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.
Is it normal for basements to smell musty?
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 I freshen the air in my 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.
How do you deodorize a basement?
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.
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.
Does Damprid work in basements?
IDEAL FOR LARGER SPACES like basements, garages, where stagnant air and excess moisture is a problem. LONG-LASTING FRESHNESS: The 4-pound Hi-Capacity buckets lasts up to 6 months, depending on temperature and humidity levels. EASY TO USE: Simply remove the plastic lid exposing the sealed safety cover.
Why does my unfinished basement smell?
A: That unpleasant, musty smell—some people describe it as akin to a wet dog—in is the calling card of mold and/or mildew. The spores of these ubiquitous fungi drift through the air until they find the damp, dark, and warm environment that allow them to multiply and thrive—conditions common to basements.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of musty smell?
Dehumidifiers help reduce odors that can accompany mold and mildew in your home—getting rid of that “musty” or “rotting” smell.
How do I increase ventilation in my basement?
Mechanical ventilation can be accomplished in several ways: Placing a fan in front of a window and pointing it so that the indoor air is pushed outdoors. If you have a second window or door in the basement, you can crack it slightly to further improve ventilation. Installing an exhaust fan with a ventilation pipe.
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. This moisture combined with the stagnant air and dark corners can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
How do you get rid of sewer smell in basement?
Solution: Dump around a gallon of clean water down the drain to reseal the pipe and keep the odor out of your basement (add a mild household cleaner to the water for a fresh scent). Note: This applies to rarely-used toilets, as well. If the water in a toilet bowl has dried up, simply flush the toilet again.
How do you get mildew smell out of walls?
In a large bucket, mix one part bleach to four parts water. Scrub the walls and floors with the homemade mildew killer you’ve concocted, being sure to sponge away all bleach residue once you’ve finished the job.
Do humidifiers help with odor?
Generally, more than 60% humidity indoors is considered high. If your baby suffers from chest and sinus congestion, a humidifier may help soothe their symptoms. Besides minimizing odors, like soiled diapers, an air purifier with the proper filter can trap allergens and dust.
How can I dehumidify my basement cheaply?
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 do you dehumidify a basement naturally?
How do you dehumidify a basement naturally? Ventilate. Ventilation will increase airflow and help reduce humidity. Check for leaking pipes. The cover exposed the floor on houseplants. Air conditioning. Amateurs. Replace heating/air conditioning filters. Light your wood stove or fireplace. Take shorter showers.
How do I get moisture out of my basement without a dehumidifier?
Rock salt is another dehumidifier that can be used just like baking soda. Place about a cup in a container that exposes it to as much air as possible and it will soak up moisture from the air. It will also need to be replaced every 3 – 4 weeks.
