Your home is the best place where you can relax, spend quality time with family and friends and watch your favorite TV program. However, with a bad smell from the basement, you might not be able to do all these things. Basement odors occur mostly due to water leaks and mold buildup. However, there are various ways of tackling the problem. Each way works depending on the specific origin of the problem. Here are tips to help you get rid of the odor.
1. Call the Experts
The first thing you should do is assess the basement to see the cause of the smell. After you know what might be causing the odor, consider calling professionals. You can choose an expert in flood and water damage restoration to fix the bad odor issues. It might be possible to DIY. However, a professional will be more effective since they have experience in similar situations.
2. Remove Stagnant Water
If there is stagnant water left in the basement after a flood or leakage, remove it immediately. Call the water restoration experts to assist you with the job. You will need a water pump to pump out the water. Then, dry the basement and look for other issues that might cause the basement to smell. Just like leaks, stagnant water is the beginning of different basement problems. So, remove it immediately or call professionals if you cannot handle it alone.
3. Clear the Molds
Cleaning molds and eliminating the issue might not be your area of expertise. So, it might be best to call professionals. Start by cleaning the mildew and molds off the wall. Remove all the wet items and clean up the clothes affected. Cleaning the mold might cost some of your furniture. If there are molds on the floor, use a bleaching agent to clean them.
4. Neutralize the Smell
There are many ways of neutralizing the smell from the basement. One tried, and true method of smell neutralization is using baking soda to absorb the odor. Another way can be using white vinegar by spraying it in the room. These are simple ways you can try without needing a professional.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
Moisture is the main cause of mold buildup, and basement smells. The more the moisture, the more the basement smells. So, hire a dehumidifier if you don’t have one and keep it running in the basement for some time. The dehumidifier will reduce the level of moisture in your basement to prevent dampness and mold growth.
6. Repair Leaks
If the basement is smelling due to excess moisture and dampness from leaks, it might be the best time to fix the leaks. The basement has different pipes, and due to condensation, these pipes start to leak with time. The best way to prevent this is by insulating them with a foam wrapper. If the windows in the basement are leaking, fill their shafts with gravel to reduce moisture.
Conclusion
Before you start working on solutions, first discover the cause of basement odor. Knowing the origin will help to tackle the issue accordingly. The basement offers that extra room you might need sooner than you think