How to Stop Odors in a Basement

Cleaning can often help eliminate odors.

If your basement smells unpleasant, it can create problems for using this space in your house. Mold accumulation and unclean conditions can both contribute to an odor in this confined space. Since basements usually don't get a lot of fresh air and sunshine, it's easy for odors to linger with nowhere to go. If you're looking to eliminate this smell, the answer lies in cleaning it up.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered dish or laundry detergent
• Soft-bristled brush
• Chlorine bleach
• Broom
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Clean out everything in the basement and inspect it for mold and mildew. Check the walls and floor as you clean out the space. Discard trash in an outside receptacle.

2. Scrub away mildew and mold with a brush dipped in soapy water. Rinse the area with water and sanitize it with a solution of chlorine bleach and water. Dilute it to a ratio of 2 tbsp. bleach to 1 qt. water. Keep the area soaked with the bleach solution for 15 minutes before allowing it to air dry.

3. Inspect the basement for leaks. Moisture can lead to mildew and mold and cause the smell. Contact a professional plumber to fix leaky pipes.

4. Sweep the floors and vacuum to pick up dirt and debris that may be contributing to the odors.

5. Open up windows in the basement to allow air and sunshine in. the circulation of fresh air can help to force some of the stale unpleasant smelling air out.

References

• North Dakota State University; Remove Mold for a Healthy Home; Kenneth Hellevang; April 2009
• University of Kentucky; Odors: What's That Smell?; Linda R. Adler; January 1997
• University of Georgia; Mildew Prevention and Removal; Dale Dorman; 1997