Water that entered in the basement, and odor seams not wanting to go away.
2006-11-02 15:13:40 · 9 answers · asked by Dennis S 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
you need to wash it with bleach. that will kill all the bacteria. that is where the odor is coming from.
2006-11-02 15:18:00 · answer #1 · answered by christy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, if you have a lot of things in your basement, get rid of what you don't use or need, and also the things that are moldy that you can remove. Then make a solution of clorox and water, and scrub the cement floor and walls. PLEASE OPEN WINDOWS and ventilate as you do this. If you have clothing stored that has a moldy odor, launder it at once, or if it can't be laundered, and it's something you really want to keep, have it dry cleaned, or discard it. As for any furniture in the basement, take it outside and wipe thoroughly with either a cloth wrung out in a clorox solution, or if the furniture is apholstered, buy an apholstery cleaner and follow instructions for cleaning. Do this on a nice day so the furniture can get some sunshine. Sunshine can help to kill the mold. You must always keep your basement ventilated so it smells fresh. No piles of "stuff" all over. If you have a lot of boxes in the basement, I would throw them out. You'll never get the moldy smell out of them. Hope I've been of some help. By the way, if water leaked through the wall, you must seal up the crack where the water came in, and then waterproof your whole basement walls. Lot of work, but it's worth it. Have fun.
2006-11-02 15:34:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Washing the basement with a 25/75 split of bleach and water will kill the bacteria that is causing the mildew odors. However, if the basement is finished than that is not a viable option - unless you plan to tear out the flooring and re-paint the walls when you are done.
If the basement is finished, then you may want to consider seeking a mold/mildew removing spray that is safe on carpet and paint.
Good luck.
2006-11-02 15:27:13 · answer #3 · answered by steinmancloud9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ditto on the bleach. Bleach is definitely the way to go, but to expand, I'd recommend using about a 1/3 bleach to 2/3 water mixture in a spray bottle. Soak the areas you think there might be mildew, and let them soak for about 10 minutes, then rinse off the areas with water and dry it up really well so it doesn't get mildew again. If you use a less potent mixture you might not neet do rinse it, just dry, but it depends on the surfaces and if they might be damaged by the bleach.
Edit: Eh, someone said the same thing faster than me while I was typing. Oh well. :)
2006-11-02 15:32:16 · answer #4 · answered by Ian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not coffee grouds are great !!! Use fresh coffee grounds just pop open a new can and place in a corner in your basement. If your basement is large use a couple of cans. The coffe gorunds with absorb odor and does not leave an after smell. Hope this helps.
2006-11-02 15:24:13 · answer #5 · answered by brookesingsalways 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Dennis S,
Try putting several bowls filled with cider vinegar down, otherwise go to hardware store get Rid (it's powder that takes out moisture in the air & fills up the conatiner that you put it in). Or try washing with 1 cup bleach & gallon of hot water ( wear rubber gloves) let this dry. Then go & get paint sealer for walls, can also be used on floor I hope this helps. Good luck & have a good day!
2006-11-02 15:48:49 · answer #6 · answered by dousmokedoobies69 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
might want to shampoo the carpet.(if u have)
there are also odor removal profeshionals if u are willing to pay
2006-11-02 15:24:19 · answer #7 · answered by Toronto boy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PUT CHARCOAL THAT YOU WOULD USE TO DO A BBQ WITH IN BUTTER BOWL CONTAINERS IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT SPOTS IN YOUR BASEMENT. WHEN CHARCOAL GETS MUSHY REPLACE WITH NEW.
2006-11-02 21:40:55 · answer #8 · answered by HADITDUN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Odo-ban is the best choice.
2006-11-03 06:48:57 · answer #9 · answered by Willie_the_weasel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋