White foam on my wall. Is it mold?

September 4, 2010 2:56 PM

A month ago or so a bit of water made it into a corner in my carpeted basement floor and subsequently dried. Now, in that same area, it looks like someone sprayed some white shaving cream on the bottom of the wall. Is this mold (I assume yes)? If so, what's the best way to treat it? If not, what the heck is it?
posted by evadery to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

Best answer: It is most likely lime leaching from the concrete. A wire brush and some CLR will fix things up.
posted by Gungho at 2:59 PM on September 4, 2010

Response by poster: If that's the case, Gungho, I should also note that the foam was found on exposed concrete.

Any other input is welcome, however.
posted by evadery at 3:02 PM on September 4, 2010

Efflorescence.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 4:04 PM on September 4, 2010

Just wash it off with soap and water. Wear gloves and, just in case its mold, an N95 mask
posted by zia at 7:55 PM on September 4, 2010