The basement previously had been damp and may have had water problems. It's fixed and I also have a dehumidifier working during summer months. But the odor lingers. Any ideas?
2006-10-06 09:41:13 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I feel your pain. Had the same problem when I moved into my new house. Use this stuff called Approach. You can get it for cheap online. It's great at getting rid of musty odors. Worked great on my basement and my linen closet .took out must and cigarette smoke and it's got no harsh chemicals so it's safe to breathe and such.
Give it a shot it's a miracle product.
Good luck!
2006-10-10 06:17:28 · answer #1 · answered by dvc_dude_25 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Ventilate. Too much moisture is the cause of musty basements, and a couple of open windows at opposite ends of the area may provide adequate cross-ventilation to air out the smell.
2. Get rid of any mildewy carpet padding, and deep-clean your carpets. Set furniture outside in the sun to air out.
3. Mop or wash down concrete floors and walls with a solution of bleach and water (about 3/4 cup chlorine bleach to 1 gal. of water. Let the solution sit on the concrete surfaces for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry.
4. Check the drainage around your house. Porous basement walls may transmit moisture from the ground outside during rainy spells, and the trapped moisture increases the humidity in your basement. Make sure the ground slopes away from foundation walls, and that downspouts extend 6 feet or more from the house.
5. Waterproof the basement. Look for cracks in the walls and floor and seal them with hydraulic cement. Apply concrete waterproofing sealer where the floor meets the wall.
6. Buy and install a dehumidifier as a last resort to remove excess moisture.
Tips & Warnings
2006-10-06 16:43:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it is an older home there may be leakage of the sewer system back under the floor or through drainage ports...gaseous vapor may also leak back. Assure your sewer system is draining to the main sewer line uninterrupted. Not that it has an odor but it would be good to check for Radon. A dehumidifier is a must but make sure it's the appropriate size for the room.
2006-10-06 20:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by Richard L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You still have mold. You did not mention if it was all concrete/cinder block or if it was partially or completely finished. For concrete/cinder block, wash well with diluted bleach, let dry and paint. For the finished part, pull all the sheetrock out and replace it. since the water problem is gone (you hope) put out some containers of kitty litter, not the cheap stuff. It will absorb odors.
2006-10-06 17:12:52 · answer #4 · answered by smgray99 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mint is the best masking odor for mold and mildew. Cinnimon and Cherry for smoke. Every body else has you covered on the problem and the cure. Moisture, dry it out.
2006-10-06 17:52:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air it out good.
Use air fresheners (we use the solid cone style Super Odor Killer, they are the cheapest and yet work the best.)
2006-10-06 16:49:09 · answer #6 · answered by Jill&Justin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Musty could mean that there is a MOLD problem
2006-10-06 16:43:41 · answer #7 · answered by Ms New Booty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
clean it with borax and clorex, not only will it kill and present and future mold growths, but it will eliminate the smell
2006-10-06 16:43:24 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋