What is the best way to remove mold from basement walls and is there a sealant to keep moisture out? What is the best way to remove mold from basement walls and is there a sealant to keep moisture out?

Things You’ll Need:
2 sets of latex gloves
respirator mask
hepa vacuum
air scrubber
drywall knife or razor blade
6mm plastic sheeting
tyvek suit
duct tape
goggles
spray adhesive
Step 1:
1. Mold needs moisture to grow. Stop the moisture before removal can take place.

Step 2:
Assess the situation. If mold is larger than 10 sq. ft., it is advisable to consult a certified professional. If the mold is in an obvious location that can be contained, proceed. Also, use best judgement to determine if mold is on the surface (i.e. bathorrom shower steam can cause surface mold on paint which can be safely scrubbed off with a mild detergent like borax...do NOT use bleach) or if the mold might be through the surface (i.e. caused by a leaky pipe). If through the surface, follow proceeding steps.

Step 3:
Wear appropriate respirator mask with dual filters commonly found at home depot or lowes for $30.00. Goggles should be also worn. Wear two sets of latex gloves and tyvek suit if area is large enough to warrant such action.

Step 4:
Seal off area with plastic to contain area and prevent mold spore dispersal. Spray adhesives and duct tape work as great combinations to prevent containment from falling.

Step 5:
Place air scrubber inside containment to filter air as you work to prevent broad contamination. While normal equipment that would be used in extensive contamination would easily pass thousands of dollars, a smaller air scrubber from home depot or lowes will work relatively well. Again size the situation and act accordingly.

Step 6:
After containment is set up, hepa vacuum surface of drywall to remove the mycelium, possible mycotoxins and mold spores. This will prevent large amounts of mold from being released.

Step 7:
This is called a "glove box" removal method. Cut a box of 6 mm plastic 4 " wider and 4" longer than moldy area.

Step 8:
Spray "spray adhesive" to plastic and wait 30 seconds for plastic to become tacky.

Step 9:
Place 6 mm plastic box over moldy area. This will prevent the mold from dispering into air when you cut the drywall.

Step 10:
Take drywall knife or razor knife and cut the plastic sealed moldy area from the wall and carefully place inside a garbage bag. Duct tape air tight.

Step 11:
Damp wipe benefect antimicrobial on uncontaminated drywall and hepa vacuum uncontaminated drywall to remove any remaining mold spores.

Step 12:
Hepa vacuum containment and take down plastic and throw away in a 6mm plastic bag.

Step 13:
Dry area out as thoroughly as possible.

How do you remove mold from basement walls effectively. What is a good sealant to keep moisture out?

Clean with 1 part bleach 3 parts water solution.
Seal with Drylok or BEHRs elastomeric basement paint. These are made for exactly what you are wanting to do.

Ceiling was ripped out a year ago. Walls currently still have sheetrock. Should we disinfect with a bleach and let air dry before we tear out the rest of the sheetrock?

Yes kill the mold with bleach. Either soak it real good or redo it several times. You don't want spores floating through your house. Be sure you have good ventilation when using bleach. The active ingredient is chlorine which is hell on lungs and the effects are cumulative.r