what are some things i can do to get rid of the smell of mildew in my basement?

Question

i know about kitty litter and charcol but is there anything else?

Answer 1

Mildew usually means mold, so you need to waterproof your basement by means of a good one part epoxy. This is how you rid of the mold infestation. (Bleach and water are only a temporary solution for mildew.)

You will want to begin by cleaning the concrete with an etching cleaner to remove contaminates and leaching lime. Muratic acid is widely used in this application, however, it is based on sulfuric acid which is dangerous to you and the environment. Top Secret Coatings has an excellent etching cleaner, TS 695 Etching Cleaner (as seen the supplies page of the company website). It is actually fertilizer in the flowerbeds. It accomplishes the same thing as muratic acid without the danger.

Once thoroughly dry you are ready to prime. If you are looking for a waterproof primer that works as a waterproof barrier coat I suggest Top Secret's TS 6390/92 ever-Last Epoxy Primer. It is a polyamide two component epoxy primer that can be brushed, rolled or sprayed. Adhesion, durability and value are excellent. This is the same stuff the Army, navy and Coast Guard uses so it's the good stuff. Another option would be their TS-307 Oil Based Primer. It is easier to use because it is a single component product but it hasn't the pedigree of the Ever-Last Primer.

I suggest staying away from water-based primer because water is not a vehicle into concrete, solvents are so adhesion is far better. I hope this info helps. Good luck with the project.

Answer 2

As I recall, you can use the combination of bleach and TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate). Scrub and rinse. Check with your local hardware store to be sure this is O.K. to use together, but as I recall this is one of the better combos for this. Use plenty of ventilation or a vent mask for any chemicals you use in an enclosed place such as this, and use protective gloves. Make sure to use a dehumidifier, once you have cleared the area of the mold, to prevent further mold formation.

Answer 3

wipe it down with bleach/water but becareful its ventilated very well dont let the fumes knock you out
good luck
and open boxes of baking soda alot maybe ten depending how big your cellar is.
open the windows and doors put some fans the windows to get the air flowing and dry things out

Answer 4

You might try bleach, vinegar, or baking soda. Give the area a good scrubbing, then seal it well too to keep moisture from getting in.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Spray everthing with a mix of bleach and water.

Answer 6

Use a dehumidifier and spray bleach on the walls.

Answer 7

Buy a de-humidifier

Answer 8

Run a dehumidifer.