I have recently noticed a musty smell coming from my basement. And because of how strong the smell is, anyone could become lightheaded. Can anyone suggest me some solutions to how I can get rid of the smell of dampness?
Well, if you are also tortured by this musty basement smell, then you are not alone who facing this issue. A musty smell in a basement is usually caused by moisture buildup. Basements are cool and dark, which creates ideal conditions for mould and mildew to grow. These microorganisms release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have an unpleasant musty smell.
The smell is often described as being similar to that of a pair of wet socks or a dog.
Basements are below-ground structures, so they are prone to water and moisture damage. Because basements aren’t high-traffic areas, a leak can go undiscovered for days or even weeks. Although there are many reasons for this damp smell. Sometimes, these pungent smells became intolerable. In this case, living with this painful situation, try to solve it ASAP.
First, check out, if your problem is also exact or relevant as provided below. If yes, then we have a perfect solution for you.
Causes and Remedies for Basement’s Musty Odour
You can not specify a single reason for the basement smell. But still, there are some common issues that exist. That you can sort out by your end as well.
1. Look and Identify the Basement Leak
It is the first step, to start with the problem’s solution. Check out the walls and floor if visible dampness arises. Next, you can probe for water stains, this can help you to find out the starting point of water collection if any. Further, you should closely check for gaps, windows, and doors, and verify are properly sealed or not. If you find any kind of discrepancy. Try to fix it with the available solution you have like waterproofing tape or any other option you can avail of at that time to instantly stop the water leaking in the basement.
2. Inspect the Condensation in the Basement
Often, water collects in the basement, because of improper evaporation. Resultant, the water starts gathering in the basement, and when it accumulates for a long, it starts smelling. In this case, you can start opening the windows and upper shelves if any, and allow the proper condensation. In addition, you can also start using the heater to evaporate the excess water.
In the meantime, you can also prevent your family by checking whether the basement is not obsessed with poor ventilation. In this situation, you need to enhance the ventilation area by opening the doors and windows. Or you can improve the airflow with dehumidifiers like coolers or fans to make the evaporation or condensation process faster.
If the above solutions fail to help you get rid of damp smells. You can look further for the next workaround.
3. Deodorizing the basement
Sometimes it has been seen that our pets roam around the home. In our absence, they roam in the basement too. They excrete their waste and when it is rotten, it starts smelling your home. In this way, one needs to swipe that excreta and deodorize that part. Often, it has also been seen, that many animals were dead in the basement, and after a few days, their dead body start releasing odor. In this case, firstly, you need to identify the dead body of that animal and after that, clean that portion with newspaper and water or look for an alternative available you have. After removing the body, wash that area with any disinfectant. When that area dries up, use any deodorant or any fragrance product to get rid of the smell of dampness. The next possible reason for the smell of the basement may be leakage of the sewer gas or pipelines. Sometimes these leaks take place because of human activities and sometimes because of natural disasters. Though the chances of a natural disaster are very rare, still due to leakage of sewer pipelines can provide you pungent smell in your basement. In this case, you need to find out the cause and apply the remedy according to the situation and deodorize the basement.
4. Other Factors that May Create Smell in Basement
If we come to analyze the exact reason for the basement smell, then it is difficult to identify. However, there are other factors also responsible for the basement smell like Inadequate plumbing, Moisture wicking through the concrete, Leaks through foundation cracks, Improperly vented plumbing fixtures, mould, and mildew.
The root causes of these issues may vary but out of these issues, The most common cause of a musty basement smell is mould and dampness. Basements are prone to water and moisture damage because they are below-ground structures. The damp, dark, and warm environment of basements allow mould spores to multiply and thrive. As the mould grow, it releases foul-smelling gases that can permeate the room and embed themselves in fabrics.
To avoid and get freedom from basement smell temporarily, you can air out the basement, by using the exhaust fans, heaters, opening windows, using coolers, Inspecting plumbing, drains, and appliances, looking for poor drainage and moisture infiltration, etc. However, the above section, tells you the causes and their possible remedies. But the question is, why you should remove this pungent smell from the basement when it automatically smokes after periodic time?
Why Opt for a Solution To Get Rid of the Dampness Smell
Well, you are absolutely right when this pungent odor can automatically smoke, then why need to opt for alternatives?
The explanation for this query is very simple and that is your health can deteriorate very badly in the meantime. according to NHS UK, you may experience headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, Asthma, Allergy, fatigue, and nausea.
Summing up
Though, we have offered you almost a perfect solution to every possible problem in this guide. However, if you still face any kind of discrepancy in opting for these solutions, you can hire the Damp2Dry Solution for your every problem. To approach them to get rid of the smell of dampness is the wisest choice. As they are leading and established partners in the market. In addition, when they offer their services, they are also providing you the promise to tackle your issues for the next 20 years. 