How to Clean Crawlspaces With Dot
Introduction
The primary objective in cleaning any crawlspace is to remove soiling, mold structures and colonies, staining and other contaminants from surfaces throughout the space. Oxidation can play a vital role in cleaning and removal. Not only does it improve the cleaning effectiveness of surfaces, it also provides a mechanism to clean residual staining and residues.
While there are many effective ways to remove mold staining with Dot Cleaner, we believe that the soft washing of surfaces throughout the space with Dot cleaning products is one of the most efficient and effective ways of doing so. Follow the simple steps below to transform any crawlspace and impress any inspector, homeowner or property manager.
NOTE: Some staining will NOT be removed with Dot cleaner. This includes:
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
WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THE JOB
Scissors
Power Drill + Paint Mixer
5 Gallon Bucket
Preferred Spraying Equipment
PPE
Long Handled Scrub Brush/Deck Broom
Rags and Microfiber Towels
Trash bag(s)
Prepare The Space
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.
Disengage electrical lines at the power box if open lines are present in the space prior to treatment.
MIX DOT CLEANER
Dot® pouches are split into two sides: Side A contains an Oxidizer, and Side B contains our patented Activator. When these components are properly mixed, Dot's patented 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 spraying equipment.
Apply Dot Cleaner
We find Dot works well in any spraying system, including powered pump systems. We recommend using pressurized systems 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 crawlspace and dramatically lowers the fatigue of workers.
Wear PPE. All crawlspace work should be done with two people (confined space work) and workers should wear appropriate PPE for the space/job.
Apply product to surfaces throughout crawlspace. Start at one end of crawlspace and, moving perpendicular to floor joists, spray the face of each joist and the decking materials between joists with Dot Cleaner.
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 to for reach and maneuverability.
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.
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.
Carry microfiber towels and wipe down plumbing drain lines, ductwork and other mechanical lines. Be careful of open electrical boxes and or other electrical components.
Allow crawlspace to dry normally. While Dot Cleaner is highly effective at stain removal and most spaces will see a notable change in minutes, Dot’s unique chemistry allows stain removal to continue for hours or even days. Staining, color and overall look of the space will continue to improve while drying occurs.
Finishing Up
You can actively dry the crawlspace with dehumidification 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.
Brian Lester | Technical Support
blester@dotcleaner.com | 610.643.4313