How to Remove Mold From Concrete
Concrete is a widely used material. No matter where you are in the world, you’re not far from a concrete surface, and this is especially true in Atlanta, GA. In fact, you probably have multiple concrete structures on your property, such as a driveway, sidewalk, or patio. These durable surfaces are designed to stand the test of time, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. You may even discover that black mold is growing on your concrete. This might make you curious about how to remove mold from concrete. What techniques and tools are required? Should you do this work on your own, or should you reach out to professionals for assistance?
We are JayBee Pressure Washing, a local pressure washing business. We are highly experienced in concrete cleaning, and we would like to teach you how to remove black mold from concrete. That way, you can do this work on your own if you so choose.
What Makes Mold Grow On Concrete?
Before we talk about how to remove mold from concrete, let’s talk about where that mold comes from in the first place. Can you prevent this mold from growing on your concrete? Not really. That’s because mold spores are basically everywhere. They float through the air, drifting from place to place, eventually landing on surfaces such as your concrete. At this point, the mold spores grow, resulting in unsightly black mold that does no favors for your property.
It’s unfortunate that you can’t avoid moss growth on your concrete. The good news is that you are more than capable of removing this moss. This will improve the appearance of your concrete, prevent it from spreading further, and make your property a more hygienic place.
What Tools Will I Need For Concrete Mold Removal?
So, you’ve decided that you want to remove black mold from your concrete on your own. That’s great! Just make sure you have the correct equipment for the work. We’ve made a list for you below. Go through it, and if you are missing any of the items, plan to purchase them.
- Safety Gear. When working with mold, you’ll need to protect yourself from its spores. We highly recommend using an N95 respirator. You should also shield your skin and other sensitive parts of your body with eye goggles, gloves, and full-length pants.
- Cleaning Solutions. With the right cleaning solutions, you’ll be able to kill and break down mold so that it can be more easily removed. At JayBee Pressure Washing, we use sodium hypochlorite to ensure satisfactory results.z
- Broom/Brush. A hard-bristled brush is the key to dislodging any mold that has a strong grip on your concrete. Concrete is a durable material, so you don’t have to worry about scraping or scratching it.
- Pressure Washer. We also suggest that you use a pressure washer to completely clean your concrete. Most pressure washers come with attaching hoses and nozzles, letting you take aim at dirty concrete.
Other Preparations For Concrete Cleaning
These aren’t the only preparations you should make before removing mold from your concrete. You’ll also want to make sure all items have been taken off the surface. For example, if you are working with a concrete driveway, be sure to relocate your vehicles before attempting any work. Similarly, if you need to clean a concrete patio, move all furniture, decorations, and other items to a discreet location. This not only exposes the entire concrete surface but also protects your belongings from being damaged during the mold removal process.
You’ll also need to give yourself enough time for the concrete cleaning process. You won’t be able to squeeze this work into a thirty-minute window; it’s more likely that you will need a few hours. So make sure there is a sizable opening in your schedule. You don’t want to rush through your project.
How to Remove Mold From Concrete By DIYing
Now that you’ve reached this point, it’s time to discover how to remove mold from concrete. Begin by donning your protective gear. That way, you can shield yourself from the potential release of mold spores. Next, apply a thin layer of your cleaning solution to the concrete. For example, a thorough application of sodium hypochlorite will rapidly kill black mold. You only need to give this cleaning solution ten to fifteen minutes to work its magic. At this point, use your hard-bristled brush or broom to remove mold from concrete. Thanks to your cleaning solution treatment, these once-stubborn growths should be easy to get rid of.
After brushing, progress into the pressure washing process. You can pressure wash concrete with up to 3,500 PSI because it is a highly durable material. Thoroughly clean the surface in a row-by-row fashion. That way, you’ll eliminate not just debris but also many other forms of unwanted grime. A few examples include dirt, moss, algae, bird droppings, and dead insects.
Consider Professional Mold Removal
Are you intimidated by the process of how to remove mold from concrete? This is understandable for a variety of reasons. For one, the time commitment can be overwhelming for people with busier schedules. Needing to purchase all the necessary equipment can be a frustrating task, too. Finally, you may not want to mess around with mold spores. Spores can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs, and while protective equipment mitigates this risk, we certainly can’t blame you if you want to steer clear of the work altogether.
By reaching out to JayBee Pressure Washing, you won’t have to learn how to remove mold from concrete. Instead, you’ll be able to sit back and relax while our professionals do the work for you. We are highly experienced in concrete cleaning, and whether you need us to restore your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or any other concrete surface, we are ready to leave you satisfied. Contact us online, and you can schedule an appointment today. We’ll even give you a free cost estimate.