How to Get a Fresher Basement

Moisture will lead to an musty smell in your basement.

Basements often have a musty, damp smell. Moisture, lack of ventilation, mildew and old belongings packed in boxes all contribute to the odor. Molds that are harmful to your health can take hold in such conditions and lead to allergies, respiratory problems and headaches. Taking steps to freshen up your basement can not only improve the air quality, they can improve the healthiness of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Chlorine bleach
• Water
• Bucket
• Rags and mop
• Carpet cleaner
• Portable fan
• Dehumidifier
• Charcoal, cat litter or baking soda

Instructions

1. Clean out the basement. Throw out damaged, moldy or unusable items, and donate any belongings that are no longer wanted to a charity. Move furniture and other large items outside into the sun to air out.

2. Mop cement floors and wash walls with a solution of 1/2 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gallon water. If your basement has carpet, clean it with a carpet cleaning machine. You can rent these at many grocery stores. Run a portable fan to ensure carpets dry completely.

3. Check for any sources of moisture, such as leaking pipes, condensation or water leaking in from outside the basement walls. Have leaks fixed and pipes wrapped with insulation.

4. Run a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

5. Place a box of charcoal briquettes, cat litter or baking soda in the basement to help absorb lingering odors.

Tips & Warnings

• Moisture and lack of ventilation are extremely common in basements and lead to the musty, less-than-fresh smell. If your basement has a window, open it on dry, warm days to help keep the air fresh and circulating.

References

• Real Simple: Eight Surprising Household Deodorizers
• Mrs Clean: Basement Odor Removal
• The Family Handyman: How to Eliminate Basement Odor and Sewer Smells