How to Stop Bad Odor in Your Basement

Leaky pipes may contribute to your odor problem.

Smelly basement odors are the bane of many homeowners. Not only do the odors make a trip to the basement unpleasant, but they may also spread to other parts of the house. Bad odors in a dark, damp place are frequently caused by mold. If you have allergies or asthma, you may be especially susceptible to health problems due to mold. According to the Washington State Department of Health, mold may cause nausea, fatigue and skin rashes. To preserve your health and your home's atmosphere, first you need to locate the source of the bad odor.

Things You'll Need

• Wet vacuum
• Bleach
• Pail
• Gloves
• Brush
• Dehumidifier
• Bins

Instructions

1. Locate the source of the bad odor. Is your basement accumulating water? A damp basement can result in mold, which will give your basement a musty smell. If your basement is flooded, use a wet vacuum to remove the excess water. Open the doors and windows to let it air out.

2. Examine your basement for other possible sources of leaking water. Check the pipes for cracks. Your basement floor or walls could also have cracks, which can lead to water seepage. If you notice any of these problems, call a contractor to replace the pipes or seal the cracks.

3. Check your gutters. According to Service Magic, a smelly basement may ultimately be the result of leaky gutters. These gutters can interfere with proper drainage in your lawn, which in turn may encourage basement water seepage. This encourages mold. Call a handyman to fix or replace your gutters if they are damaged.

4. Remove mold and mildew that could be causing the musty smell. Pour a solution of about half bleach and half water into a pail. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Use a hard brush to scrub away mold with the bleach mixture.

5. Invest in a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier in your basement will help suck the moisture out of the air, making it a less hospitable place for mold to breed. Follow the instructions on the product you select to set it up properly. Empty the dehumidifier of water as soon as it is full.

6. Inspect your belongings that you store in the basement for signs of mold or mildew damage. Wash the fabrics. If you store books in the basement, you may need to get rid of them if they are harboring mold. (Seal books and similar items in plastic bins to safely store them in a basement.) You may scrub some objects, such as plastic toys, with bleach and water to remove spores. Rinse them well afterward.

References

• Service Magic: How Do I Get Rid of the Moldy Odor in My Basement?
• Washington State Department of Health: Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
• Basement Troubleshooting Guide: What Causes Crawl Space and Basement Odors?

Resources

• The Family Handyman: How to Eliminate Basement Odor and Sewer Smells