How to Kill Moldy Odors in a Basement

A damp laundry room can develop a moldy odor if the washer leaks or if the dryer isn't properly vented.

Mold and mildew can cause a musty smell in a basement. This smell can permeate your whole home and lead to health problems. Breathing mold spores can cause a cough, watery eyes, stomach upset and headaches. In addition, mold can exacerbate symptoms of asthma. For your health, it's essential to get rid of the mold. Once you've done that, you'll no longer have an odor.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Bucket of water
• Mops
• Mold-resistant paint
• Charcoal

Send to Phone

Brought to you by

Send to Phone

Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.

Send

A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.

Close

Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. Message and data rates may apply.

Instructions

1. Open the windows. Humid air can contribute to and worsen a moldy odor in the basement. Opening the windows increases ventilation and helps to dissipate the odor. For maximum ventilation, try to open windows that are across from each other. If the odor is especially strong, open windows upstairs, as well.

2. Remove rugs and carpeting. If your floor is damp or even wet, mold and mildew can permeate the backings and padding. Even if you clean the rugs, the odor will remain, because it's difficult to remove mold and odor-causing bacteria from deep within a carpet or rug. If you fail to remove the carpet or rug, the odor could seep into your flooring.

3. Clean the basement floor. Mop your basement floor with a bleach and water solution composed of 1 cup of household chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of hot water. Allow the bleach water to penetrate the floor's surface for five minutes before you rinse it with fresh water. Keep the windows open to facilitate drying and to allow the bleach fumes to escape.

4. Wash and paint the walls with a bleach and water solution to remove all traces of mold, mildew and strong odors. To further retard the growth of mold, cover the walls with a paint specifically designed to resist mold.

5. Use charcoal. Briquettes of charcoal absorb and neutralize moldy odors. Put a few
   briquettes in bowls, and place them around your basement. The charcoal will eliminate any moldy odor that remains after you've painted. Make sure you keep the charcoal away from children and pets.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a portable dehumidifier in your basement. If you're thinking about getting a new HVAC system, you may want to purchase a whole-house dehumidifier, as well.

• Also consider having your basement waterproofed.

References

• Minnestota Department Of Health: Mold And Moisture In Homes
• UGA College Of Family And Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Service: Mildew Prevention And Removal
• DampRid: DampRid Creates Fresher, Healthier Indoor Air!