Deodorize basement?
I would love information on how to get rid of a musty smell in basement permanently, it always smells like mildew. Thank you.
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Here's some steps you can take to eliminate a mildewy smelling basement:
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-that-musty-smell-in-your-basement/#:~:text=You%20can%20place%20bowls%20of%20white%20vinegar%2C%20cat,for%20dealing%20with%20water%20damage%2C%20mold%20and%20mildew.
First, you need to get to the source of the mildew. A dehumidifier is helpful. Vinegar and baking soda is also helpful with mildew.
If you can smell the musty mildew then you could have a leak or mold in the walls, etc. you need to find out where it is coming from-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDNHO5wDNWw
A full repaint of everything usually helps a lot. There are primers and paints specific for mold blocking, stain blocking and smell blocking. If its carpeted I would consider ripping the carpet out and painting the concrete floor with a masonry paint. After that a dehumidifier could help a lot, I know they make them now specific for also infusing the air with essential oils that could really help with the smell.
Invest in a dehumidifier and run it all the time. As for cleaning and getting a fresh scent, OdoBan is a cleaner and deodorizer that will help to boost the process.
Here are some helpful sites:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/musty-smell-in-basement/
https://www.basementsystems.ca/basement/waterproofing/problems/musty-smell.html
https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/blog/mold-damage/get-rid-musty-smell-basement
We used a dehumidifier in our smelly, damp basement for years with good results. In the last year we switched to a fan running all the time and it works well, too. Drying things out works. Before we did that I tried every kind of odor control product. None of the products, including the industrial ones worked for more than a few days. Drying it out will make your basement (and home) smell so much better! Good luck and stay safe!
Here is a video tutorial from Bob Vila on how to get rid of the mildew smell. You do want to make sure there is no hidden mold there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAQ343TxfBw
Your best bet is to track down where the moisture is coming in and remedy that. Running a dehumidifier all the time jacks up your electric bill like mad. Once you fix the leak, things will improve rapidly.
Hello sometimes a dehumidifier is necessary to make a difference.
Putting a dehumidifier down there will help a lot. Make sure to get one for the size of your basement though. They are rated by square footage.
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.
Here’s what worked for us! https://www.frugalfamilytimes.com/2019/04/how-to-get-rid-of-musty-smell.html
Begin by finding the source of the smell and solving that problem first. You don't want to do all the improvements and have the smell return. That being said, you could paint your basement with paint specially made to eliminate foul odors. That will make a big difference on its own. Running a dehumidifier will also help.
keep the dehumidifier on constantly. You will see the smell will disappear. If you are dealing with black mold and it appears on the walls...you might need to bring a professional to remove it. Black mold can make you sick.
If you are dealing with more of a moldy smell, then that dehumidifier is the key! It may take months for the smell to dissipate but it should work. AND keeping water out!! You might have to fix any issues with your gutters and adding some drainage tiles in your yard underground to carry water away from your house so you don't get any flood waters coming in which will give all the musty moldy smells.
Definitely need to find the source of moisture and stop it to stop it from coming back.
Start with a dehumidifier. Getting rid of the dampness will get rid of mildew. Then I'd clean the floor or walls where you know mildew is growing. The key is having a DRY basement!
Hello,
You will have to have the basement "Tanked" to prevent the damp seeping through the walls and floor. Best wishes.
Hi Randy, do a thorough cleaning on your basement, then purchase a non filter ionizing air cleaner, run that in your basement to clean the air, it will smell better, ion air cleaner have a rod that you just clean once per week or bi-weekly
Here's a post that might help - https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-that-musty-smell-in-your-basement/#:~:text=You%20can%20place%20bowls%20of,water%20damage%2C%20mold%20and%20mildew.
I would use a diffuser with essential oils. https://www.aratariathome.com/blog/best-starter-kit-diffuser-blends
Hi Randy,
Call in a company that can "Tank" your basement for you!