence?

The first sign that you should watch for is dampness. If you notice the concrete or ground around your home is constantly wet, this is a sign that water is getting in. You should also check out the basement itself, checking for damp floors or walls.

Water stains may also occur alongside efflorescence. These stains will be dark and slightly raised. If you see these, it's a sign that water has been sitting in the area for some time.

You might also notice a musty smell, which is not necessarily a sign of efflorescence but may occur with it. It may indicate mold or mildew in your basement.

Does Efflorescence Always Mean You Have Mold?

Not necessarily. While efflorescence is often a sign of mold, it doesn't always mean that you have a huge mold problem. However, if you do have efflorescence, it's important to check for mold as well.

If you don't find any mold, there's a chance the efflorescence may go away on its own. However, if you do find mold, it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible.

How Do You Remove Efflorescence?

Efflorescence is generally easy to remove with a brush and some water. However, if the efflorescence is stubborn, you may need to use a cleaner or acid.

If you're using a cleaner or acid, be sure to follow the instructions on the label. You don't want to use too much and damage the surface or cause a bigger problem.

What Should You Do If You Also Find Mold?

If you find mold in your home or another part of the basement, it's important to get rid of it quickly. Mold can cause health issues if you allow it to stay, so it's not something you want to leave around.

There are a few ways to remove mold, but the most effective is usually to hire a professional. They'll be able to safely and quickly remove the mold from your home through the mold remediation process.

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