How to get the damp smell out of my basement...?

Question

How do you get the damp smell out of the basment?We have a dehumidipher-the one that gets water out-.This works for awile then the smell comes back.
No suggestions of tearing out carpet-we rent and landlord wont.

Answer 1

Awhile back when we had a similar problem I found a product called "DampRid" that comes in a carton. I seem to remember w e had to pour some of the c rystals into a perforated cup and set over a suitable sized container. You then set that in the problem place and slowly all the moisture is attracted into the crystals, through which it drips into the c ontainer. You keep emptying the water and refilling the perforated cup
I just typed DampRid into Yahoo Search and there's a lot of info about it there.

Answer 2

There is nothing you can do, and apparently your landlord won't do what's needed to be done because it's too costly.
It's easier for him or her to just let it go and have a tenant who puts up with it.
The problem of a damp basement is water coming in through the concrete block wall (or poured concrete wall) and/or or the poured concrete floor.
The building under construction hadn't been properly waterproofed.
Move out, but inspect the basement of any building that you plan on renting.
Look at the masonry joints between the top, bottom and sides of the blocks in the basement. If there is any whitish discoloration, crusting, or anything EXCEPT the normal grayish color of mortar, DO NOT RENT THE HOUSE because it has a water-penetration problem AND – no steam cleaning, baking soda or other such ‘remedy’ will actually solve a basement water problem.

Answer 3

My basement used to smell really musty also. I do not have a finished basement or carpeting. The best thing is ventilation. It needs to air out and dry out. Open any windows, leave them open for 8 hours a day if you can. If no windows, get some fans and plug them in. You also might want to clean out your humidifier bin that collects water with bleach and water. If the mildew has settled in your carpeting, you have a different problem becuase it probably has gotten into the pad and everything. I can't help you with that. Good luck.

Answer 4

Hi, I had the same problem. My dehumidifier works only for a while too.
*Buy Damp-Rid* ~~I found it at Wal-mart, and it comes in hanging bags (I have one in the closet in one room)--when they are full, they are thrown away. My first bag filled up very quickly...and now this second one isn't filling up as fast. I believe it's 'cuz of the way it works!
~~It's also sold in a refillable container. The crystals absorb the water into the collectible container and when it's full--dispose into the toilet and refill w/ crystals. (I have one in the bathroom and one in the basement!) Works completely awesome--has a fresh/light floral smell.
The odor will go away~~my ma used it in her basement as well!

Answer 5

my grandmother has this problem too. You have to keep the dehumidifier empty, Check all the time, also the DAMP RID is great. I have a friend that keeps it in his camper all the time becuase when it is closed up and not in use, It smells the same way and he loves the stuff.

Answer 6

keep the dehumidifyer going all the time and add some charcoal around - it's a natural odor and humidity asorber! also check what you are storing down there - the smell may be stuck in the books, clothing, etc. they may need to be aired out.

Answer 7

Have the carpet professionally steam cleaned, and after that, always make sure you keep the setting on high for your dehumidifier.

Answer 8

These people are right on the money !

Run your dehumidifier constantly. I have one that is set at a certain humidity % and starts automatically!

Answer 9

Try using baking soda...pour it out all over and spread it out across the areas affected the most and let it dry....then vacuum it up. Should help immensely.