How do I get rid of the musty smell in a sealed & finished w/o basment. No mold problem. just musty smell.?

Question

we finished the basement 2 years ago. Had it sealed. We live a little farther south so humidity is a problem in our area. But I have 1375 sq ft of finished walkout basement that I cant seem to keep the musty smell out of, short of getting a dehumidifier. Which I would prefer not to have to buy. Any thoughts would be great.Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Damp Rid (as suggested above) is awesome for musty basements. My parents finished their basement and had the same problem (before it was sealed it had had some water problems but they fixed all that and still had the lingering mustyness). Also try wiping things down with white vinegar and/or leaving out buckets of white vinegar for a few days. It helps in newly painted rooms and sometimes even rooms that have had smoke damage. It is inexpensive and may be worth a try.
Coffee grounds aren't a bad way to get rid of smells also. Maybe try leaving some out in bowls placed around the basement.
Dehumidifier would ultimately be the best thing probably, and I think you may end up deciding that, but I hope some of the things I suggested work well enough for you so that you don't have to fork over that kind of moolah!

Answer 2

Odoban is pretty good. But, for getting rid of odors - Better idea - Someone else mentioned charcoal. I have the perfect product that I've used for years and know dozens of other people that use it. It is a product called FRIDGE IT odor absorbers. It is a little purple cube with an incredible activated carbon filter inside that is really, really, great. It works so much better than baking soda and all those sprays and fragrances that just cover up smells and doesn't get rid of them. Also, alot of sprays have warning statements about being eye irritant. The carbon literally absorbs and eliminates the odors and works for a long time. Just place some of them around problem areas. Probably need a few for the basement. I use this product everywhere including car(smoke and pet smells), storage, closets, my fridge and also under sinks, near trash and have friends that use it on cat litter box and also diaper pails - it's that good. I really recommend it. You can buy it in kitchen gadget sections in stores like walmart and linens and things. I also think camping world sells it. Someone else even said available in England. Definitely worth trying

Answer 3

Fabreeze

Answer 4

I live in the south as well! They sell this stuff called Damp rid that is supposed to get rid of the dampness and smell
http://www.damprid.dsiwebbuilder.com/index.asp?cat=56350

hope this helps :)

Answer 5

well I think a humidifier will be the best thing for this , Sorry can´t suggest any other thing