Mildew

[jrny4wrd]

I work in my basement. Although it is usually pretty dry, I put plastic down in case it ever floods. I rent, so know little of the area. It had never flooded, yet it seems I have a white powdery substance under the plastic and it smells like mildew. I am considering getting rid of the plastic but worry if this will spread spores and ruin my leather. Any advice? 

[Handstitched]

G'Day, are there any neighbours you can ask about the history  of your  apartment?  Local council authorities  perhaps ?  Any drainage issues? 

 I would be very  concerned about the spores, especially if you have any allergies. The smell alone is concerning . 

Although keeping your leather dry is important, your health comes first IMO . 

Just a few  temporary stop-gap measures, a fan heater, cover the floor in layers of  newspaper? ( newspaper is very absorbent ) Any doors or windows or any ventilation you can open? 

HS

 

[jrny4wrd]

4 hours ago, Handstitched said:

G'Day, are there any neighbours you can ask about the history  of your  apartment?  Local council authorities  perhaps ?  Any drainage issues? 

 I would be very  concerned about the spores, especially if you have any allergies. The smell alone is concerning . 

Although keeping your leather dry is important, your health comes first IMO . 

Just a few  temporary stop-gap measures, a fan heater, cover the floor in layers of  newspaper? ( newspaper is very absorbent ) Any doors or windows or any ventilation you can open? 

HS

 

Thank you. We had rented the place for 1 year now. Normally it is very dry, but this year we have had lots of rain. It’s just a tad more damp but the plastic on the ground kept the moisture trapped. There is no mold or mildew issues anywhere else. I just bought some spray to kill the mildew and will be putting a dehumidifier down there. Fortunately, it is not the black stuff on wood, drywall, etc... only some in between the cement and plastic. Thank you. I hope I can do this without spreading too much of the spores.