What causes a musty smelling basement?
Table of Contents
What causes a musty smelling basement?
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 basement 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.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of basement smell?
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.
How do you get rid of humidity in the basement?
5 Tips to Reduce the Humidity Level in Your Basement
- Open the Windows. A great way to get air circulating in the room is to open up the windows whenever you’re down there.
- Keep It Clean! Storing too many items in your basement will create clutter.
- Seal Up Any Gaps.
- Turn Up the Heat.
- Get a Dehumidifier.
How do I purify the air in my basement?
Are you wondering how to improve air quality in the basement? There are several ways. Use an air purifier, dry the moisture out, keep windows closed, seal cracks and gaps, remove VOC’s, test for radon, and monitor carbon monoxide.
Does musty smell go away?
To get the last of the musty smell out of your house, use a natural odor absorber like activated charcoal or baking soda. These products will absorb the smell, so you’ll want to throw them away and replace them every two weeks or so.
How do you deodorize a 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 can I dry my basement fast?
Use fans and a dehumidifier To start drying, use a dehumidifier in the center of your basement. This will be a big help for removing moisture, but you can use large fans if you don’t have a dehumidifier. Turn on the air conditioning in your basement — that will help too.
Where should dehumidifier be placed in basement?
In conclusion, the best place to keep a dehumidifier most definitely is the downstairs basement or upstairs close to the stairs. This is because the basement is the most humid place in your house. If there is any other moist condition upstairs, its source must be resolved rather than placing a dehumidifier.
Do air purifiers get rid of basement smell?
An air purifier with an activated carbon filter will help eliminate any VOCs that remain in your basement air. Because of its location underground and the lack of windows, basements tend to be very poorly ventilated which can allow whatever pollutants are in the air to linger for long periods of time.
Do air purifiers help with basement smell?
Air purifiers are an effective and relatively simple solution for almost all basement air quality issues that do not include radon. New technological advancements have made purifiers available which efficiently eliminate particles, VOCs, bacteria, viruses and mold spores.
How do I keep the air in my basement fresh?
How to Keep Your Basement Smelling Fresh:
- Keep the home and the basement adequately ventilated. Air needs to flow through the home to allow for it to be kept clean.
- Control the humidity.
- Clean your dryer vent.
- Waterproof the basement.
- Keep the home clean.
- Repair all leaks.
What causes old houses to smell musty?
A lack of ventilation, darkness, and high humidity can all cause mold to flourish, which tends to be the root of that unpleasant “old house smell.” That scent is actually caused by mVOCs (Mold Volatile Organic Compounds), which is a chemical associated with the mold life cycle that is strong enough to emit a bad odor.
Will air purifiers help with musty smell?
An air filtration device can be a lifesaver in removing particulates and stubborn musty odors from a home. Traditional carbon-based air purifiers will work to absorb some of the musty smells in the home but often the filter will quickly get filled to capacity and re-release the chemical odors back into the environment.
