Basement Mildew Smell

Before you can put a basement to use, you need to solve the moisture problem. And even then, there are some other considerations you should keep in mind.

• Any item that could be damaged by water should be kept off the floor, the higher the better. Be sure that you use an impervious material to raise items; wood can wick water up from the floor.
• Limit basement storage to items that won't be damaged by high humidity or an occasional soaking, such as china, glassware, and some plastic items.
• Never store books, magazines, or photographs in a damp basement. The high humidity will lead to rapid deterioration. Moisture can also dissolve some glues, causing loose parts and peeling veneer.
• Wood or plywood stored in the basement will increase in moisture content. Allow the wood to dry in a less humid location before using it.
• Clothes should not be stored in high-humidity areas because this can lead to mildew. (It is important to always store clothes clean; perspiration or dirt on the cloth can encourage mildew.)
• Likewise, rugs, draperies, and plush toys are best stored elsewhere.
• Never store wooden furniture in a damp location. High humidity can cause wood to expand, possibly damaging the piece. Humidity can also cause tools and other iron or steel items to rust. If you must store them, even temporarily, protect them with a coat of light machine oil on all surfaces.
• Paint cans can rust when stored in a damp place.
• Cardboard boxes deteriorate rapidly in a high-humidity location. (Be careful that the bottom doesn't fall out when picking up boxes.) A better alternative would be a plastic storage crate or box.
• To control mildew and that strong musty smell, try DampRid Freshener Packets or MagicDisk Odor Eliminating Air Freshener . Proper ventilation will help reduce humidity and musty smells.
• If your basement has a floordrain, check it routinely to make sure it does not become clogged with dirt, sawdust, and other debris.
• A sump pump can help keep water in a wet basement under control. It is important to make sure the pump is working properly.

One solution is the Damp Rid's Magic Disk ® Odor Eliminator.  Magic Disk can last for several months to a year. It can be used in occupied or unoccupied areas to prevent or destroy odors.

Keeping Dry

There can be many causes for a damp basement. If you are having a problem with dampness and mildew, you need to get to the root of the problem. Here are some of the more common ones as well as the suggested remedies.

Roof runoff: Clogged gutters and downspouts will allow rain falling on the roof to accumulate near the foundation and seep into the basement. Keep gutters clean, and add downspout extensions to direct rainwater well away from the house.

Surface runoff: Rain hitting the ground can run downhill and into your basement. Make sure that water coming down the driveway is diverted away from the house. The grade should slope away from your house. If necessary, add a perforated drain tile or a drainage swale filled with gravel to divert surface water.

Ground water: A high water table or an underground spring can force water through the basement walls if they are improperly waterproofed. Unfortunately, the fix is expensive, requiring excavation to expose the foundation wall, rewaterproofing, and adding footing drains. This can often cost $100 or more per linear foot. Please note that waterproofing or sealing the inside walls will provide only a temporary fix.

Crawlspace moisture: If you have a partial basement, often there will be exposed dirt in the adjoining crawlspace. This can lead to high humidity in the basement and a strong musty smell, but it is easy and inexpensive to fix. Simply cover all exposed soil with 6-mil-thick polyethylene sheeting (available at most home-center stores). Overlap the plastic about 6 inches, and allow it to spread up the walls a few inches. Use rocks or bricks to help hold the plastic in place.

Condensation: Water vapor in the air can condense on the cool concrete walls and floor of the basement. Make sure that the clothes dryer is vented to the outside, install an exhaust fan, open basement windows, seal the concrete floor and walls, and install a dehumidifier.

SUMMARY

We at Damp Rid hope the information in this guide helps you prevent mildew, mold and other musty odors in your home. We always like to hear comments or suggestions from our customers, and we invite you to call us on our toll free customer Help Line 1-888-326-7743. We also make our products available via our e-commerce website. Just call or write us, and we will be happy to help you.