How to get rid of a musty smell in your basement begins with understanding what exactly causes the bad smells in the first place. Basements are essentially a combination of water, air, and organic material, and must be kept dry and free from these elements to maintain the proper environment for your family’s health. Anytime you have moisture or a musty odor in your basement, you need to get it out as soon as possible, and a number of ways exist that accomplish just that. You may already be aware of the many basement mold removal products on the market, but if you haven’t tried them yet, then you’re missing out! These products will kill mold and keep musty smells from coming back.
How to Get Rid of a Musty Smell in Your Basement
In order to make sure that you kill all mold and keep musty odors in your basement permanently, you should go over any renovations in the basement, including any electrical work, plumbing, or tile work. If you find leaks or holes in the walls, then these will also need to be sealed. Any loose tiles or cement must be taken up immediately and placed in plastic bags. If you are dealing with a musty basement, then you will most likely find mold growth and the musty smell emanating from the area. Take precautions to get the mold removed and prevent it from coming back! Below is a list of some of the more effective mold removal products available on the market today:
Diatomaceous Earth is a musty odor killing product that comes in liquid form and is used to protect basements from musty odors.
Diatomaceous Earth should be placed in your basement in cracks and small crevices where sunlight can seep through and reach the room. Diatomaceous Earth should be applied in thin layers over the musty odor to absorb the moisture. After being applied, allow it to dry thoroughly and wipe away the excess Diatomaceous Earth with a cloth.
A strong yet effective mold removal product is a mold specialist restorer.
These experts utilize the latest technology to safely extract mold and kill any remaining spores. Mold specialists will usually do a thorough water purification process that includes washing, peeling, deodorizing, and vacuuming. Some mold restoration products contain ozone, ultraviolet light, or steam to destroy mold cells on contact. Once the roots of the mold have been killed, the restorer will use a mold release formula or a fungicide to help kill any remaining spores. Once this step has been completed, the rest of the job is up to you.
If you have a musty odor problem in your basement, you can use bleach, lemon grass oil, or borax.
Simply mix the ingredients into a spray bottle and spray down the entire space, making sure and spraying in a circular motion. These products work great as disinfectants and often contain anti-fungal ingredients to help kill any remaining mold spores. Be sure to follow the product directions and store unused bottles in an appropriate location.
For other types of musty smells that cannot be removed by regular products, you may want to consider adding ozone or ultraviolet light.
These ultraviolet rays are powerful UV rays capable of breaking down the DNA of mold cells. They can also break down the bacteria living in the air and water. Ultraviolet light can be utilized by itself but can also be added to other products for more potent results. Borax and cat litter are also effective against musty smells.
Once you have gotten rid of the musty smell in your basement, it is important to get everything out of the basement as soon as possible.
Most water seepage problems are going to require professional treatment. If water is not handled quickly, it can lead to mold growth and extensive damage to your home. Once the water is removed, it is important to treat the area to prevent any future problems.
The last step to addressing the musty basement odor is to remove all personal items from the basement.
This means that you will probably have to go through some very gross cleanup processes, but it is important to do in order to properly disinfect the space. Remember, the last thing you want is mold growing behind your carpet! In the future, if you must experience a musty basement again, it will be easier to deal with if you cleaned it up properly the first time. The cleaning process can also make it easier to prevent a musty smell in the future.
