The Best Way to Dehumidify the Basement

Your basement can be a dry area again.

Basements are, unfortunately, often prone to moisture and humidity. In some cases, this can lead to issues with mold, mildew and a foul, musty odor. To help prevent these problems, take the necessary measures to dehumidify the basement.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic sheet
• Dehumidifier

Instructions

1. Repair pipe leaks or other water leakage, such as cracks in basement walls and the foundation. Once you stop moisture from entering, dehumidifying will be much easier.

2. Cover the basement floor with a plastic sheet if you have a dirt floor. This will help control indoor humidity.

3. Run the exhaust fan in your laundry room if it's in the basement. The fan will help remove humidity that forms in the air from doing laundry.

4. Run a dehumidifier that's appropriately sized for the size of the basement. This will remove humidity from the air in the basement and help dry any moist areas.

5. Use the home's central air conditioning system, especially if it's vented to the basement. This is another effective way to reduce indoor humidity.

References

• Energy Star: Damp Basement

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish