How to clean this 1850s cellar floor? (renting)

[ConfusedTenant]

Hi, I'm renting a beautiful but sadly v neglected 1850s terraced house. This is the coal cellar floor - anything stored there goes mouldy. There's a door to the cellar which I keep closed to prevent the smell permeating the rest of the house. There's an open archway to a very damp coal store which leaks when it rains. Any advice on what I can do to clean the floor and stop/reduce the smell? I have extremely limited funds and my landlord won't do anything. The washing machine, boiler and (condenser) dryer are situated in the room. Many thanks.

 

[Cubist]

I don't wish to alarm you but, moulds can be harmful, as too can mildew but to a lesser extent. Children and small animals should not be allowed in that cellar until you have consulted your doctor. Landlords are obliged to ensure that their rental properties do not pose any health risk to tenants and you can talk to people in your local councils Health Services Department and the Citizens Advice Bureau concerning your rights and the responsibilities of your landlord.

The root of the problem in that cellar is that the laundry and heating systems are generating heat and, in the case of the dryer in particular, significant volumes of hot humid air that is likely escaping. The only effective solutions would be to remove the washer and dryer and perhaps also the boiler and improve/enhance the ventilation of the cellar. Frankly, I think all you can do at present is to get a qualified person to check the washer/dryer to ensure that water and hot/humid air is expelled effectively.

 

[Flyfisher]

Basically cellars are always damp but left alone they are usually cool. In this case, the sources of heat (and in the case of the washer/dryer, more moisture) will create a warm and damp environment. Stating the obvious, the solution, or at least an improvement, lies in reducing the source of heat and/or damp. If, as Cubist rightly suggested, it's not possible or practical to remove the washer/dryer then I'd investigate the possibilities for improving the ventilation to expel the warm and humid air.

Another possibility might be to use a dehumidifier to help reduce the humidity, though it would be necessary to physically remove the extracted water regularly (probably twice a day, possibly more), which will be a chore unless it could be done automatically. While this might help, it would not address the sources of heat and warm air will carry more moisture than cool air so the dehumidifier would have to work hard (and be of high -ish) capacity if it was to have any noticeable effect. The temperature will also help promote any mould growth, so even a dehumidifier would likely only be a partial solution.

On balance I think improved ventilation is going to be the key.