How to Cure Mustiness in Basements

Having a dry basement allows for extra storage space.

Mustiness is a common problem in many basements and will quickly turn the area into a smelly and damp location. This mustiness breeds mildew and mold, which can damage the structure of the home while filling the basement air with an unpleasant odor. Furthermore, the mustiness can affect items you store in the basement. Fortunately, several methods will get rid of the mustiness and keep your basement clean, dry and smelling fresh.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Rag
• Box fans
• Dehumidifier
• Small bowls
• White vinegar
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Kill mold and mildew growing in the basement with a mixture of 1 gallon lukewarm water and 1 cup of bleach. Use a rag dampened in the mixture to wipe the mold off wood, concrete, plastic and other hard surfaces in the basement.

2. Ventilate the basement by opening the door and windows if possible. Place box fans in the basement and run for several hours. The fans will circulate the stale air and push it out the open door and windows.

3. Run a dehumidifier in the basement. Choose a dehumidifier that fits the correct size of your basement. Using a dehumidifier that is too small for the basement will cause poor results.

4. Place several small bowls filled with white vinegar in the basement and let them sit for 24 hours. Alternatively, place several boxes of opened baking soda in the basement. Both white vinegar and baking soda will remove odors from the air.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Basement Odor Removal
• University of Missouri Extension; How to Prevent and Remove Mildew -- Home; Wanda Eubank, et al.; April 1998
• Arm & Hammer: The Magic of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
• University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service; Mildew Prevention and Removal; Dale Dorman; July 1997