About Musty Basements

Does your basement stink even after the most detailed cleaning? If air sanitizers and cleaners only mask the odor, then you've likely got a musty basement. A musty smell is a common problem found in many homes. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to remove and prevent that musky stench from limiting the enjoyment of your basement.

Features

What causes a musty basement? Excessive condensation or humidity is the main offender. The cool, subterranean environment of a basement is an ideal place for condensation to form and stagnate. Over time, this condensation seeps into walls, carpeting or other basement locations and begins to mildew or mold. This mildew is what causes the musty smell.

Identification

Once a musty smell has formulated, the source of the dampness must first be located. Many times, the source of the problem can be found simply by eyesight. Condensation that collects on concrete, windows or other surfaces is a dead giveaway to where the mildew may be coming from. Sometimes, a professional may be needed to find the source. Oftentimes, hidden moisture accumulates behind walls, making it hard to identify the source of the smell.

Types

After the source of dampness is located, it is important to understand the cause of wetness to ensure the problem does not continue. Common causes of musty basements include:
*Humidity: Hot summer temperatures can cause condensation to accumulate on water pipes or in cracks on walls.
*Leaking pipes: A cracked or dripping pipe can easily result in a musty basement.
*Rain runoff: Improper protection from weather can lead to accumulation of rain inside the basement.

Prevention/Solution

The cleanup typically requires the homeowner to dry out the effected area and use household cleaners to kill any mildew. In some cases, wet carpet or drywall may need to be replaced.

Considerations

After drying out the area, precautionary measures must be taken to ensure the moisture does not return. Ways to safeguard a musty basement from future bad odors include:
*Using a humidifier to lower humidity
*Fixing any visible cracks in the walls
*Use a fan and open windows to circulate the air
*Cover pipes with insulation to avoid buildup of condensation