Smell Something Musty? Let's Clear the Air Together!
Even in newer homes, basements can struggle with mustiness and poor air quality.
If you've noticed a musty smell in your basement, you're definitely not alone. Even in newer homes, basements can struggle with mustiness and poor air quality. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you breathe easy again! Let’s talk about what might be causing that funky smell and how to fix it.
What’s Causing That Musty Smell?
Moisture is usually the main culprit behind those musty odors. When too much water sneaks into your home through poor drainage, leaking cracks, or even evaporating groundwater, it creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria to thrive. And trust us, no one wants to deal with that! Besides the smell, excess moisture can lead to rotting wood, fabric, and paper – not to mention attracting bugs and pests.
If you can’t spot any leaks but still notice a damp smell, it might be time to bring in a pro. Get your home tested for humidity and leaks.
Clean Up and Clear Out
Basements often become a catch-all for old boxes and forgotten items, which can easily become a haven for dirt, grime, and pests. To freshen up your space, start by moving boxes away from the walls and giving the entire perimeter a thorough sweep. Replace those old cardboard boxes with plastic tubs, which are much better at keeping moisture out. Then, grab a cleaner like Gloves Off All Purpose Cleaner and Disinfectant from Home Depot, and give everything a good scrub. Don’t forget to spray for bugs while you’re at it !
Tackle Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew love dark, damp places, and unfortunately, that often describes our basements to a tee. While moisture is a big contributor, the real troublemaker behind that musty smell is usually mold. Not only can mold stink up the place, but certain types of mold can also pose serious health risks. If you suspect mold, don’t wait – learn more about mold toxicity and take action right away.
Let the Air Flow
Stale air won’t necessarily smell bad, but it can contribute to that overall musty feeling. Improving air circulation in your basement helps keep things fresh and lowers humidity levels, which also makes it harder for mold to spread. A great way to keep the air moving is by installing an EZ Breathe air circulation system. These systems help push stale air out and bring fresh air in, making your basement a more pleasant place to be.
Quick Fixes to Freshen Up
While you’re working on the bigger issues, here are a few easy and affordable DIY tricks to keep those smells at bay:
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda: Grab a few boxes of baking soda, open them up, and place them around your basement. They’ll soak up those nasty odors and keep things smelling fresh for a couple of months.
Open Those Vents: It might seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes we forget to open the basement vents to save on energy costs. Letting air circulate by keeping vents open can help reduce that stagnant air.
Run Some Fans: Place a few fans around your basement to keep the air moving. This simple step can make a big difference in improving the air quality down there.
By following these tips, you can say goodbye to that musty smell and hello to a fresh, clean basement. And remember, if you need a little extra help, the team at Quality Waterproofing is always here for you!
