Table of Contents
8 Ways to Dry Out a Damp Basement Install a Dehumidifier. Ventilate the Area. Reseal Your Concrete. Attend to Air Leaks. See to Downspouts and Grading Issues Outside. Inspect Driveways and Other Outdoor Construction Features. Air Out Wet Items Elsewhere. Check Your Vents, Including Your Dryer Vent.
How do you dry out a basement floor?
You can air out the basement by opening windows and running fans to circulate the air. You can also try turning up the heat in the basement, as warmer air will prevent moisture from condensing on cool surfaces. Another solution is to use a dehumidifier in your basement.
How can I dry my basement fast?
The key to drying a basement fast is using high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. The fans help water evaporate, while the dehumidifiers pull it out of the air. When used properly, they can dry a wet basement in as little as 12 hours. Use at least two fans and point them at the walls from two different angles.
What do you do if your basement floor is wet?
8 Solutions for Fixing A Wet Basement — Plus, How to Keep It Dry Add Gutter Extensions. Plug Gaps. Restore the Crown. Reshape the Landscape. Repair Footing Drains. Install a Curtain Drain. Pump the Water. Waterproof the Walls.
How do I get moisture out of my basement without a dehumidifier?
How to Get Rid of Moisture in the Basement without a Dehumidifier? Airflow to reduce humidity. Crystal salt as a desiccant to absorb moisture. Charcoal as a desiccant to absorb moisture. Install the fan and proper ventilation. Place dry clothes outdoors (in the sun) Always have the air conditioning on. Cool shower.
How do you dehumidify a basement naturally?
Fortunately, there are a few natural methods of dehumidifying a building. Absorb the Moisture. Vent Your Home. Remove Indoor Plants. Take Shorter Showers. Vent Dryers. Fix Leaks. Install a Solar Air Heater. Switch to Dry Heat Sources.
How long does it take for a basement to dry out?
Use fans and a dehumidifier It can take up to six weeks to completely dry your basement floor, so wait before having your floor sanded or refinished. If your floor still seems wet, contact a professional.
Do dehumidifiers work?
A dehumidifier does have some established health benefits. The main benefit is reducing the presence of allergens and irritants in damp areas of your home. There’s also some indication that a dehumidifier can make breathing easier for people who have asthma. Dehumidifiers are accessible and easy to purchase.
How long should you run dehumidifier after a flood?
How long should I run a dehumidifier after a flood? If possible, run a dehumidifier until porous surfaces in the space have dried out completely. It can take anywhere from two days to several weeks to dry out a flood-damaged building.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry basement?
6. How long will it take to get the moisture under control? As long as the dehumidifier you choose is large enough for the area it is working in, and there are no specific damp problems, then a dehumidifier will normally reduce the humidity to the chosen level within a few days to a week.
Can water come up through basement floor?
Water is a bitter foe of all the basements. YES, water around your foundation can come up through the concrete floor and can leave any material on its way soggy and damaged.
How do you get water out of your basement without a pump?
When the Power Goes Out – How to Remove Water from Your Basement Without a Sump Pump Use A Mop. It may seem like an obvious solution, but a standard household mop is a great place to start. Use a Handpump. Use a Wet/Dry Vac. Bring in a Generator. Use a Trash-Water Pump.
What is an alternative to a dehumidifier?
What else can you use to dehumidify your home instead of a dehumidifier? Some of the things you can use include rock salt, DampRid, Dri-Z-Air, baking soda, and silica gel desiccants. You can also use other things such as a fan, air conditioner, and space heater.
What can you do instead of a dehumidifier?
How to reduce indoor humidity without a dehumidifier Air conditioning. Fans. Replace Furnace / AC filters. Take shorter or colder showers. Line dry clothes outdoors. Crack a window open. Place houseplants outside. Use your kitchen exhaust fans.
Do charcoal briquettes absorb moisture?
Just like a charcoal water filter, charcoal briquettes can be used to absorb moisture and odor from the air in your home. Be sure to get natural briquettes without mesquite or easy-light additives.
How can I make my basement less musty?
You can place bowls of white vinegar, cat litter in open containers, or baking soda throughout your basement in order to absorb the stench. You should notice a more pleasant smelling basement in a couple of days.
Does DampRid work in basements?
The Mega Moisture Absorber is best for areas with ongoing excess moisture problems. DampRid moisture absorbers attract and trap excess moisture to eliminate musty odors and prevent moisture damage in: basements.
What should basement dehumidifier be set at?
Accurate dehumidifier settings for basement Molds tend to become a problem at a relative humidity of 60% and above. Therefore, we recommend that you keep your basement dehumidifier within a range of 40% to 60%. More accurately, set your dehumidifier to maintain an exact 50% humidity.
Will a dehumidifier help a wet basement?
If you are prone to a wet basement, though, a dehumidifier becomes a necessity. Not only can a dehumidifier help dry our your damp basement, but it can help improve your overall health, prevent mold from growing, and a number of other things.
Does water in basement cause mold?
Water in basements can cause expensive damage to furnishings and foundations; damp conditions after a flood can give mold ideal conditions to grow and spread, triggering allergies and irritating the respiratory system.
How do you dry out a wet concrete floor?
How to Repair Wet Concrete: 3 Steps Remove Standing Water. The first step is to remove standing water from the area. Dehumidify. Installing a dehumidifier in the affected area will help pull moisture from the surfaces and air and dry the space faster and more thoroughly. Hire a Professional Restoration Company.