What to Use to Clean Up Mud in a Basement Trench

Tools and Equipment

• Remove as much mud as possible from the basement trenches first before cleaning it with other tools and products. Use a plastic bin or something to put the water in to take it outside. Because most trenches are no wider than 6 to 8 inches, a garden spade or similar tool should allow you to scoop the mud out into a container. The mud can also be scooped out with plastic kitchen gloves if the trench is too small for tools.

  Use a straw whisk broom to help move the mud in the trench into piles for easier removal. After removing the mud, use a box fan or industrial fan to dry the rest of the mud that's left for easier removal and cleanup. Allow it to dry as much as possible. Remove the remaining mud with a wet/dry vacuum.

Cleaning Products and Equipment

• After the mud in the trench is cleared, clean the areas and walls near the trench. Combine equal parts of bleach and water in a mop bucket. Use the solution and a mop to clean walls near the trench and the trench if possible. Some trenches contain water continuously during seasons when it rains often. The bleach will kill any bacteria, mold and mildew that the mud caused or abetted. In cement basements, you should mop the entire area to ensure that bacteria, mold and mildew are removed.

Precautions

• Take precautionary measures for other problems such as odors and potential moisture in the walls. The mud may be a result of materials getting into the house, such as water from leaks, foundation problems or heavy snow forcing mud and moisture into the basement trenches. Purchasing or renting a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture. Fill several flat plastic or metal containers, such as a cat litter box or large tin roasting pan, with charcoal and put the containers in several areas throughout the basement to absorb odors.

Improvements

• If a basement trench tends to get muddy, it will probably happen again unless the underlying cause is fixed. Check the drainage systems around your house to ensure there are no clogs, leaks or broken pipes. Over time, drainage systems rise and fall slightly if the ground around the system settles differently. These small changes may not cause damage to sturdy pipes, but they can alter how your drainage system operates. You can hire a professional contractor to check for potential damage. Readjusting and cleaning drainage pipes may help prevent mud from getting into your trenches.