|
|
|
How to Dry a Musty Smelling Basement
Tips for Drying Out a Musty Basement
By: Mark J. Donovan
|
|
If you have a musty smelling
basement chances are you have mold and mildew growing in your basement. Musty
basements and mold and mildew growth are detrimental to your family’s health
and therefore should be removed as soon as possible.
To eliminate a musty smelling basement you need to start by removing the mold
and mildew from the basement. Start by inspecting the basement for mold and
mildew.
|
Basement mold and mildew are easy to
spot as they usually show up as either dark or white fuzzy patches growing on
surfaces. Sometimes they can also have a bluish or greenish look to them as
well.
Look for basement mold and mildew growing on the walls and the floor. Also
check under carpets, and on furniture and any other type of porous or wood
related product. Also check old wood, papers, framing, insulation and even
drywall. Mold and mildew grow well on almost any material with the exception of
metal.
Once you have identified the mold and mildew sources that are causing your
musty smelling basement it’s time to remove them.
Before removing basement mold and mildew make sure you wear
proper protective clothing, along with eye and mask protection. You do not
want to be inhaling mold and mildew spores when removing them.
Start by emptying the basement of all musty smelling basement objects that
you observe mold growth. In many cases it is best to throw these items
away.
|
 |
|
|
If you prefer, you can wash them off
with a solution of water and bleach, or a commercial mold remover product.
Next, empty the basement out entirely so that you have free access to all of the
basement walls and floor.
Next, inspect the basement for any water leaks and correct them. Also be sure to
check the foundation and floor for cracks, and fill them with a cement filler.
|
Also inspect the supply line pipes and cover them with pipe insulation to
prevent future condensation problems.
Now, using a solution of water and bleach, or a commercial basement mold
remover, wash the walls and floor thoroughly.
After washing the walls and floor, wipe the walls and floor with dry towels and
use a dehumidifier to thoroughly dry out the basement. Once the basement has
thoroughly dried out, which may take a few days, the musty smelling basement
should be history.
|
Find a Qualified Basement Remodeling Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Basement Remodeling
Contractors! |
While the basement dries out, clean all of the items that you plan to return
to the basement with bleach and water, or a basement mold remover solution. Note
that on fabric covered furniture you may have no choice but to throw them away.
To prevent a musty smelling basement from reoccurring, use a dehumidifier
regularly, as well as a circulating fan. The dehumidifier will reduce the
moisture level within the basement and the circulating fan will keep the air
moving. By circulating dry air in the basement, mold and mildew spore growth,
along with a musty smelling basement will be prevented.
For more help on Finishing
Basements, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Basement Remodeling Bid sheet. The
Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet will help
ensure that your hire the right contractor so that your basement remodeling
project is done
correctly and you get the project finished on time and budget.
How to Finance your Basement Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related
Basement Remodeling Information
Additional Basement Remodeling Resources from
Amazon.com
Get Free Basement Waterproofing Price Quotes with
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on waterproofing from one of our prescreened and licensed waterproofing
contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once
you receive your waterproofing price estimate.
|
|
|
