When we think of basements, we immediately think of a dark, musty place. This bad odor may keep you from spending time in your below-grade space. But it shouldn’t be like that. Your basement has a lot of potential once you remove the funky odors. In this blog, we will teach you how to get rid of that musty basement smell caused by mold and excess moisture.
Find the Source
Before we discuss the solutions, let’s first find out what’s causing that musty smell in your basement. The unpleasant smell is simply a symptom of a bigger issue. Here are some of the causes of basement odor:
- Mold and Mildew
This is the worst enemy of basements and crawl space. Both mold and mildew thrive in humid areas like your basement. The excess moisture might be coming from a leak. When these fungi grow, they release gasses with an unpleasant smell. These odors will embed in the wall surfaces, furniture, and other items. Make sure to remove carpets or fabrics with existing mold spores.
- Sewage Problems
Issues with sewage lines are very common. If you have plumbing issues, this can cause the earthy mildew smell in your basement. Improperly fitted pipes and clogged drains may emit odors. The first thing you should do is address the root cause. Once everything is fixed, you can proceed with removing the nasty basement smell.
- Iron Ochre
Also known as iron bacteria, iron ochre appears as a rust-colored slimy mud. This material is the culprit of the rotten smell in wet basements.
Perform the Necessary Repairs
Once you know the root cause, you can now carry out basement repairs. For severe foundation cracks, use an epoxy sealer to keep the moisture out. This issue may also require excavation or other waterproofing treatments.
If you’re dealing with leaky pipes, insulate them with a foam pipe wrap. A professional plumber or basement remodeler may be needed for a more permanent solution.
A basement window may also be the cause of excess moisture. Leaky windows should be dealt with immediately. First, clean the window frame and remove the rotting caulk. Apply new caulking and weather stripping. Resealing around the window frame will reduce moisture and leaks.
Run a Dehumidifier
The more moisture that’s in your basement, the more likely it will smell musty and damp. The recommended relative humidity level in basements is around 30 to 50 percent. This range is ideal to achieve a comfortable basement. If the humidity level goes above 60 percent, the basement is already too humid.
Getting rid of excess moisture is the solution for musty basements. A high-quality dehumidifier will suck all the moisture out of your damp areas. Dehumidifiers will pull moisture out of the air and improve ventilation. Like a vacuum cleaner, they draw warm air and condense the moisture into a built-in collection tank. Once the tank is full, you can remove and empty it.
Tackle the Smell
There are natural ways to freshen up your basement. You can place bowls of baking soda to absorb the odors. Undiluted white vinegar and cat litter are also effective in removing the stench. Moreover, deodorizers can eliminate any foul-smelling odors.
Alongside these products, a deep clean will make all the difference. Cleaning the entire basement and carpeting will neutralize the foul smell at the source. Don’t forget to mop all surfaces and steam clean your upholstery.
Add a Window Fan
Ventilation is key to controlling moisture in your basement. An exhaust fan or window fan to increase ventilation and air movement. You may buy ventilation fans that can bring fresh air into your basement. These fan systems are specifically designed for basements and crawl spaces. They can expel foul odors and control the humidity levels. For best results, place your fans opposite each other across the basement space.
Consult a Professional Basement Remodeler
Got mold growth or dampness problems? Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling can fix these issues for you! We can control the humidity levels and keep your basement smelling fresh. Our team knows how to repair leaks and apply waterproofing treatments. With our help, your basement will remain odor-free for years to come.
To schedule an appointment, do not hesitate to reach out to us today. We look forward to serving you!