A musty smell in the basement is often a symptom of an underlying issue that may require basement waterproofing. If you’ve been searching for ‘how to get rid of a musty smell in the basement’ on Google, your search ends here.
Damp2Dry offers water damage repairs and solutions to address various moisture-related problems, including the removal of musty smells in basements.
The first step in resolving the problem is to identify the root causes, which we will do first:
Causes of Musty Smell in Basement
The first step in dealing with basement odor is determining where it is, what it is, and what caused it. Some of the most likely reasons for basement odor are as follows:
1. Mildew and mold
Mold and mildew are common causes of damp, musty odors. Mold and mildew thrive in basements because they can sometimes be warm and humid. If you’re allergic to mold and are experiencing allergy-like symptoms, mold is most likely to blame.
2. Dampness and leaks
The odor could be the result of a leak that has caused dampness. It could also be due to the weather if you live in a particularly wet area. Check for leakages in your appliances or the piping in your home to see if there is any damage.
3. Basement is filthy
The odors could be caused by the fact that your Basement isn’t clean. Check for urine or feces if your pets are relaxing down there. Keep your Basement clean on a regular basis.
4. Sewage
Sewage issues can cause the Basement to stink. If you have plumbing problems, this can cause foul odors. Examine the sewer lines for cracks or loosening.
5. Iron ochre
Iron ochre is found in wet basements. It takes the form of a rust-colored jelly-like ooze. It’s slimy and may appear on the walls and floors.
Now that you’ve identified the source of the musty smell in the basement let’s address it.
How Do I Get Rid of Musty Smell in the Basement?
To remove a musty basement smell, address moisture sources, clean thoroughly with vinegar or baking soda, use odor absorbers like charcoal, seal surfaces, and maintain a dry environment with ventilation and dehumidification if needed. Each method will be more effective for specific causes.
Knowing how to effectively remove a musty odor from a basement is a valuable skill that everyone should have.
1) Repair any leaks
If you’ve discovered dampness and moisture in your Basement as a result of a visible leak, it’s time to act quickly. Whether it’s from a window, a pipe, or an appliance, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for repairing or replacing it.
2) Use a dehumidifier
The more moisture there is in your Basement, the more probably it is to smell damp and be a breeding ground for mold. So pull out your dehumidifier, or purchase one of our favorites, and start it up in the Basement.
We recommend that you set the humidity level to 60%. This will reduce moisture in the Basement, making mold and mildew less likely to thrive.
3) Remove Mold and Mildew Spores
It is prudent to address the source of the problem and ensure that mold cannot grow again. However, it would help if you also managed the existing mold and mildew spores.
All damp items, such as shoeboxes, papers, and decorations, should be removed.
Make sure that all affected clothing is washed. If the clothing allows, use the hottest water possible and tumble dry it. Spot treat mold on furniture, but keep in mind that you may have to sacrifice badly damaged pieces.
To remove mold from floors and walls, use bleach.
5) Contact a Professional
Have you noticed mold, mildew, dampness, or other significant issues? Contacting a professional may be the best option.
True, you can resolve these issues on your own. However, hiring somebody who is prepared for these situations may be easier and more effective.
Cleaning mold and mildew is not for everyone. So contact a local professional for basement dampness solutions and resolve this issue once and for all.
When in confusion, contact a professional for assistance!
6) Take out any standing water
If you have a large leak or a flood, you must remove any standing water as soon as possible. We recommend contacting your local tragedy restoration experts to assist with this immense task.
Finally, get the water pumped out, dry the house, and inspect for signs of mold and rot caused by the water.
7) Hire a Plumber
If the foul odors are caused by a plumbing problem, sewage problem, or iron ochre, it’s time to contact a plumber. They can inspect and repair clogged pipes, stalled trains, and rot. They can also be used to replace corroded pipes.
You may notice an immediate change in your basement odors once they locate and solve a problem!
8) Deep Cleaning
It is possible that you do not have mold, mildew, dampness, rot, or sewage issues. Perhaps your Basement simply requires a thorough cleaning! If you use your Basement for stockpiling and it is overly cluttered, there will be insufficient airflow, which can lead to bad odors.
Get rid of everything you no longer need and thoroughly clean your Basement. Cleaning the ceilings, walls, floors, closets, and all nooks and crannies are required. Vacuum and mop the floors thoroughly.
9) Repair any cracks
Finally, you could have a structural issue. In that case, you must immediately repair the cracks. You can do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. You can use an adhesive solution or polyurethane, but keep an eye on the crack to detect any future damage.
Meanwhile, inspect your gutters for clogs, which can cause water to flow over your home’s foundation.
If you have a crack that has caused moisture, make sure to address the moisture, dampness, and potential rot as well.
Final Words
Once you’ve identified the source of your basement odor and addressed it, you’ll be able to enjoy an incredibly fresh basement, especially in summers, because as the temperature increases, humidity tends to increase, which is why the Basement smells Musty in Summer.
Do you want to host parties, have a great laundry routine, or store items in your Basement? Then, it’s critical to avoid mold, mildew, moisture buildup, and, as a result, foul odors.
These methods will surely kill the musty smell in the basement, but if you are in doubt, reach out to a Damp2Dry professional for all kinds of waterproofing services.
