A musty odor in the basement can be a huge nuisance. Not only does it make the space unpleasant to be in, but it also indicates the presence of mold or mildew which makes for poor air quality that can negatively affect your health. Regardless of whether you use your basement for storage, a laundry room, or a living space, eliminating the musty odor should be of paramount importance. This guide will give you ways to eliminate that nagging musty smell in your basement.
The Cause of Musty Odor
Before you can effectively eliminate the smell, it’s important to understand what causes it. The musty odor is most often caused by too much moisture, lack of ventilation, and organic material, like wood, fabric, or paper, which can grow mold and mildew. The conditions that are conducive to mold growth, such as high humidity and water leaks and insufficient ventilation, usually cause musty odors in basements. Determination of the cause of the problem is the first step towards solving the problem.
Step 1: Identify and Fix Moisture Issues
Overabundance of moisture is the number one culprit for musty smells in the basement. If your basement is damp, or has been flooded, this is the ideal environment for mold and mildew to flourish.
Check for Leaks
Examine your basement for signs of any water leaks. Inspect windows, pipes, and foundation walls for water stains, damp spots, or cracks. Even minor leaks can cause a major moisture problem in time.
What to Do:
• Fill cracks in walls and floor with concrete sealant or waterproof caulk.
• Repair leaking pipes or plumbing.
• Install a sump pump if your basement is prone to flooding.
Improve Drainage Around the Foundation
Inadequate drainage around the house’s foundation can cause water seepage into the basement. If the ground around your house slopes towards the basement, water will accumulate around the foundation encouraging dampness.
What to Do:
• Make sure the gutters and the downspouts are clean and are in good working condition.
• Run downspouts out to carry water away from the foundation.
• Consider sloping the land surrounding your home in order to allow water to drain away from the basement.
Step 2: Increase Ventilation
Ventilation is very important in preventing moisture build up and eliminating musty odors. Basements are not very well ventilated, and as a result, moisture finds it hard to escape.
Use Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier is one of the best methods of combating excess moisture. It will remove moisture from the air, helping to keep the basement dry, so it does not grow mold and mildew.
What to Do:
• Invest in a high quality dehumidifier. Pick a unit that will be the correct size for your basement.
• Place the humidity at 30 to 50% for maximum moisture control.
Open Windows and Install Vents
If your basement has windows, then open them often to allow fresh air to circulate. If possible, install extra vents or a vent fan so that there is a free flow of air in the space.
What to Do:
• Open basement windows on dry sunny days and let fresh air in.
• Put exhaust fans in the basement to enhance proper air circulation.
Step 3: Clean and Wash Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew are usually the culprits behind that musty smell in basements. These fungi thrive in damp environments with poor ventilation, on wood, dry wall, carpet, etc.
Inspect for Mold or Mildew
Inspect all parts of the basement, and particularly dark, damp corners, for obvious manifestation of mold and mildew. Mold can commonly be seen as black or greenish spots, and mildew can appear as white or as powder spots.
What to Do:
• Use a flash light to examine dark corners, ceilings, walls, and hidden areas.
• If mold and/or mildew are present, clean the area immediately to stop the spread.
Clean Mold and Mildew
If you discover mold or mildew, it’s important to eliminate it right away by cleansing the area. You can use many cleaning agents such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or special mold removers.
What to Do:
• Vinegar Solution: Put one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water into a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the moldy parts and leave for an hour. Scrub and wipe clean.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide on the moldy surface, and let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub and wipe clean.
• Commercial Mold Cleaner: If the infestation is high, then think about using a store bought mold and mildew cleaner for better cleaning results.
Remove and Replace Damaged Materials
If mold has done major damage to basement materials such as drywall or carpeting, you might have to replace them. Mold can get deeply into porous materials, so they are difficult to clean effectively.
What to Do:
• Remove and replace any dry wall, insulation, or carpet that has been badly damaged by mold.
• Make sure that the causes of moisture are eliminated before installing new materials.
Step 4: Use Odor Absorbers and Deodorizers
Once the moisture and mold problems are solved, you can use odor-absorbing materials and deodorizers to get rid of the musty smell that might be left over.
Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda
Activated charcoal and baking soda are both wonderful, natural odor absorbers. They can pull out moisture and neutralize unpleasant smells.
What to Do:
• Put bowls of activated charcoal and/or baking soda in the basement.
• Replace them after every few weeks to maintain the freshness.
Use Essential Oils/ Air Fresheners
Essential oils, such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, have a natural antifungal property and can help to eliminate musty odors. You can also use air fresheners, or odor neutralizers specifically for basements.
What to Do:
• Put a few drops of essential oils into a diffuser to eliminate smells.
• Use air fresheners for damp areas in order to keep the air fresh.
Step 5: Regular Maintenance to Prevent Future Odors
Preventing musty smells from returning is all about consistent maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your basement smelling fresh and dry throughout the year:
Regularly Inspect for Moisture
Inspect the basement every few months for any new signs of moisture or leaks. Address any issues immediately to prevent mold growth.
What to Do:
- Check for any new cracks or leaks.
- Ensure that your dehumidifier is working efficiently, and empty it regularly.
Keep Items Dry
Avoid storing items that are prone to absorbing moisture, such as fabric or paper, in your basement. These materials can encourage mold growth if they become damp.
What to Do:
- Use plastic bins or airtight containers for storage.
Keep valuable items elevated off the floor to prevent exposure to moisture.
