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Basements are the perfect breeding ground for a mold or mildew problem, creating a musty smell that can be hard to get rid of. As some or all of your basement walls are built underground, the cold, moist soil surrounding the walls leeches moisture into the basement.
How do you get rid of the musty smell in the basement?
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.
Is it normal for 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.
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.
What does a musty smell in basement mean?
Mold and mildew – Most musty smells in basements are caused by mold or mildew, as they both thrive in dark and damp locations. Not only do they smell, but they can cause damage to your home and cause health problems if left long enough. Their waste and urine are a major cause for smell.
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.
Why does my unfinished basement smell?
Underground living spaces can’t hold moisture like the upper levels of your home. When the warmer air from above seeps into your basement, the moisture in the air condenses, and ends up on your dark basement walls and cold water pipes. Mold begins to form, and the unpleasant smell you can’t seem to shake is born.
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 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 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.
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 I get air out of my basement?
Installing an exhaust fan with a ventilation pipe. The exhaust fan will suck out the basement air and pump it to the outside through the ventilation pipe. Placing a window air conditioner inside a window or attaching the exhaust hose from a portable air conditioner to the window so indoor air is pumped outside.
Why does my house smell musty all of a sudden?
Musty smells in houses may be attributed to several causes, including: Mold and mildew: Leaky pipes, a damaged roof, high humidity, and exposed dirt in the crawlspace may all contribute to moisture buildup. Drywall and other soft surfaces like carpeting soak in the scent of smoke and nicotine.
Why does my basement smell weird?
Usually, bad basement smells come from humidity and moisture that comes up from the ground. Because the basement is below ground level, this moisture never really goes away and just keeps accumulating. Mold and fungus grow and spread, causing the unpleasant smells.
How do you get musty smell out of house?
The best ways to get rid of musty smells Open windows to get rid of stale air and bring fresh air into the space. Run a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Keep air circulating with box and ceiling fans. Decorate your home with houseplants that naturally clean the air. Dust regularly and thoroughly.
Will a dehumidifier help with mold in basement?
Reduce Mold and Mildew A dehumidifier is designed to reduce the moisture level in the air by extracting the excess water. By doing so, dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew and improves the indoor air quality of your space.
Can mold grow on concrete basement walls?
Mold growth on a concrete wall due to excess humidity. On it’s own, concrete does not provide a sufficient food source for fungal growth. Therefore, unless the concrete is kept extremely clean, mold growth can occur. Of course, even if the concrete is covered in dust, mold will not grow without sufficient moisture.
Is mold in basement common?
And since the basement is the most likely room in a home to experience significant water damage, mold in the basement is extremely common. The two things that mold needs to grow in a space is moisture and a material to grow on. Mold spores are always present in a house and cannot be completely eliminated.
