Crawl Space Fungus Cures

Is Bleach Effective?

• Many websites, including the University of Missouri Extension, advise using a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of mold, but the Environmental Protection Agency advises against the use of chemicals or biocides such as chlorine bleach because the results are only deodorization and death of the spores, rather than actual removal. Dead spores can still cause respiratory problems for those who come in contact with them, so the EPA recommends instead that you scrub the mold with a stiff brush and a mixture of detergent and water. Rinse the affected area after scrubbing and dry thoroughly.

Perimeter Drains

• Thad Godish, PhD, of the Department of Environmental Resources and Environmental Management at Ball State University, in an article contributed to AllergyBuyersClub.com, which provides products and information for allergy sufferers, advises that the only way to eliminate a mold problem is to correct the drainage problem that is most likely leading to moisture buildup in your crawlspace. Dr. Godish goes as far as to blame builders for installing a crawl space rather than a proper drainage system. The best solution for a moisture problem, according to Dr. Godish, is to install perimeter drains around the house so moisture can be carried away quickly instead of sitting under the surface and leeching into the home.

Shop Vacuums

• Dr. Godish also advises that small mold buildup can be removed with a shop vacuum, provided the person operating the vacuum is wearing a good dust respirator from a safety equipment supplier--the CDC recommends an N-95 mask--a white, disposable Tyvek suit and plastic gloves taped at the sleeves. If you would rather not vacuum up the mold on your own, hire a duct cleaning service to do it.

High-Quality Vapor Retarder

• Tim Carter recommends installing a high-quality vapor retarder to block moisture from escaping into the crawl space and collecting there. The plastic sheeting installed must be of a higher quality material than the commonly used low-density polyethylene plastic. Mr. Carter recommends using a high-density cross-laminated polyethylene vapor barrier, which is made from virgin polyethylene instead of the less consistent low-density plastic, which is made from reprocessed materials, whose quality cannot always be guaranteed. Installing a vapor barrier is not a simple task, and Mr. Carter offers these tips: clear the soil before installation to remove any sharp objects that might tear the barrier; all seams must overlap at least 12 inches and be sealed with pressure-sensitive tape; the barrier should extend up onto the walls of the crawl space and be secured with caulking, ¾-inch furring tape and masonry nails to the foundation walls; and the vapor barrier must be specially cut to fit around any pipes or other objects extending up through the soil and secured with pressure-sensitive tape.

  By eliminating the conditions that foster mold growth you can raise the air quality in your home and save allergy sufferers from discomfort and dangerous mold inhalation.