The basement is typically the area of the house that gets the most moisture. With moisture can come smells that aren’t so pleasant. If you are starting to notice that your basement bathroom smells like sewer or another part of the basement is musty or otherwise unpleasant, it’s time to take action. Here are some tips to help eliminate the smell in your basement.
1. Open up the Windows
If your basement has windows, it can make a big difference to open them and let in the fresh air. While this may not be a permanent solution, this can provide some noticeable relief. Remember to shut the windows if it starts to rain to avoid counterintuitive results. You’ll also want to ensure all the screens are in tact to stop unwanted critters from making their way inside.
2. Check for the Source
When you have a potent smell, there’s probably a cause. The main cause will be mold. Mold grows in moist places, and basements are a perfect home. You can tell if you have mold by looking for it. You can also hire a professional if you aren’t sure. Mold can grow in areas with leaky faucets or pipes. Be sure to fix that problem as well to prevent the mold from coming back.
3. Purchase a Dehumidifier
Get rid of the humidity in your home with a dehumidifier. It will help eliminate the moisture in the air. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, consider using fans.
4. Use Odor Eliminators
There are plenty of items around your home that you can use to eliminate a musty smell in the basement. Coffee grounds and baking soda are perfect examples. Put out a package of baking soda or small bowls of coffee to get rid of the smell.
5. Redo the Basement
Sometimes a smell can be a sign that it’s time to redo your basement. If the pipes and fixtures are old, this can give you an opportunity to upgrade the necessities and make the basement a nice place for people to relax in your home. Look at it as an opportunity to make some renovations that were probably long past due. When the work is done, it’s unlikely that any smell will remain.
When your basement has a smell that just can’t be covered with candles or air fresheners. Plus, you don’t want to simply mask the smell. It’s important to get rid of the smell entirely. These tips will help you do just that.