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If you have a crawl space under your home, it's important to keep it clean and dry. A dirty, damp crawl space can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and even structural damage over time.
So, the big question is how to clean crawl space? In short, Remove all debris, sweep up dust and cobwebs, then scrub away mold growth with a bleach solution. Install plastic sheeting over the ground, a dehumidifier, and vapor barrier on the walls to control moisture and prevent future mold issues.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to thoroughly clean your crawl space.
Before entering your crawl space, make sure you have the right safety gear. This includes:
It's also a good idea to have someone above ground know you are in the crawl space in case of emergency.
The first step is clearing out any clutter or debris. This includes things like boxes, old furniture, trash, and general junk that has accumulated over time. This will create a clean slate and allow you to access all areas of the crawl space.
As you remove items, make sure to watch out for sharp objects like nails, broken glass, or scrap metal that could cut or puncture you. Having a broom to sweep smaller debris into piles can help speed up the process. Just work slowly and carefully.
Also, keep an eye out for any critters that may be living in the clutter! You don't want to surprise a possum or snake and get bit. The humor really lightens the mood!
After removing larger items, the next step is vacuuming up cobwebs, loose dirt, dust, and other debris. Make sure your vacuum has a hose attachment so you can reach into corners and crevices.
Vacuuming also helps remove mold spores and other allergens floating around. You'll want to wear your mask during this step to avoid breathing stuff in.
As you vacuum, check around piping, ductwork, and the foundation for cracks or holes where bugs or rodents could get in. Seal up any access points you find as you go.
Check the insulation coverage in your crawl space. Insulation should act as a barrier between the crawl space and your home.
If insulation is damaged, falling down, or letting in moisture, remove it. Water-logged or compacted insulation loses its insulating power anyway. Just be very careful not to disturb well-installed insulation.
Also, remove any debris or roots poking through from the ground level. This can allow moisture intrusion and pest access if left alone. A clean start is best for preventing future problems.
One of the biggest hazards in crawl spaces is mold growth. Excess moisture promotes mold, which can damage wood and release toxic spores.
To kill and remove mold, make a diluted bleach cleaning solution. Combine 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Pour the bleach solution into a spray bottle for application.
Spray the bleach solution onto any visible mold colonies and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then scrub off the deadened mold with a stiff brush. Allow the area to fully dry to prevent new mold growth.
Make sure to wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when using bleach. Ventilate the space if working inside with the bleach solution.
The most critical step is removing any standing water in your crawl space. Excess moisture allows for mold growth and wood rot, as well as attracts pests.
Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck up pooled water. For continually damp areas, install a sump pump to collect and pump out water before it accumulates.
Improving drainage and grading around your home’s foundation can also divert groundwater away from your crawl space. Drying up the space removes the moisture source for many problems.
After eliminating standing water, cover any exposed dirt with durable 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting. This acts as a moisture barrier between the ground and your crawl space.
Overlap seams by 12 inches and use moisture-resistant tape to seal them. Extend the plastic 6-8 inches up foundation walls. Weigh down edges with lumber or bricks.
The plastic sheeting helps control humidity in your crawl space which keeps mold and mildew at bay. It also blocks pest access through the dirt.
In damp crawl spaces, a dehumidifier is invaluable for controlling moisture. Set up a dehumidifier to maintain 40-50% relative humidity or lower.
Check the collected water reservoir frequently and drain as needed. Condensate pumps can automatically remove water and discharge it away from your home.
Reducing excess humidity helps manage mold growth and condensation, which lead to rot and metal corrosion. Keeping things dry is key!
Sealing floor vents between your crawl space and home also helps isolate humidity issues. Use duct tape, caulk, or foam sealant to close gaps around vents or ductwork.
Air sealing the access door or entry hatch is also important. Weatherstrip around the edges and use an insulating cover to keep cool, damp air isolated in the crawl space.
These tactics help prevent musty, moldy air from spreading into your living areas through leaks or drafts. A tight seal maintains healthier indoor air.
As a final moisture protection step, install a Class 1 vapor barrier over the plastic sheeting. The vapor barrier prevents humidity from seeping up from the ground into your home.
Use vapor barrier pins and sealant tape at seams to create a full moisture envelope under your home. Keeping crawl space air isolated is the goal.
Once you've thoroughly cleaned, dried, and sealed your crawl space, do some finishing touches:
With a little elbow grease, you can transform a dingy crawl space into a clean, dry, pest-free space! Just be sure to periodically recheck your work and address any new moisture or pest issues immediately.
About South Bend Basement & Foundation Repair
Are you looking for professional foundation services for residential and commercial properties? South Bend Basement & Foundation Repair is a reputable and affordable company that provides its customers with top-tier workmanship. Please call (574) 777-0207 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate.
How often should you clean a crawl space?
Ideally, you should thoroughly clean a crawl space once a year to remove any dust, debris, or moisture that has accumulated. It's also smart to check the crawl space at least every season for signs of moisture, mold, or pests so you can quickly address any issues before they worsen.
Should I remove dirt from my crawl space?
You do not need to remove the dirt floor in a crawl space as long as you cover it properly to prevent moisture issues. Simply use thick plastic sheeting overlapped by at least 12 inches and sealed with moisture-resistant tape to create a vapor barrier between the dirt and your crawl space.
