Table of Contents
How to Get Rid of Musty Basement Smells 7 Ways to Get Rid of the Musty Smell in Your Basement. Throw Out the Mold. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda. Sand Away the Mold. Pull Moisture From the Air With a Dehumidifier or Desiccant Pack. Add a Window Fan. Use Activated Charcoal. Place Bowls of Coffee Grounds Around the Basement.
How do you get rid of a musty basement smell?
Place bowls of baking soda around the basement. The baking soda will begin to absorb the odors and should make a significant difference over the course of a few days. You can also use bowls of white vinegar or clean cat litter—both will absorb odors as well.
What causes a basement to smell musty?
The old musty basement smell that most people are familiar with is typically caused by mold and mildew. As these fungi grow, they release foul-smelling gases that permeate the room and embed themselves in fabric such as carpet, curtains, clothing stored in the basement, or even upholstered furniture.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of musty smell?
Dehumidifiers take excessive moisture out of the air. Eliminating those unpleasant odors is one of the top benefits of running a dehumidifier. “Dehumidifiers help make a room feel less damp. Otherwise the humidity can bring on a musty smell that reminds me of an old house,” says Eric Ball, a spokesman for Lowe’s.
Can a basement smell musty without mold?
The musty smell that is harbored within your home’s walls can be the cause of several factors residing in the environment and/or conditions that are present in the indoor space. Although most people’s initial thought is that musty smells only come from mold development in the environment, this is simply not the case.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of musty smell in basement?
The best way to remove moisture from a damp basement is to keep a dehumidifier down there. A single dehumidifier in the basement will remove quite a bit of the dampness and lessen the smell.
Does musty basement mean mold?
That musty smell means that you have mold growing in your wet basement. And we all know that mold leads to serious health problems. But there’s good news: you can get rid of the mold and that musty basement smell for good! The smell means you have mold in your basement, which can be a serious problem.
How do I keep my basement dry 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.
What’s the best dehumidifier for basement?
Best Overall Dehumidifier: Frigidaire High Humidity 50-Pint Capacity Dehumidifier. Best Value Dehumidifier: Frigidaire Low Humidity 22-Pint Capacity Dehumidifier. Best Dehumidifier for Basements: LG PuriCare 50-Pint Clear Bucket Dehumidifier. Best Dehumidifier with Pump: GE 45-Pint Dehumidifier.
Should I dehumidify my basement?
Moisture in the basement can lead to mold growth and cause rot. High humidity in the basement can also cause hidden damage in the basement and upper floors of the home. A dehumidifier, when combined with proper drainage, can prevent moisture damage and improve indoor air quality and comfort.
When should you use a dehumidifier in the basement?
Regardless of the season, if the relative humidity is higher than the recommended level of 60%, you should run a dehumidifier. Nevertheless, some seasons have more dry air than others, and humidity might be lower than some other seasons. In a better perspective, winter generally has colder and drier air than in summer.
Do humidifiers really work?
Humidifiers can ease problems caused by dry air. But they need regular maintenance. And cool-mist humidifiers also may help ease symptoms of a cold or other respiratory condition. But be cautious: Although useful, humidifiers can make you sick if they aren’t maintained properly or if humidity levels stay too high.
Will an air purifier help with musty smell?
The musty smell of mold is neutralized as air passes through the pre-filter. Air purifiers are most effective when they are run constantly. Air purifiers can also remove other air contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke.
Why does my house smell musty all of a sudden?
Musty odors can come from your AC because mold and/or mildew is being distributed in the air of this space, along with other issues with the air conditioning system itself. A dirty evaporator coil can be a problem, as well as a clogged condensate drain line, and leaky air ducts.
Why does basement smell like rotten eggs?
The distinct “rotten egg smell” comes from hydrogen sulfide. Not only is a foul sewer smell in the basement hard to tolerate, but it can also be dangerous too. The danger resulting from the foul odor of sewer gas comes from the breaking down of organic materials that are commonly found in sewers.
How do you check for mold in the basement?
Check the floors, baseboards, and finished walls of the basement for streaks, stains or patches that appear slimy and/or are colored black, green or white with orange spots. Also, look for stains with a yellowish tint. Under ideal conditions it can take between 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow.
How do you get the musty smell out of a basement concrete floor?
Using Vinegar White vinegar works well for cleaning, deodorizing and disinfecting. If any mildew growth has accumulated, the vinegar will remove it without harming the concrete. To use, mix about 1 gallon water with 2 cups white vinegar. Mop the concrete with this solution and let the floor air dry.
