Get Rid of Musty Basement Smell

Musty basement smell is not pleasant to live with.

What can cause this terrible musty basement odor?

• Possible cause of musty basement smell #1:

You have too much moisture in your basement

• Solution:

The simplest is to create adequate ventilation. If you have windows open them but to achieve maximum effectiveness you have to create adequate cross-ventilation so if you don’t have windows at opposite ends use the nearest door for removing that musty odor as soon as possible.

Use air fans. The good idea is to put one in the middle, and the other near window as to help to get to bad air out.

Then buy a dehumidifier and use it to remove excess moisture.

• Possible cause of musty basement smell #2:

Your carpet and/or furniture are already affected by the moisture so mold and mildew are growing on it affecting the air causing that awful musty smell.

Solution:

Check the carpet and all the furniture for any signs of mold and mildew. If you find out that the carpet is affected take it out and inspect it closely. If the affected area is large just get rid of it. The piece of rug is not worthy to affect your or your family health. If the damage just started you most likely will be able to save the carpet by deeply and thoroughly cleaning it.

If you furniture is affected take it out into the sun, clean it and let it dry.

Don’t forget to check also the floor beneath the carpet and/or furniture.

• Possible cause of musty basement smell #3:

Your floor can be affected as well, especially if your carpet has mold or mildew on it.

• Solution:

Well, since you obviously cannot take That out to the sunshine you have to use chemical solution. There are many disinfectants on the market, check your local store or just use common bleach and water.

Wash the floor thoroughly repeatedly, or let the solution sit on the floor for couple of minutes, then rinse it with clear water and dry it as much as you can. Then use the solution #1 to keeping the area dry.

• Possible cause of musty basement odor #4:

Cracks in the walls or floor of your basement which let the moisture or water to seep in.
This one is the most serious problem as you will need to waterproof your basement.

• Solution:

As an immediate solution you can seal the bigger cracks you can see with hydraulic cement, or even use one of waterproofing sealers on the market, but that is only a temporary solution. To do a proper basement waterproofing you have to stop water from ever entering your walls in the first place!
Also, the reason your basement gets moisture through the wall is that the house foundation wasn’t properly waterproofed in the first place. Many builders use cheap dampproofing products instead of long lasting but more expensive quality waterproofing material when building the house.

If this is the case you will have to start looking for a proper waterproofing contractor.
Find more tips about How to choose a Waterproofing contractor
or Find a prescreened Waterproofing contractor here