how can i get rid of or mask basement smell? Help!?

Question

the basement is an apt and the bedroom is the 'funkiest' part of the apt. I guess this is a 2 part question:

1. How can I get rid of or mask the smell?
2. How can I find the source of the smell?

Are there services out there that specialize in this sort of thing?

any help from you guys will be greatly appreciated!

- Master Chu, your recommendation sounds very dangerous..in fact, its how napalm is made. :( whats up with that? even if this were to work, don't you think a warning might be in order???

Answer 1

I use Lysol spray on a regular basis. Also try burning scented candles on a regular basis. It goes without saying that you need to clean up regularly using some sort of deodorizing cleaner.

Answer 2

There a multiple things you can use.....however, the things I've found most helpful are Febreeze, or OdoBan. These work well in the air to fresh on the spot, or on fabrics. OdoBan also doubles as a laundry detergent to really knock out bad smells.

Secondly, products with baking soda, or baking soda itself are very effective.

Moreover, placing un-used dryer sheets anywhere you keep clothing, or in couch/chair cushions are a great way to keep a nice smell coming out of furniture anywhere in the house.

Lastly, and most importantly......get to the cause of the problem. If it's a wet basement, there may be more to it than just tackling the smell. Search for the root of the problem all together, then you're sure to nip it in the bud. One way to do it yourself, is to go into the bedroom (in your case), turn off the lights, and walk the perimeter of the room slowly. (You'll mainly want to focus on the exterior wall(s). Go over those walls very slowly with your hand and see if you can feel air coming in. If you feel air coming in.....your foundation needs repair. If you see light coming through the wall........that's a big warning sign. If you don't pick up on either of those things.....you can contact services published in your yellow pages that take care of foundation sealing.....they'll be able to tell you for certain if you're in need of some repair.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 3

You may have a damp basement.. If you have windows in the basement open them and air the place out.. Or you can run a fan or two to circulate dry air.. Also, a de-humidifier helps.. If you have one run it every few days and empty out the water it collects... To help with the smell, charcoal works very well... you can put a plastic container with holes punched in the top under your bed and inside your closets... Also, baking soda is very cheap and you can do the same thing.. Just put about 1-2 cups into a disposible container and place underbed/inside closets.. Dryer sheets work well tucked inside furniture and heating vents.. You also might want to vacuum the walls of your apt. wash w/ a bleach solution and paint with a sealer to keep mold from forming. Good luck

Answer 4

Here are your steps you need to take.
1. pump spray walls and floors with bleach and water(assuming the are brick or concrete) Have ven.
tilation
2. Buy a dehumidifier and set it up downstairs. This will keep basement dry and prevent mildew and mold.
3. Seal walls and with Dryloks paint. If you can't afford this step then at least paint walls with a cheap latex flat.
4. Seal floors with a good floor paint. Ideally an epoxy.
5 Remove any rugs,fabrics etc. that are retaining the modly smell
6. Call local painters. I'm a painter in NJ and I do this

Answer 5

As odd as this may sound, it will remove all odors in the air. Just make sure you wear a face mask to stop from inhaling this stuff your stuff yourself.

1. Get a LARGE bin
2. Mix EQUAL amounts of Styrofoam & Gasoline
3. Let it sit in the middle of the room(s) that stink
4. After 10 mins, change rooms


It will remove all smells in your house.

Answer 6

I feel redundent in my answer, but put a bowl of vinegar water in the room, the smell should go away w/i 24 hours or sooner. repete if nessary.....the smell is most likely coming from mold or mildew. Do not use bleach, it kills living things including you.

Answer 7

Remove all the dead bodies, and put out back behind the shed?
Spray Fe breeze and wha-la. Smell will be gone. lol