If musty scents restrict you from utilizing your basement, it’s time to alter that. Clean Heart Maids is here to help, and with our tips below, you can permanently remove that musty basement smell with just a bit of effort and time. Pungent, musty scents may make spending time in a basement uncomfortable. These odors can even permeate the remainder of the house if they are powerful enough. So, instead of ignoring the issue, learn how to solve it.
What Is Causing the Musty Basement Smell?
Mold and mildew leave behind an unpleasant, musty odor, which some people compare to the scent of a wet dog. These widespread fungi’s spores travel through the air until they locate the damp, dark, and warm habitat that allows them to reproduce and thrive—conditions typical in basements.
Although most mold species in a home are not hazardous to humans, some people are sensitive to spores. Some common symptoms may include a stuffy or runny nose, headache, exhaustion, wheezing or coughing, and itchy or runny eyes after spending time in a room with mold or mildew. Stachybotrys chartarum, often known as black mold, has been associated with more significant symptoms such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing, a burning feeling in the nose and throat, dizziness, headache, and difficulty focusing. Fortunately, black mold isn’t as common or extensive as less dangerous forms.
How to Get Rid of Musty Basement Smell
1. Locate the Source
The first step in eliminating musty odors in your basement is determining where they originate. Most of the time, the odor is really a symptom of the underlying problem: mold or mildew produced by moisture.
Here are some places to look for fractures or leaks that may be producing the odor:
- Windows in the basement. Double check if the wells incorrectly divert water toward the house rather than away from it.
- Exterior entrances to basements.
- Windows on the second floor.
- Exterior doors from the upstairs.
- Plumbing for the bathroom and kitchen comes from the floor above.
It’s also plausible that groundwater is to blame for the problem. Water will ultimately find its way into your basement if the grading surrounding your property slopes backward. Re-grading the land may be the best solution in this scenario. A contractor can also excavate around the foundation and construct a French drain to redirect water. Finally, to regulate groundwater in damp basements, you may need a trench around the interior going to the sump pump.
More on Finding the Source of the Musty Basement Smell
If your finished basement smells musty, but there are no leaks behind the walls, the stench might be coming from a dry floor drain or a p-trap under a sink. Because these drains are rarely used, the fluid in the trap that stops sewer gas might dry up. Try pouring two cups of water into these drains once or twice a month, as they are frequently the source of odors in a dry basement.
Remember, pet odors on furniture or carpets may cause that musty scents. If everything appears waterproof and dry, yet your traps are full of water, the problem is probably in the fabric of your carpets or upholstered furniture.
2. Carry out the repairs
Even if you can temporarily eliminate the musty odor in your basement, it will return if you do not resolve the root problem. When it rains, troublesome windows and doors will leak, and broken or leaking pipes will continue to cause difficulties until you replace them. You can use pipe wrap to insulate cold-water pipes that sweat.
Severe foundation leaks may need digging outside and installing a waterproofing membrane. Otherwise, you might use a waterproofing coating to cover the interior of the foundation.
Make a note of any damp materials in your basement as well. It is easy to remove from damp drywall, concrete, and wood, but if these materials are saturated with water, it’s best to replace them. The same is true for insulation.
3. Maintain Humidity Control
After completing your repairs, you’ll need to dry out your basement. A dehumidifier is the most convenient technique to eliminate moisture. These devices extract moisture from the air and condense it in a disposable tank that can be removed and emptied. In rare circumstances, a drain line can be routed to a floor or sink drain, eliminating the need to empty the tank. Basements benefit greatly from dehumidifiers.
Aim for a humidity level of around 50% to keep the environment pleasant without fostering mold growth, occurring at over 60% humidity. You can also use a window fan or box fan to help promote ventilation and air circulation for speedier drying.
4. Deal with the Smell
You may finally address that musty odor now that the cause of the smell is under control. But, again, the procedure is simple, and you may already have the necessary items on hand. For instance, removing the smell with baking soda is one of the many different baking soda cleaning hacks.
Place baking soda dishes throughout your basement. The absorbing power of the baking soda will begin to soak up the scents and should make a noticeable improvement after a few days. You may also use bowls of white vinegar or clean kitty litter, which can absorb scents. Furthermore, you can also apply a product intended to absorb moisture and musty scents, such as DampRid, in particularly bad-smelling areas.
While the deodorizers are working to absorb the odors, thoroughly clean the whole basement. A solution of equal parts water and white vinegar is cheap and may be used to spray surfaces or wipe the floor. Pay close attention to any spots where you find mold.
Carpeting and upholstery may retain scents and make a basement smell musty even after it is clean and dry. If your basement has carpet or upholstered furniture, consider using a carpet and furniture steamer to give them a thorough cleaning.
Lastly, on Removing the Musty Basement Smell From Your Home
With the suggestions above, your basement should smell great within a week. It’s essential to inspect your home regularly for leaks, keep p-traps full, and use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels under control. Your basement should be odor-free for years if you stick to this routine. If you need further help with removing the musty basement smell or looking for a professional cleaning team to take over cleaning your home or business, call Clean Heart Maids today!