How to REMOVE Mold Stains from Crawl spaces
INTRODUCTION
The primary objective in cleaning any crawl space is to remove soiling, mold structures and colonies, staining, and other contaminants from surfaces throughout the space.
While there are many effective ways to remove mold staining with Dot Cleaner, we believe that soft washing of surfaces throughout the space using Dot Products is one of the most efficient and effective ways of doing so. Follow the simple steps below to transform any crawl space and impress any inspector, homeowner, or property manager.
Getting Started
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Scissors/Knife
Power Drill + Paint Mixer
5 Gallon Bucket
Preferred Spraying Equipment (Powered Systems Recommended for Tougher Jobs)
Long Handled Scrub Brush/Deck Broom
Rags and Microfiber Towels
Trash bag(s)
PPE
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Dot is designed to remove mold and other organic stains through oxidation. There are other types of stains you may find on wood that will not be removed by Dot or any oxidation methods. These stains include:
Water staining/marking in wood
Rust and/or iron oxide in wood. Iron oxide reacts with tannins in wood materials to form dark black staining that flows from nails or metal components.
Inks, dyes, or grease staining
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All confined space work should be done with two people and workers should wear appropriate PPE for the space and job.
Remove all debris from the crawlspace, including all fiberglass or cellulose insulation materials, all old plumbing or wiring, all construction debris, wood, stored contents, old vapor barriers, or other items. Masonry or stone can usually be left in place. Consolidation of stone and/or masonry may be needed to provide access to surfaces or for the installation of vapor barriers.
Estimate the size of the space to be treated. Plan to use approximately 1 gallon of mixed Dot Extra Strength Mold Stain Remover per 100 square feet of space. You may need more product or less depending on the severity of the staining.
Disengage electrical lines at the power box if open lines are present in the space prior to treatment.
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Dot® pouches are split into two sides: Side A contains an Oxidizer, and Side B contains our patented Activator. When our patented Activators are mixed with the oxidant, Dilute Oxidation Technology® is engaged, resulting in powerful cleaning with dramatically less chemical.
Fill mixing container with 1 gallon of water for every gallon of Dot you need. For best results, use hottest available water.
Pour Side A contents of all pouches into the water. Stir powder vigorously until fully dissolved. For best results, use a power drill with a paint mixer attachment.
Pour Side B contents of all pouches into mixed solution. Stir vigorously until fully dissolved.
Pour Dot Cleaner into your preferred spaying equipment. Power Systems are recommended, especially for tough jobs.
HOW TO APPLY DOT CLEANER TO Crawl Space Surfaces
We find Dot works well in any spraying system, including powered pump systems. We recommend using powered systems, especially for tough jobs, to deliver higher product flow more consistently. Ideally, your sprayer should sit outside of the space to be cleaned and have a delivery hose that is 75-100 feet long. This provides easier movement throughout the crawl space and dramatically lowers the fatigue of workers.
STEP 1
Apply product to surfaces throughout crawl space. Start at one end of crawl space and, moving perpendicular to floor joists, spray the face of each joist and the decking materials between joists with Dot Cleaner.
STEP 2
Brush surfaces that are heavily soiled or stained to break up surface contamination. Heavy scrubbing is not needed in most cases.
BRIAN’S PRO TIP: Use a long handled, rounded, soft bristle brush for reach and maneuverability.
STEP 3
If brushing was needed, reapply Dot cleaner before moving. This serves to rinse away debris onto the floor of the space as well as provide additional oxidation.
STEP 4
Once you have moved from one side of the space to the other, turn around and repeat the process to the other side of floor joists. If decking was heavily stained, reapply Dot on the way back.
STEP 5
Carry microfiber towels and wipe down plumbing drain lines, duct work, and other mechanical lines. Be careful of open electrical boxes and or other electrical components.
Finishing up
Allow crawl space to dry normally. While Dot Cleaner is highly effective at stain removal and most spaces will see a notable change in minutes, its unique chemistry allows stain removal to continue for hours or even days (usually about 24hrs). Staining, color, and overall look of the space will continue to improve while drying occurs.
You can actively dry the crawl space with de-humidification and air flow.
You can immediately apply most preventative treatments to treated lumber once dripping has stopped.
GET TECHNICAL HELP
With 20+ years of mold remediation experience, our Technical Support Lead Brian Lester provides 1-on-1 customer education and helps guide first-time Dot users.
