How to Eliminate Damp Odors in Basements

Basements are often dark and damp, causing musty odors.

The familiar damp or musty odor in basements is usually caused by some mold or mildew growth. Many basements have occasional water seepage, flooding or condensation that increase wetness and can cause mildew. Laundry areas in unventilated basements can also increase moisture content and humidity. Preventing dampness and properly cleaning your basement and the items stored there will help eliminate musty odors.

Things You'll Need

• Dehumidifier
• Powdered or liquid bleach
• Denatured alcohol
• Washing soda

Instructions

1. Seek out and identify the cause of dampness in your basement. If the wetness comes from ground seepage or flooding, call a professional contractor to assist with preventing these problems from recurring.

2. Place a dehumidifier in your basement if dampness seems to be caused by humidity or condensation or is coming from the laundry area. Heating the basement briefly for a few hours should help speed drying time.

3. Remove musty- or damp-smelling furniture and place it outdoors on a sunny day. Vacuum the furniture to reduce the amount of mold spores.

4. Wipe down furniture with a solution of equal parts denatured alcohol and water. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly. If the odor persists, spray the furniture with an aerosol fungicide, which is available at most home improvement stores. Mildew trapped deep inside couch cushions or mattresses may require professional fumigation.

5. Have the carpet professionally steam cleaned and deodorized. If the odor persists, remove carpeting from the basement.

6. Sprinkle powdered bleach on an uncarpeted basement floor. Allow the bleach to soak up all odors; this may take a few days. Sweep up the powder and dispose of it. An alternative method is to mix a solution of 3/4 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water, and use this to scrub the basement floor. Rinse the floor with water. Wipe dry.

7. Clean any additional surfaces or wood items that may have a musty odor with washing soda. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and dry the area completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep basement air circulating. Open any windows on sunny days, and use a dehumidifier regularly.

• Keep basement surfaces and carpets clean.

• Immediately wipe up excess moisture or flooded areas.

References

• Allergy Consumer Review: Remove Mold and Mildew Odor
• UGA College: Mildew Prevention and Removal